Robot

• AI is being utilized by scientists to develop next-generation batteries designed to replace current lithium-ion technology. • Researchers are using AI to discover novel porous materials, which could lead to the creation of more powerful and efficient energy storage. • This breakthrough is significant as it addresses the limitations of existing battery tech and may improve sustainability and performance.

• Uber is expanding its partnership with autonomous-driving firm Pony.ai to accelerate the deployment of its robotaxi ambitions. • The collaboration allows Uber to scale driverless mobility services by leveraging Pony.ai's specialized technology rather than developing all components internally. • This move signals a strategic shift for autonomous taxis, transitioning them from experimental pilot projects into viable, real-world transportation services.

• NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang predicts a 5-10x increase in computing demand driven by the emergence of 100 billion AI agents and billions of robots. • To support this growth, Huang is pursuing massive strategic investments, including a $500 billion deal with SK Group and a $1 billion bet on Naver. • This expansion signals a shift toward a future where autonomous agents and robotics require significantly more processing power than current LLMs.

Move comes as the Trump administration has increasingly sought to keep Chinese technology out of the USThe Federal Communications Commission announced a ban on humanoid robots from China on Tuesday, saying that the technology poses “unacceptable risks” to the country’s national security. The move comes as the Trump administration has increasingly sought to keep Chinese technology out of the US.The FCC defines the banned robots as “advanced robotic devices”, which include humanoids and animal-like quadrupeds. Continue reading...

• Stockholm and New York-based edtech company imagi raised €10.2 million in a seed funding round on July 21, 2026. • The round was led by KT Ventures and Valemount Capital, with additional support from Futury Capital and various private industrial family offices. • Founded in 2018, imagi develops an AI literacy platform specifically designed to help K-12 schools integrate artificial intelligence into classrooms safely and effectively.

Salamanca City Central says it is pausing project with Realbotix as it addresses concerns including data privacyA New York school district has walked back plans to introduce a humanoid robot at its high school after the proposal sparked backlash from educators and community members.The Salamanca City Central school district announced on 24 July in a social media post that its pilot project with Toronto-based tech company Realbotix had been put on hold “while we work through enhanced student data privacy agreements with the New York State Education Department and continue engaging with our community and stakeholders”. Continue reading...

• China is launching a new round of industrial upgrading centered on the "next new three" sectors: artificial intelligence, robotics, and innovative drugs. • These technologies are seeing increased global deployment, including four-legged inspection robots in European nuclear plants and AI-supported Chinese language teaching in Thailand. • This strategic shift signals China's intent to move beyond previous export strengths toward high-tech, value-added industrial growth.

Robot from company that acquired sex doll maker to be introduced in school with large Native American populationA humanoid robot is being introduced as part of a pilot program, along with an AI teaching assistant, at Salamanca high school in Salamanca, New York, located on the Allegany territory of the Seneca nation.Teachers have criticized the program, deeming it “inappropriate” and claiming it dehumanizes the profession with the introduction of human-like robots. Some local Native American residents have also criticized the pilot program, citing its implementation as “culturally tone deaf”. Continue reading...

• Taiwan is integrating artificial intelligence, robotics, and connected-care systems to address the challenges of one of the world's fastest-aging populations. • The government and private sector aim to transform this demographic crisis into a new economic growth engine by building a robust "senior-tech" industry. • These technological advancements are designed to improve elderly care management and support a super-aged society through automated health monitoring and assistance.

• Hironobu Tamba, a former SoftBank executive, has taken the helm of Noetra, a state-backed AI startup focused on robotics. • The venture is supported by a $6 billion investment aimed at developing Japan-built AI to ensure the country remains competitive in the global tech landscape. • Tamba describes the initiative as a "last chance" for Japan to secure a foothold in the AI-driven robotics sector.

Shares in Elon Musk company fall more 3% in after-hours trading, as earnings per share miss Wall Street expectationsTesla reported its second-quarter earnings on Wednesday, disclosing far lower profits than expected. The company’s already beleaguered stock, which had fallen around 14% this year to date, dipped further following the earnings report.Elon Musk’s automaker, once the pinnacle of his tech empire, has taken a back seat to SpaceX. Musk’s rocket and AI company held the largest stock market debut in history last month, turning the richest man on earth into the world’s first trillionaire, though his net worth has since fallen from its peak. Continue reading...

• SpaceX launched Northrop Grumman's MRV-MEP satellite-servicing mission into Earth orbit on July 21. • The spacecraft is equipped with specialized 10-foot robotic arms designed to dock with and repair existing satellites. • This mission is critical for extending the operational lifespans of multiple satellites currently located in geostationary orbit.

• National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat announced increased support for construction technology firms that innovate and apply robotics and automation solutions. • To facilitate adoption, developers and contractors will be provided with a list of certified technology partners for JTC projects. • The initiative aims to bridge the gap between innovation and industry use by helping startups integrate proven solutions after successful testing.

