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Xpanner launches ‘first’ scalable physical AI-based automation solution for construction sites

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Xpanner, a specialist in construction automation solutions, has launched its flagship X1 Kit, which the company describes as “the first scalable physical AI-based retrofit solution designed to revolutionize construction site automation”.

The kit tackles prominent challenges such as labor shortages, safety hazards, and operational inefficiencies by deploying a flexible, equipment-agnostic system that can be easily integrated into existing construction machinery.

Since its formation in South Korea in 2020, Xpanner has been at the forefront of advancing construction technology. Founded by industry experts Henri Lee, David Shin, and Ryan Park, the company expanded to the US in 2023 with a goal to transform cutting-edge technology into something tangible and beneficial for operators on the ground. [Read more…] about Xpanner launches ‘first’ scalable physical AI-based automation solution for construction sites

Skelex starts exoskeleton pilot in greenhouses in the Netherlands

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In the Westland region, just outside The Hague – the political and administrative capital of the Netherlands, a pilot has started with exoskeletons.

The pilot is an initiative of Skelex, a company based in The Hague that develops mechanical tools designed to reduce the physical strain of repetitive work and employment agency ProKonak.

These exoskeletons provide support to the arms, shoulders, and lower back – areas often affected by repetitive tasks like tying plants, pruning, lifting crates, or working in squatting positions. [Read more…] about Skelex starts exoskeleton pilot in greenhouses in the Netherlands

Humanoid Global makes ‘software investment’ in RideScan

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Humanoid Global, a publicly traded investment issuer focused on building and accelerating a portfolio of pioneering companies in the humanoid robotics and embodied AI sector, is pleased to announce that it has made its first strategic software investment into RideScan, a data company specializing in robotics.

RideScan is an artificial intelligence (AI) platform focused on proactively addressing reliability, safety, and efficiency to optimize the performance of autonomous robots. It serves as the “safety layer” and is suitable for deployment across industries, compatible with a range of diverse robotics hardware and software platforms.

It aims to reduce downtime, identify and eliminate undetected failures, and address public trust issues that threaten robotics adoption by providing real-time risk assessment, predictive maintenance, and actionable insights. [Read more…] about Humanoid Global makes ‘software investment’ in RideScan

QCraft sets up European headquarters and partners with Qualcomm

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QCraft has announced plans to establish its European headquarters in Germany and formed a partnership with Qualcomm, marking what the company calls its official entry into the European and global markets.

The Chinese autonomous driving start-up unveiled the strategy at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich.

The new base will oversee research integration, certification processes and business development, with Germany’s automotive ecosystem seen as “fertile ground for QCraft to localize its solutions,” the company said. [Read more…] about QCraft sets up European headquarters and partners with Qualcomm

Alibaba leads $140 million funding round in Chinese humanoid robot start-up X Square Robot

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X Square Robot, a Shenzhen-based humanoid robotics developer, has raised the equivalent of between $100 million and $140 million in its latest financing round, according to multiple reports.

Alibaba Cloud, the artificial intelligence and cloud computing arm of Alibaba Group, led the round, which the South China Morning Post reported as a 1 billion yuan (about $140 million) Series A+ investment. CNBC, meanwhile, cited the figure as $100 million.

Other backers include CAS Investment, China Development Bank Capital, HongShan Capital Group, Meituan, and Legend Capital. The deal marks Alibaba Cloud’s first direct investment in the field of embodied intelligence. [Read more…] about Alibaba leads $140 million funding round in Chinese humanoid robot start-up X Square Robot

Güdel showcases new collaborative robot technology at FabTech

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From moving cobots to novel mobile automation solutions, Güdel is highlighting two new technologies at FabTech 2025 Booth #B15015 that demonstrate its unmatched ability to solve automation engineering challenges.

