Physical AI & robotics news
- · Product launches
Yaskawa Electric Demonstrates Arc Welding With AI Robot
Yaskawa Electric demonstrated arc welding with its AI robot, MOTOMAN NEXT, at the 2026 International Robot Exhibition.
- · Product launches
humanoid.guide introduces REEM C
humanoid.guide introduced PAL Robotics’ research humanoid, REEM C.
- · Deployment & production
Nikkei reports ZEALS’ humanoid robot mass-production strategy: ¥5 million, half the market price
Nikkei reported that ZEALS has a strategy to mass-produce humanoid robots for ¥5 million. The source is closer to an interview or opinion piece and does not cover specific remarks or technical specifications in the article text. The focus is not only on price but also on how to establish the conditions for mass production.
- · Deployment & production
Kawasaki Heavy Industries to mass-produce hospital delivery robots; report says 2,700 hours saved annually
The Nikkei reported on September 27 that Kawasaki Heavy Industries will mass-produce robots to transport blood and medicine in hospitals.
- · Deployment & production
Tesla Targets Production of 1,000 Optimus Units per Week by Year-End
According to reports, Tesla is expanding production of its humanoid robot Optimus and aims to produce 1,000 units per week by year-end.
- · Policy & regulation
Robocurve Publishes Robot Evaluation Against Dangerous Instructions
Independent evaluation organization Robocurve published results from the RoboHarm benchmark on September 18, 2026.
- · Product launches
OmniHand wins 7 gold medals at robot games
leaderobot.com reported that OmniHand won 7 gold medals at the 2nd World Humanoid Robot Games.
- · Product launches
NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin reported for on-site use in plug-and-play multicamera recognition
sankei.com reported on AI recognition using multiple cameras that brings NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin directly to worksites. The original is an interview/column, and this article does not delve into the remarks or the argument in detail. The report should be viewed in the context of publicly available information, with the original consulted for details.
- · Deployment & production
Tesla Reportedly Faces Production Challenges With Optimus’ Hands
Investing.com reported production challenges involving the hands of Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus.
- · Industry
Report Says Humanoid Robot Rentals Cost More Overseas
leaderobot.com reported a gap in humanoid robot rental fees in Japan and overseas, citing examples from the United States and Japan.
- · Product launches
Black Forest Labs unveils ‘FLUX 3 Action’
Black Forest Labs announced the release of ‘FLUX 3 Action,’ a world action model for robot control.
- · Product launches
Mifengpai Announces Cloud Data Collection Platform
At a presentation on September 23, Mifengpai unveiled a system that lets members of the public record everyday tasks to support robot training.
- · Partnerships & M&A
Waymo, GO and Nihon Kotsu announce driverless taxi service in Tokyo in 2027, targeting 100 vehicles
Waymo, GO and Nihon Kotsu have formally announced plans to operate a fleet of about 100 Level 4 driverless taxis in Tokyo during 2027. The companies plan to accept ride requests through the GO app and the Waymo app. They said the launch date will be set after the necessary permits and approvals are obtained. The companies have been conducting test runs in seven Tokyo wards since 2025. Both operational planning for commercialization and the customer booking experience will be key issues.
- · Product launches
China Mobile Releases Open-Source Platform for Humanoid Control
Forbes reported that China Mobile has released open-source software designed to make humanoid robots move more smoothly.
- · Deployment & production
Nikkei Business reports on Komatsu’s “nearly unmanned” factory, with work time cut 90%
Nikkei Business Digital reported on Komatsu’s efforts in factory operations. The article says the effort includes a 90% reduction in work time. The original report should be consulted for details.
- · Deployment & production
YUASA Reports Humanoid Robot Trial in Auto Parts Processing, Eyes Sales to SMEs
YUASA is conducting a trial using humanoid robots in auto parts processing and exploring a rollout for small and midsize companies, The Nikkei reported. Public information provides few details about the processes covered by the trial or the operating conditions. The key question is how humanoid robots can be integrated into processing work on factory floors.
- · Deployment & production
Tesla's Optimus factory faces reliance on auto parts suppliers, Yahoo Finance reports
Yahoo Finance reported on September 24 that building a parts supply chain for Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus, poses challenges for the factory plan. The focus is on the plan's reliance on auto parts suppliers and the significant adjustments needed to replace or repurpose their components. The central issue is not the factory plan itself, but whether a supply chain can be established for mass production.
