Robotics & Automation News

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Amazon takes ‘major step’ toward zero-touch manufacturing facilities with Nvidia AI

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Amazon, arguably the world’s largest user of robotics technologies, is said to be “powering big leaps” in zero-touch manufacturing with a new physical AI software solutions and digital twin technologies from Nvidia.

Deployed this month at an unnamed Amazon Devices & Services facility, the company’s innovative, simulation-first approach for zero-touch manufacturing trains robotic arms to inspect diverse devices for product-quality auditing and integrate new goods into the production line – all based on synthetic data, without requiring hardware changes.

This new technology brings together Amazon Devices-created software that simulates processes on the assembly line with products in Nvidia-powered digital twins. Using a modular, AI-powered workflow, the technology offers faster, more efficient inspections compared with the previously used audit machinery. [Read more…] about Amazon takes ‘major step’ toward zero-touch manufacturing facilities with Nvidia AI

Chinese company developing humanoid robot to give birth: Breakthrough or dystopian nightmare?

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A Chinese technology company has unveiled plans to create the world’s first humanoid robot capable of carrying a pregnancy to full term and giving birth to a human child.

The firm, Kaiwa Technology, led by Dr Zhang Qifeng in Guangzhou, says it intends to launch a working prototype as soon as 2026.

The robot, essentially an artificial womb wrapped in a humanoid form, is being described as a potential lifeline for couples struggling with infertility. But it has also prompted horror and disbelief, with critics calling it “dehumanising” and “a violation of human ethics”. [Read more…] about Chinese company developing humanoid robot to give birth: Breakthrough or dystopian nightmare?

Apple to invest an additional $100 billion into its America manufacturing operations

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Apple, the maker of Mac and iPhone devices and one of the world’s largest tech companies,  says it will invest an additional $100 billion into its manufacturing operations across the United States.

Apple has just announced the new $100 billion investment as a “commitment to America”, adding that it is a “significant acceleration” of its US investment that now totals $600 billion over the next four years.

The announcement includes the ambitious new American Manufacturing Program (AMP), dedicated to bringing even more of Apple’s supply chain and advanced manufacturing to the US. [Read more…] about Apple to invest an additional $100 billion into its America manufacturing operations

When robots play real musical instruments: Could they bring analog authenticity back to modern music?

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A couple of days ago, we published a story about a humanoid robot learning to play the drums – not by being pre-programmed note for note, but by being trained to develop rhythmic skill over time.

More recently, in another video making the rounds online, humanoid robots were seen playing guitars (main picture).

These performances are technically impressive, but they also hint at something more profound: the possibility of robots being used not to generate digital music, but to physically play real instruments. [Read more…] about When robots play real musical instruments: Could they bring analog authenticity back to modern music?

Top 10 predictive maintenance companies: Using AI to keep robotic systems running smoothly

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Unplanned downtime is the enemy of efficiency in modern manufacturing and logistics. When a robotic system fails unexpectedly, it can halt entire production lines, delay deliveries, and rack up costly repairs.

As factories and warehouses become more reliant on robots, ensuring their continuous operation is critical – and that’s where predictive maintenance comes in.

Predictive maintenance, powered by artificial intelligence, uses real-time sensor data to forecast failures before they happen. It’s a powerful evolution from traditional maintenance strategies, and it’s helping businesses across industries keep their robotic systems running smoothly. [Read more…] about Top 10 predictive maintenance companies: Using AI to keep robotic systems running smoothly

Apple ‘tabletop robot’ rumored for 2027: Is this a turning point – or yet more hype?

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A spate of new rumors and leaks suggest that iPhone and Mac behemoth Apple is preparing for a new chapter in its history, shifting from decades of producing stationary devices paired with proprietary software to developing machines that move, sense, and possibly run on more open platforms.

According to Bloomberg, the first step in this shift could be a “tabletop robot” expected to launch in 2027 – a device resembling an iPad-like display on a movable arm, designed to track users, interact more naturally, and showcase Apple’s next-generation AI assistant.

It’s designed to act like “a person in a room”, complete with a more conversational Siri variant and visual personality (for example, animated Finder logo) to enhance interaction. [Read more…] about Apple ‘tabletop robot’ rumored for 2027: Is this a turning point – or yet more hype?

DHL’s 1,000-robot push signals a new phase in warehouse automation

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DHL, the world’s largest logistics company, is making one of its biggest single bets yet on robotics, announcing plans to deploy more than 1,000 additional robots across its UK operations as part of a £550 million (€637 million) investment.

The move underscores a broader shift in global logistics toward flexible, AI-powered automation designed to work alongside people rather than replace them.

In a post on LinkedIn, Tobias Meyer, CEO of DHL Group, framed the initiative as part of a wider transformation in how the company operates. [Read more…] about DHL’s 1,000-robot push signals a new phase in warehouse automation

As Moravec predicted, AI is taking your office jobs but will let you live if you do the dishes and laundry… for now

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The conversation about AI replacing human jobs is no longer entirely hypothetical. We are well past the era of speculative think pieces about whether machines might someday take over our work.

That future is already here – and it’s showing up in surprising places.

What makes this moment different from past automation waves is that AI is now targeting roles once considered safe: creative, analytical, and highly paid white-collar jobs.

The “robots” in question are not assembly line arms, but digital minds like ChatGPT, Claude, and GitHub Copilot – systems capable of generating text, code, images, and even making strategic decisions. [Read more…] about As Moravec predicted, AI is taking your office jobs but will let you live if you do the dishes and laundry… for now

Rugged electric actuators provide reliable steering for extensible, self-driving platform 

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It’s all about autonomy. When a large global berry producer approached OxDrive co-founder and managing director Chris Horton with a request to provide an extensible, self-driving cart to transport soft fruit, he and co-founder Terence Goad saw a great opportunity for their advanced smart hub technology in the burgeoning electrification of agribusiness.

The client would handle all the robotics, route planning and AI guidance. OxDrive, a UK-based electric drive unit manufacturer, would design and build GoFAR, a self-driving platform outfitted for multiple transport purposes, integrating optical sensors, motors, transmissions and controls.

They just needed to find the right actuator to enable the steering. [Read more…] about Rugged electric actuators provide reliable steering for extensible, self-driving platform 

Swiss Steel’s wire solution enables ‘greater precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in additive manufacturing’

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Swiss Steel Group and its subsidiary Ugitech, France say they are send a “strong message” with their latest innovation in the field of additive manufacturing: the UGIWAM wire, a cutting-edge solution for additive manufacturing by wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM).


This advanced technology not only offers solutions for the precise manufacturing of components, but also provides custom alloys tailored to the specific requirements of various industries.

By combining its expertise in welding, wire drawing, and machining, Ugitech, a European leader in welding filler metals for stainless steel and alloys, offers a unique approach to additive manufacturing. [Read more…] about Swiss Steel’s wire solution enables ‘greater precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in additive manufacturing’