Robotic

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.