According to market data from A3, The Association for Advancing Automation, the cobot market is approaching 25 percent of the total North American robot market. Güdel will unveil the CoboMover in its FabTech debut, a 7th-axis linear track purpose-built for collaborative and lightweight robots. [Read more…] about Güdel showcases new collaborative robot technology at FabTech

PAL Robotics brings TIAGo Pro and Kangaroo to Asia

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PAL Robotics, a pioneer in humanoid and service robotics, is taking part in two of the most important robotics events in Asia this fall: the 8th Conference on Robot Learning (CoRL 2025) from September 27-30 in Seoul, South Korea, and the 24th IEEE-RAS International Conference on Humanoid Robots (Humanoids 2025) from September 30 to October 2, also in Seoul.

These events are an opportunity to showcase TIAGo Pro, PAL Robotics’ versatile mobile manipulator, and Kangaroo, the company’s latest humanoid platform.

Advancing robotics research towards industry

PAL Robotics has spent over 20 years developing humanoid and mobile platforms that support researchers and companies worldwide.

Today, its robots are used to explore fields such as locomotion, grasping, human-robot interaction, and assistive robotics, bridging research and deployment across healthcare, industry, and education.

TIAGo Pro, the user-friendly mobile manipulator, is meant for Human-Robot interaction (HRI). Its advanced navigation and perception makes it an ideal platform for embodied AI and robot learning.

At the same time with Kangaroo, PAL Robotics introduces an agile humanoid robot designed as a legged manipulator for dynamic tasks and advanced locomotion research.

Showcasing innovation in Seoul

PAL Robotics will highlight how both TIAGo Pro and Kangaroo act as platforms for robot learning. Visitors will not only see but also try TIAGo Pro’s teleoperation demo, guiding the robot’s movements in real time.

This hands-on experience demonstrates how teleoperation enables intuitive control, provides valuable data for training robot learning algorithms, and connects AI models with real-world interaction.

At Humanoids 2025, under the global theme “Humanoids Moving Towards Industry”, Kangaroo will appear in live demonstrations, including the first edition of the Robot Fashion Show, walking the runway to showcase its unique design and architecture.

Expanding presence in Asia

By bringing these robots to Asia, PAL Robotics underlines its commitment to strengthening collaborations with researchers, universities, and businesses across the region.

These events are not only an opportunity to demonstrate technological progress, but also to connect with the local community.

Square Robot gains approval for inspection robot

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Square Robot, a specialist in robotic tank inspections, has developed its newest high temperature inspection robot, the SR-3HT, formally receiving the NEC/CEC Class I Division 2 (C1D2) certification.

The SR-3HT is now commercially available and capable of inspecting above-ground storage tanks where the product storage temperatures range from -10℃ to 55℃ (14℉ to 131℉).

The C1D2 certification was issued by FM Approvals, a third-party Nationally Recognized Test Lab, confirming the system safe for use in hazardous locations. [Read more…] about Square Robot gains approval for inspection robot

Melania Trump warns ‘the robots are here’ in White House speech

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US First Lady Melania Trump has warned that artificial intelligence and robotics are no longer distant technologies but a reality shaping everyday life, urging careful guidance to avoid potentially dangerous consequences.

Speaking at a White House event to launch the Presidential AI Challenge, Trump told an audience of tech executives, educators, and policymakers: “Cars now steer themselves… robots hold steady hands in the operating room… drones are defining the future of war.”

“The robots are here. Our future is no longer science fiction.” [Read more…] about Melania Trump warns ‘the robots are here’ in White House speech

Tennis-playing robot debuts at technology trade show IFA

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Acemate, a sports-tech innovator dedicated to improving sports lives with AI, has unveiled the Acemate Tennis Robot at IFA 2025, the world’s first AI-powered tennis robot capable of true rally play.

Engineered for players of all levels, from beginners to seasoned competitors, Acemate brings an authentic, human-like rally experience to courts worldwide, forever changing the way tennis is practiced.

Visitors to IFA 2025 can find Acemate at booth #H1.2-164, Messe Berlin. [Read more…] about Tennis-playing robot debuts at technology trade show IFA