• This week's retail technology roundup highlights major industry shifts, including Tesco increasing its investment in robotics and La-Z-Boy expanding its use of 3D technology. • The briefing covers a wide array of companies implementing tech updates, including Lidl Plus, Uber, Delivery Hero, Ulta Beauty, Asos, Decathlon, and Vusion. • These developments signal a broader trend of retailers integrating automation and digital tools to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.

• Munich-based startup Microagi has raised $55 million in a seed funding round, marking the largest seed round ever recorded in Germany. • The company intends to use the capital to scale the deployment of humanoid robots by integrating its proprietary software with Chinese hardware and training data from New York. • This cross-border collaboration highlights the continued global integration of physical AI development despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and calls for tech decoupling.

• The Royal Netherlands Navy is integrating uncrewed systems, including robots, AI, and drones, to modernize its maritime defense capabilities. • Recent sea trials were conducted off the country's northern coast to test these technologies in real-world environments. • The primary objective of this digital transformation is to enhance operational safety by keeping personnel out of high-risk danger zones.

• Agility Robotics is preparing to go public via a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC), focusing on operational execution over inflated valuations. • The move comes as competitors like Apptronik and Figure AI secure massive funding, with Figure AI reporting a staggering $39 billion valuation following a $1 billion Series C round. • Unlike some rivals, Agility Robotics' CEO is tempering expectations regarding the immediate availability of humanoid robots for residential use.

Lachie Perrem suffered life-threatening injuries after the explosion on Thursday destroyed his share house in BrabhamA Perth man has spent five days fighting for his life after a robot vacuum cleaner explosion set fire to his home.Lachie Perrem, aged in his 20s, was rushed to hospital on Thursday with life-threatening burns from a blaze that left his fiancee and housemates without their home. Continue reading...

• Japan has partnered with the company Noetra to deploy 10 million robots across 18 different job sectors by 2040. • The initiative focuses on integrating "physical AI" into critical industries, specifically targeting healthcare and food manufacturing to improve efficiency. • This large-scale deployment is designed to address Japan's severe labor shortages and the need for increased productivity in the workforce.

• Japan is initiating a massive automation surge, with the company Noetra preparing to deploy 10 million robots across the nation by 2040. • These machines will be integrated into critical sectors, including hospitals, kitchens, and factories, to streamline operations and increase efficiency. • The initiative is a strategic response to Japan's aging population, aiming to utilize robotics to provide essential care for elderly citizens.

• Chinese company UBTECH has unveiled the UWORLD U1, a humanoid robot designed to provide daily companionship and psychological support. • The robot features 88 degrees of freedom and a proprietary dual-pivot biomimetic cervical spine, allowing it to replicate up to 90% of fundamental human movements. • It is powered by what the company claims is the world's first emotion-aware Large Language Model (LLM) to better interact with users.

• Japan is advancing a $2.3 trillion strategic plan by developing a domestic AI model and deploying 10 million robots to bolster its technological infrastructure. • The initiative aims to establish "sovereign AI" capabilities, reducing the nation's dependence on technology dominated by the United States and China. • This move is critical for Japan to maintain economic competitiveness and security in an era of rapid artificial intelligence integration.

• Japanese industrial robot manufacturers are integrating artificial intelligence and open collaboration to regain a dominant global market position. • Japan's market share in the factory robot sector has fallen to 40%, trailing behind increasing competition from China and Europe. • The strategy focuses on leveraging AI to enhance robot flexibility and efficiency, aiming to reverse the decline in competitiveness.

• Japan has announced plans to develop a sovereign AI model and deploy 10 million AI-equipped robots across more than a dozen sectors by 2040. • The government will invest approximately $6 billion in the domestic AI model, which will be created by Noetra, a consortium featuring major firms like Sony and SoftBank. • This initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology and address labor shortages by integrating advanced automation into the national economy.

• Japan has announced a strategic goal to deploy 10 million AI-powered robots by the year 2040. • The initiative involves significant funding for "physical AI" development to integrate advanced intelligence into robotic hardware. • This move is designed to combat severe labor shortages across several of the country's key economic sectors.

• Japan’s industry ministry has approved ¥387.3 billion in funding to develop a domestic multimodal foundation model specifically for physical AI systems. • The initiative is backed by leading tech firms and aims to enhance robotic intelligence and smarter automation across industrial sectors. • This project matters as it seeks to drive a broad industrial transformation by integrating advanced AI directly into the control systems of robots.

• Japan intends to develop a sovereign artificial intelligence model and deploy 10 million AI-equipped robots across more than a dozen sectors by 2040. • The Japanese government will reportedly invest approximately US$6 billion into the homegrown AI model, which is being developed by a consortium called Noetra. • This initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology and leverage automation to address labor shortages and boost industrial efficiency.

• NASA astronauts Chris Williams and Jessica Meir are conducting a spacewalk today, June 30, to repair the International Space Station's Canadarm2 robotic arm. • The mission focuses on fixing the critical robotic system, with live coverage of the operation beginning at 7:00 a.m. ET. • Maintaining the Canadarm2 is essential for the station's operational capabilities, as the arm is used for capturing cargo ships and assisting with external maintenance.