Robotics

Since 2021, technologists have marked July 16 as AI Appreciation Day. The holiday provides an opportunity to recognize how AI is transforming both our personal and professional lives. One of the areas where AI has been particularly influential is in robotics. With AI at its core, robots can think, adapt, and act autonomously throughout different environments. While this year’s celebration has passed, it’s worth recognizing the innovation driving AI and robotics year-round. These technologies are not only reshaping industries but also redefining how we solve global challenges. Here are just a few ways that AI-powered robotics has been making an impact: Autonomous inspection systems  can enhance safety and efficiency by navigating dangerous environments, significantly reducing risk for human workers. In industries like energy, utilities, and built environments, these systems can make a huge difference for workers. Mobile robotic platforms  are designed to navigate complex enviro...

Unitree Robotics   has launched its most advanced quadruped robot to date – the Unitree A2 – positioning it as a rugged and versatile platform for industrial deployment across inspection, logistics, and research applications. (See video below.) Weighing 37 kg (81.6 lbs) unloaded, the A2 boasts a maximum standing load of 100 kg (220 lbs) and can walk while carrying up to 25 kg (55 lbs). On a single charge, the robot can walk continuously for up to 20 km (12.4 miles) unloaded, or 12.5 km (7.8 miles) when fully loaded. Runtime can be extended via hot-swappable dual batteries designed for uninterrupted missions. According to Unitree, the A2 blends power, perception, and endurance into one unit, offering top speeds of 5 m/s (11.2 mph) and the ability to climb steps up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in height. The company says the robot is equipped with ultra-wide 3D LiDAR sensors on both the front and rear, providing 360-degree environmental awareness. A front-facing HD camera with built-in ligh...

Reinforcement learning (RL) is transforming the way robots interact with the world. Unlike traditional programming or supervised learning, which depend on pre-defined rules or labeled datasets, RL enables robots to learn through trial and error – much like how humans and animals acquire new skills. This approach is increasingly vital as robots are deployed in complex, unstructured environments where adaptability is key. Learning from interaction At its core, reinforcement learning is about decision-making under uncertainty. A robot (the agent) interacts with its surroundings (the environment) by taking actions and receiving feedback in the form of rewards or penalties. Over time, the robot learns which actions lead to positive outcomes and adjusts its behavior accordingly. This process requires a balance between exploration (trying new actions) and exploitation (sticking with what works). The resulting policy – or strategy – evolves to maximize long-term success, whether that’s graspin...

ABB Robotics   says it is “enabling faster, safer and more cost-effective rebuilding” in areas devastated by the 2025 Southern Californian wildfires through a collaboration with   Cosmic Buildings , a construction technology company that uses proprietary mobile robotic microfactories. Cosmic claims its method is “the world’s fastest way to build beautiful custom homes”. After the wildfires burned thousands of acres, destroying homes, infrastructure, and natural habitats, this pioneering initiative will deploy the microfactory in Pacific Palisades, California, to build modular structures onsite, offering a glimpse into the future of affordable housing construction. Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics Division, says: “Together, Cosmic and ABB Robotics are rewriting the rules of construction and disaster recovery. “By integrating our robots and digital twin technologies into Cosmic’s AI-powered mobile microfactory, we’re enabling real-time, precision automation ideal for remot...

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering   (HD KSOE) and   HD Hyundai Robotics   has signed a “landmark” agreement with   Persona AI , a developer of embodied artificial intelligence, and robotics integration and manufacturing firm Vazil company.  The agreement, signed during a formal ceremony in Houston, Texas, initiates a joint program to create humanoid robots capable of performing complex welding tasks in shipyard environments. This strategic partnership aims to usher in a new era of human-machine collaboration. The initiative will deliver prototype humanoids by the end of 2026, with field testing and full commercial deployment scheduled to begin in 2027. Under the agreement, the four parties will collaborate to develop humanoids equipped with advanced AI and robotic systems capable of high-precision welding. The goal is to enhance productivity and improve workplace safety in shipyards. Persona AI will lead the development of humanoid hardware and AI...

Shanghai Electric   has unveiled its first self-developed industrial humanoid robot, “Suyuan”, during its global debut at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference on July 26 in Shanghai. With 38 degrees of freedom (DoF) and 275 TOPS of on-device computation power, Suyuan delivers precise operations and dynamic movements, making it adaptable to a wide range of industrial application scenarios. This launch represents a significant milestone in Shanghai Electric’s humanoid robotics journey, further strengthening its comprehensive value chain for industrial humanoid solutions. Designed with human-like proportions – standing 167 cm tall and weighing 50 kg – Suyuan is engineered to navigate complex industrial environments with ease. Its 38-DoF articulation provides exceptional dexterity, enabling both delicate manipulations and expansive motions. Capable of handling up to 10 kg of total cargo and lifting 2 kg objects with a single arm, Suyuan is perfectly suited for logistics and ass...

Embodied AI robotics innovator   LimX Dynamics   has unveiled its flagship full-sized humanoid robot, LimX Oli (internally referred to during development as CL‑3), with base pricing beginning at RMB 158,000 (approximately $21,800). Standing 1.65 m (5‑foot‑5) tall and weighing around 55 kg, Oli contains 31 degrees of freedom (not counting end-effectors) and is designed as a general-purpose research and integration platform for AI researchers, robotics developers, and solution integrators. The robot’s modular hardware/software architecture and evolving development toolchain support the full pipeline from algorithm experimentation to system deployment. Oli is offered in three configurations: Lite  – entry-level version EDU  – education-focused Super  – full-featured professional kit All versions include an SDK with fully open interfaces, enabling access to sensor data, status monitoring, low-level joint control, and high-level task scheduling. Background and techno...

Figure AI   has captivated audiences with a new viral video showing its humanoid robot, Figure 02, performing household laundry tasks with impressive autonomy.  In footage shared by CEO Brett Adcock on X, the robot is seen efficiently grabbing garments from a basket and loading them into a washing machine – marking a notable achievement in embodied household robotics. While Figure 02 does not yet operate the washer’s controls itself, this milestone demonstrates its ability to handle the physical manipulation of garments – loading and unloading – in a real‑world setting using its Helix Vision‑Language‑Action model. What the world is saying Interesting Engineering calls the demonstration “brainy,” lauding the robot’s dexterity and the nuanced control required for the task. Digital Trends heralds it as the first humanoid robot to confidently tackle laundry, suggesting that doing a load of laundry might soon feel antiquated. Oodaloop and Wall Street Pit describe the public reactio...