- · Partnerships & M&A
Nikkei Business Reports Collaboration Among Yaskawa, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and FANUC
Nikkei Business’ online edition reported on Sept. 24, 2026, that Yaskawa Electric, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and FANUC are working together. The focus is on securing and organizing data used in robotics. The development is seen as a factor that could shape the prospects for domestic AI models.
- · Industry
Nikkei Business Digital reports on challenges facing Chinese-made humanoid robots and Japan’s response
Nikkei Business Digital discussed the state of Chinese-made humanoid robots and Japan’s response. The issues were said to involve practical challenges such as smooth movement and precision. The article framed Japan as looking to “muscles” for an opportunity.
- · Research & technology
PFN and ACSL Reach Stage for Autonomous Flight-Route Generation Demo Under NEDO K Program
Preferred Networks and ACSL announced that they have reached a stage where they can demonstrate automatic flight-route generation under NEDO’s K Program project, “Research and Development of Autonomous and Distributed Control Technologies for Small Unmanned Aircraft.” The research has been underway since October 2025. In Phase 2, running from fiscal 2025 through fiscal 2027, the companies will develop an initial aircraft and technologies including flight-plan generation and obstacle avoidance. The focus is on using AI to automate part of route design, which has depended on operators, and on how to implement the technology in applications such as disaster response and infrastructure inspections.
- · Product launches
ANYbotics Announces Autonomous Door-Passage Capability for ANYmal
ANYbotics reportedly announced, together with dormakaba and LEGIC Identsystems AG, a capability that enables its inspection robot ANYmal to pass through doors autonomously.
- · Product launches
LexxPluss to Hold Three Online Live Demos of LexxMoMa R1 in October
LexxPluss announced it will hold three online live demos of its industrial humanoid, LexxMoMa R1, in October.
- · Deployment & production
Ambi Robotics solves packaging sorting challenge in 10 hours
Automated Warehouse Online reported that Ambi Robotics used AI agents to solve a production issue involving packaging placement in about 10 hours.
- · Product launches
Aurora Outlines Driverless Operations for Second-Generation Trucks and Expansion Plans at Investor Day 2026
At Investor Day 2026 on September 23, 2026, Aurora said its second-generation trucks are driving driverless on public roads every day.
- · Partnerships & M&A
Qualcomm Agrees to Acquire PickNik; MoveIt to Remain Open Source
Qualcomm Technologies Inc. has agreed to acquire PickNik Inc. The deal includes robotics software and MoveIt, an open-source manipulation framework. The companies said they will work to integrate the Qualcomm Dragonwing platform with MoveIt, creating a workflow that links AI models with planning, manipulation and real-time control. PickNik said it will preserve MoveIt’s openness, indicating that it plans to maintain its open-source approach after the acquisition.
What Is Figure AI? A Look at Helix 2.5 and Demonstrations in Factories and Homes
Figure AI is a company testing humanoid robot control policies on physical robots and discussing them in the context of household tasks and factory integration. Articles published by this newspaper cover home trials of Helix 2.5 and reports of robots being connected to production lines at Tesla, BMW and Mercedes. For readers seeking a straightforward answer, Figure AI is best understood as a company working to move humanoid robots from research toward practical use.
- · Policy & regulation
China’s regulators effectively halt approvals for humanoid robot IPOs
Reuters reported that China’s securities regulators are effectively halting approvals for initial public offerings by humanoid robotics companies.
- · Partnerships & M&A
Waymo reportedly exploring autonomous-driving technology deal with Toyota
The possibility of Waymo providing its autonomous-driving technology to automakers has been raised. The focus was on a potential deal with Toyota, and the report mentioned licensing as an option. The backdrop is the view that a business centered on robotaxis alone may have limited growth potential and profitability. However, no specific terms or timing for providing the technology to Toyota were given.
- · Policy & regulation
Government Set to Launch Full-Scale Research on Defense Uses for Humanoid Robots; FY2027 Budget Request Includes Unpriced Item
The government is considering launching full-scale research into the use of humanoid robots in defense. The plan envisions using AI-equipped autonomous “physical AI” for support missions such as base security and transporting supplies. The Ministry of Defense included the research in its FY2027 budget request as an item without a specified amount.
- · Research & technology
Forbes Publishes Article on AI for Autonomous Trucks
Forbes reported on AI for autonomous trucks that is said to be able to drive on highways without prior training.