Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

Nidec ACIM inaugurates its new industrial campus in Qingdao

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Nidec Appliance, Commercial and Industrial Motors (ACIM) Business Unit has officially inaugurated its new Nidec Qingdao Industrial Park, located near the eastern coast of China, approximately 500 km south-east of Beijing city.

Located in Jiaozhou, it spans the equivalent of 15 football fields and is capable of delivering 18 million motors and over 20 million electronic inverters per year.

Equipped with 75 production lines, the site is a result of the integration of two long-standing facilities and consolidates more than twenty years of presence that the company has in Qingdao. [Read more…] about Nidec ACIM inaugurates its new industrial campus in Qingdao

Motor Ai raises $20 million for autonomous driving software

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In a world racing toward autonomous vehicles, Europe has taken a different path – demanding not just performance, but explainability, safety, and full legal compliance.

Motor Ai is meeting that challenge head-on. The company has announced a $20 million seed funding round to bring its certified, neuroscience-driven technology into full deployment, starting with German public roads.

The seed round was led by Segenia Capital and eCapital, with participation from mobility-focused angels. That reflects the national significance of the technology. The new capital will support hiring, commercial rollouts, and expansion. [Read more…] about Motor Ai raises $20 million for autonomous driving software

MMI’s robotic microsurgery system integrates two new technologies

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Medical Microinstruments, a robotics company developing increasing treatment options and improving clinical outcomes for patients with complex conditions, has revealed details of “the first clinical use of two new technologies that expand the potential of robotic-assisted microsurgery: the NanoWrist dissection instruments and the Synaptix Digital Surgery Platform”.

Performed by The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in London, a leading cancer center, the case marks a significant milestone in the evolution of robotic-assisted microsurgery, enabling precise tissue dissection and integrated digital workflow for the first time with the Symani Surgical System.

The NanoWrist dissection instruments include scissors and forceps and are the world’s first fully wristed robotic instruments designed specifically for dissection in open microsurgery. [Read more…] about MMI’s robotic microsurgery system integrates two new technologies

RealSense completes spin out from Intel, raises $50 million

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RealSense, a developer of AI-powered computer vision, has announced its successful spinout from Intel Corporation and the close of a $50 million Series A funding round.

With investment led by a renowned semiconductor private equity firm and participation from strategic investors, including Intel Capital and MediaTek Innovation Fund, RealSense now operates as an independent company focused on advancing innovation in AI, robotics, biometrics and computer vision.

The new capital will fuel RealSense’s expansion into adjacent and emerging markets and scale its manufacturing, sales and go-to-market (GTM) global presence to meet increased demand for humanoid and autonomous mobile robotics (AMRs), as well as AI-powered access control and security solutions. [Read more…] about RealSense completes spin out from Intel, raises $50 million

Fernride transforms Estonia port to driverless operations

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A significant milestone for autonomous logistics in Europe

HHLA TK Estonia terminal, near Tallinn, has partnered with yard trucking automation company Fernride, to begin the operational transition to driverless operation of terminal tractors.

Together, the two companies aim to “set new standards for safety and efficiency in port logistics”.

The transition to driverless operations follows the successful certification of Fernride’s safety concept and system design by TÜV SÜD, as well as approval by the Estonian Transport Administration (ETA).

Fernride is the first company to receive TÜV SÜD certification for an autonomous terminal tractor in accordance with the EU Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC). [Read more…] about Fernride transforms Estonia port to driverless operations

Arrive AI selects Synoptek as strategic IT partner to power global expansion

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Arrive AI – a pioneering autonomous delivery network anchored by Arrive Points – has selected Synoptek as a strategic IT partner to enable its rapid growth and global ambitions. Synoptek will provide Arrive AI with all the IT solutions it needs to support its business.

With a recent injection of up to $40 million in funding from Streeterville Capital, Arrive AI is entering a critical growth phase. The company is preparing to launch its patented, autonomous delivery platform later this summer and expects to triple its staff size.

Mark Hamm, COO of Arrive AI, says: “Synoptek’s strategic approach, deep expertise, robust tech stack and strong partnerships with Microsoft and ServiceNow made it a clear choice. [Read more…] about Arrive AI selects Synoptek as strategic IT partner to power global expansion

Diligent Robotics appoints former Cruise executives as CTO and COO

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Diligent Robotics, developers of AI-native humanoid robots, have appointed two former Cruise executives to its leadership team: Rashed Haq as chief technology officer (CTO) and Todd Brugger as chief operating officer (COO).

With deep technical and commercial go-to-market expertise in autonomous vehicles and AI, the pair will help fuel the company’s next phase of growth as it gears up for expansion beyond its initial application of US hospital logistics.

Haq most recently served as Cruise’s VP, head of AI and Robotics, where he built the foundation of end-to-end autonomy for self-driving vehicles and helped scale Cruise to 5+ million miles of fully driverless vehicles in 5+ cities. [Read more…] about Diligent Robotics appoints former Cruise executives as CTO and COO

Harnessing Deep Reinforcement Learning and Online Analyzers for Scalable Process Optimization in the Age of Sustainable Manufacturing

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The global shift towards sustainability, coupled with fluctuating raw material prices and intensified market competition, has transformed the landscape of industrial process optimization.

The imperative is clear: increase efficiency, minimize maintenance overhead, and reduce environmental impact – all while maintaining profitability.

To navigate this narrow operational corridor, modern industrial systems require a sophisticated combination of real-time analytical insight and intelligent, adaptive control. [Read more…] about Harnessing Deep Reinforcement Learning and Online Analyzers for Scalable Process Optimization in the Age of Sustainable Manufacturing

TIME Magazine Names Unitree Robotics to its List of 100 Most Influential Companies of 2025

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Unitree Robotics, a leading innovator in the field of advanced robotics, has been named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2025.

This prestigious recognition, placing Unitree in the “Disruptors” category alongside other transformative companies like DeepSeek, Waymo, and Scale AI, highlights the company’s significant impact on making sophisticated robotic systems both affordable and practical for a wide range of users.

Unitree Robotics has garnered global attention for its high-performance robots, which have captivated audiences worldwide with viral videos showcasing their ability to perform intricate maneuvers like kung fu, running, and complex dance routines. [Read more…] about TIME Magazine Names Unitree Robotics to its List of 100 Most Influential Companies of 2025

Outrider builds ‘first-in-industry’ safety system for driverless yard operations

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Outrider, the leader in autonomous yard operations for logistics hubs, has built the industry’s first safety system designed from the ground up for scalable, driverless movement of freight in mixed-traffic trailer yards.

Outrider’s proprietary functional safety approach was determined to align with the AV Conformity Framework (AVCF) requirements of TÜV SÜD, a globally recognized independent testing and certification organization.

Commissioning and deployment of the latest-generation driverless yard trucks will begin with select enterprise customers in the second half of 2025. [Read more…] about Outrider builds ‘first-in-industry’ safety system for driverless yard operations