The Robot Report

The parent company of The Robot Report, WTWH Media, today announced that it has rebranded as Arrowfly. The company said the new name and identity reflect its transformation from a specialized trade publisher into an omnichannel business-to-business (B2B) media, events, and marketing company where hard-to-reach professional decision-makers gather for trusted journalism, industry intelligence, and high-impact experiences that move their markets forward.

Botball provides students inquiry-based experiences to build creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork. | Credit: KISS Institute for Practical Robotics The story of Botball and the Junior Botball Challenge is defined by a shift in perspective: moving away from a model where adults lead the way, and instead placing the full weight of discovery on the students.

KUKA is one of the world’s leading providers of robotics for the automotive industry. | Source: KUKA Questions about the updated ISO 10218 safety standard are becoming increasingly common in the robotics industry. Central to the discussion are CE certification requirements in Europe, as ISO 10218 is the key safety standard for industrial robots under the CE marking framework.

Humanoids and other robots can benefit from training in ‘virtual gyms.’ Source: SoftServe The challenge for today’s robots is no longer limited to automating a task. It is adapting to ever-changing environments — and that variability remains one of the hardest problems. This distinction matters more and more as the industry moves from programmed automation toward physical AI — systems that perceive, reason, and act in the physical world.

Suppliers that are well prepared for standard changes will benefit, while underprepared companies may face market access disruption. Experts from DHL Supply Chain, inVia Robotics, and Interact Analysis will discuss where warehouse automation is going in a free webinar. Jan Zizka describes Brightpick’s innovative Giraffe Autopicker, and Charlie Kemp explains Hello Robot’s mobile manipulator.

In Episode 252  of The Robot Report Podcast, we connect with Andy Lonsberry, co-founder and CEO of Path Robotics. He discusses the difficulties in setting up and using robots for welding applications. Path Robotics has applied AI to identify the path of a torch and then move the robot through the welding operation, using real-time vision guidance to maintain an optimal path. Andy Lonsberry, CEO of Path Robotics.

XTEND has developed systems to improve drone autonomy in challenging environments. Source: XTEND XTEND Reality Inc. provides software and AI-powered robots for situations that are hazardous for humans. The company, which plans to merge with JFB Construction Holdings, last week secured a U.S. patent for technology that enables drones to autonomously navigate toward mission objectives.

AI2 manufactures wheeled humanoid robots rather than bipedal systems, trading mobility range for mechanical simplicity and durability. | Credit: Ai2 Robotics AI² Robotics has raised about $735 million in a fresh financing round that pushed its valuation past 50 billion RMB, or about $2.8 billion U.S. The funding positions the Shenzhen-based company among the leaders of China’s fast-moving physical AI sector.

Shenzhen’s Ai2 Robotics raised $735 million at a $2.8 billion valuation, backed by state, corporate, and financial giants.

Dr. Robert Ang, the study’s principal investigator, performing a post-op patient exam. | Source: ForSight Robotics Cataracts are currently the world’s leading cause of blindness, and the only way to treat them is with surgery. However, there is a shortage of trained surgeons who can tackle these difficult procedures. ForSight Robotics said robotics and artificial intelligence can ease this burden and make cataract surgeries more accessible.