The Robot Report

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.

RoboBusiness 2026, which takes place October 20-21 in Santa Clara, Calif., has opened its call for startups. The event is looking for robotics startups to take part in its startup alley. Selected startups will get a free 10×10 booth on the RoboBusiness show floor. The deadline for submissions is August 12, 2026. We’re looking for robotics startups that are creating an interesting full system, component, or software system to show off their work at the show.

The new H1C-MG and HVC-MG telescopic rails add an axis of motion for robots. | Source: Rollon Rollon Corp, a global leader in linear motion systems, this week launched the HVC-MG and H1C-MG telescopic rails. The new MG version integrates magnets that allow the sequential opening of the rail elements. “After successfully introducing this technology on the HGT range, we are now extending it to additional telescopic rail families,” says Andrea Tosi, vice president of technology at Rollon.