Robotics

  How is technology changing the way robots ‘see’ and perceive the world? Michelle Mooney asks the experts. Robotic perception is at the forefront of transformative change, redefining how machines interact with their surroundings and process complex data. In an era where automation extends beyond industrial confines into diverse fields such as education, underwater exploration, and logistics, the ability of robots to perceive and understand their environment has become a fundamental determinant of their success. Here,  Robotics & Automation Magazine  brings together insights from industry leaders who are navigating the intricate challenges and breakthroughs associated with developing advanced perception systems. Louis Esquerre-Pourtere, head of research and development at Exotec, discusses the essential role of designing hardware and algorithms that adapt to fluctuating conditions, ensuring seamless, 24/7 operations in demanding environments; Dr Farshad Badie, dean of...

An in-depth analysis of the current technological landscape, regulatory roadblocks, and the commercial scalability of autonomous aerial delivery The promise of near-instantaneous delivery via autonomous drones has captivated investors and engineers for over a decade. Initial forecasts, often fuelled by blockbuster tech announcements, painted a futuristic picture of skies buzzing with packages, a vision that has been stubbornly slow to materialize. This has led many to question the ultimate viability of the concept. Is drone delivery, then, finally poised to overcome its significant hurdles and become a mainstream logistics solution, or is it destined to remain a niche, novelty service? The answer, as of mid-2025, is nuanced. While the dream of widespread, on-demand urban drone delivery remains on the horizon, significant technological advancements and slowly evolving regulations are enabling commercially viable applications in specific, targeted sectors. These successes offer a realist...

  1. Communication and Language Barriers Being able to communicate effectively is basic to achieving success in HRI. However, it is often hard for robots to read the more subtle aspects in human speech and gestures. Challenges : Natural Language Processing (NLP): robots could fail to pick up on people’s slightly informal, accented, or situation-specific language. Non-verbal Cues: Recognizing gestures, expressions, and body language still poses a challenge for robots. Solutions: Robots are now better at understanding human language because of recent progress in NLP and machine learning. Communicating visually, talking, and making gestures greatly improves the way people interact. Ultra Updates points out that strong language technology and open channels are important to help humans interact with robots. 2. Trust and Ethical Considerations Building trust between people and robots is really important, especially when they are working together. Challenges: Reliability: Inconsistent rob...

Industrial automation specialist   Comau   and 3D printing expert   Roboze   have agreed a collaboration focused on meeting the market need for affordable automation in advanced, on-demand manufacturing applications. The cooperation targets a range of sectors, from automotive and aerospace to energy, racing, and beyond. The joint effort accelerates the availability of automation for advanced manufacturing everywhere, enabling true just-in-time production whenever and wherever it is needed. This directly supports reshoring strategies and sustainable manufacturing models, allowing companies to optimize resources, minimize waste, and align with growing market expectations for low-impact, environmentally responsible production. This collaboration emphasizes the key role of robotized processes as a game changer in enabling the widespread industrial adoption of needs-based advanced manufacturing. It also enables the creation of advanced geometries that are not feasible wit...

Earlier this year, a robot completed a half-marathon in Beijing in just under 2 hours and 40 minutes. That’s slower than the human winner, who clocked in at just over an hour – but it’s still a remarkable feat. Many recreational runners would be proud of that time. The robot kept its pace for more than 13 miles (21 kilometres). But it didn’t do so on a single charge. Along the way, the robot had to stop and have its batteries swapped three times. That detail, while easy to overlook, speaks volumes about a deeper challenge in robotics: energy. Modern robots can move with incredible agility, mimicking animal locomotion and executing complex tasks with mechanical precision. In many ways, they rival biology in coordination and efficiency. But when it comes to endurance, robots still fall short. They don’t tire from exertion – they simply run out of power. As a robotics researcher focused on energy systems, I study this challenge closely. How can researchers give robots the staying...

With the recent news that French robotics pioneer   Aldebaran , the original creator of the NAO and Pepper robots, has entered judicial liquidation,   RobotLAB   is stepping forward to provide clarity, continuity, and confidence to customers worldwide. While headlines may suggest uncertainty, the real story signals a “powerful next chapter”, one that benefits the entire robotics education and research community, according to a statement from RobotLAB, which services and maintains thousands of Aldebaran robots worldwide. A well-capitalized group is in the process of acquiring the intellectual property and core engineering team from Aldebaran and will be launching a new entity: NAO Robotics SA. With 59 engineers already onboard and development on NAO V7 resuming, this transition marks a fresh start for the iconic humanoid platform, not a farewell. Since its inception in 2009, RobotLAB has been NAO’s most trusted partner, providing seamless deployment, support, and training ...

Epson Robotics , one of the world’s largest robotics and automation companies, is preparing to launch its first industrial collaborative robot solution. The company says the new robot is designed to “achieve successful human-machine interactions that improve efficiency and productivity” across a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and the rapidly evolving life sciences sector. Epson will be showcasing the new robot at stand 311, hall B5, at Automatica 2025, Messe München, Germany, from June 24 to 27. Visitors will have the opportunity to see Epson’s first all-in-one collaborative robot package that includes the new high-performance 6-axis Epson AX6-A901S lightweight carbon robot, with compact Epson RC-A101 controller and versatile AX Portal programming system. Volker Spanier, head of robotics, Epson Europe, says: “As the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries continue to grow, demand for highly accurate operations and stringent hygiene management has b...