Physical AI & robotics news
- · Research & technology
University of Tokyo Research Team Equips Musashi-W With Biomimetic Skin to Estimate Joint Angles
A University of Tokyo research team attached biomimetic joint-covering skin to Musashi-W’s right upper limb and showed that joint angles can be estimated from skin deformation alone.
- · Product launches
AI² Robotics Unveils New Humanoid, AlphaBot 2
AI² Robotics has unveiled AlphaBot 2, a wheeled humanoid. It stands 180 cm tall, weighs 135 kg and features a six-wheel mobile base and five-fingered hands on both arms. The robot is designed for logistics, manufacturing, public services and customer service, and is rated for up to six hours of operation.
- · Product launches
Hyundai to introduce in-house driver-assistance system in 2029
Reuters reported that Hyundai Motor will introduce an in-house-developed driver-assistance system in 2029. The move appears to shift away from reliance on external suppliers for areas such as the supply chain and control software, but the excerpt does not specify the vehicle models or scope of functions. The planned launch timing has been disclosed, while details of the development structure and deployment plans remain limited.
- · Research & technology
Method Developed to Train a Single AI on Caregiving Tasks
A research team from the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry and Waseda University developed a method for training a single AI on different caregiving tasks.
- · Policy & regulation
Hitomairu’s Autonomous Intra-Facility Transport Demonstration at TRC Selected for MLIT Program
prtimes.jp reported on September 4, 2026, that Hitomairu’s autonomous intra-facility transport demonstration at TRC had been selected for an MLIT program.
- · Industry
Nikkei Reports Interview With Unitree CEO Wang Xingxing
The Nikkei reported an interview with Wang Xingxing, CEO of humanoid robot maker Unitree. The article’s detailed remarks and arguments are left to the original, but it portrays Wang as a pragmatist who talks about “challenges rather than dreams.” This article organizes what can be confirmed from public information about the company’s position and the humanoid robot market.
- · Tenders
Muso Action to Develop and Demonstrate Logistics Warehouse Picking Foundation Model After GENIAC Selection
PR Times reported on September 9, 2026, that Muso Action will develop and demonstrate a foundation model for picking in logistics warehouses after being selected for GENIAC.
- · Industry
Kabutan Spotlights Six Stocks in Physical AI and Robot Components
Kabutan News published a feature on six stocks related to robot components, anticipating the expansion of physical AI. The article focuses on components that support robot movement, including precision reducers, motors, bearings, sensors and cables.
- · Product launches
PNDbotics Showcases Factory Humanoid Robot at Expo
leaderobot.com reported that PNDbotics staged a factory humanoid robot demonstration at the 16th Smart City and Intelligent Economy Expo.
- · Research & technology
University of Tokyo Humanoid Musashi Demonstrates Driving a Car at Low Speed
The University of Tokyo’s humanoid Musashi demonstrated driving by physically operating a standard car’s steering wheel, pedals and turn signals. The paper appears to examine whether a general-purpose humanoid can use controls designed for people, rather than directly fitting a vehicle with hardware for autonomous driving. However, the demonstration described was a low-speed research trial, far from a system for real-world operation.
- · Product launches
GMO Unveils Vehicle for Humanoid Robot Repairs
GMO Internet Group unveiled a vehicle in Tokyo to support humanoid robot repairs, humanoid.guide reported.
- · Research & technology
ugo’s VTLA Model Development Selected for GENIAC
ugo Inc. announced that its proposal to develop a VTLA model for dual-arm semi-humanoids was selected for GENIAC, promoted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and NEDO.
- · Deployment & production
APTO Opens Toyosu Data Factory, a Real-World Data Collection Facility, in Toyosu
APTO announced Sept. 10 the opening of Toyosu Data Factory, a real-world data collection facility for physical AI and robotics. The facility supports data collection using physical robots, annotation, quality evaluation and dataset development. A ceremony attended by representatives of NVIDIA and Toyota Motor Corp. was held Aug. 21, with discussion focusing on systems for connecting field data to training.
- · Policy & regulation
NHTSA Grants Zoox Commercial Exemption
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has granted Zoox its first commercial exemption for vehicles without steering wheels or brake pedals.
- · Industry
The Robot Report covers Monumental’s plan to build walls with robots
The Robot Report covered Monumental’s efforts on September 11, 2026. The focus is its concept, called “Walls as a Service,” and the place of automation in construction. The report centers on a podcast interview with founder and CEO Salar al Khafaji; readers should consult the original for details.
- · Research & technology
NVIDIA Develops SONIC Humanoid Control Model
NVIDIA researchers have developed SONIC, a single controller designed to reproduce a broad range of full-body humanoid movements, humanoid.guide reported on September 11, 2026.
- · Product launches
JoyIn Unveils Aether Humanoid Control Model
Chinese robotics company JoyIn reportedly announced Aether, a control model for humanoid robots. The company said it achieved a 90% first-attempt task success rate and reduced training time by two-thirds.
- · Policy & regulation
METI and NEDO report selection of 13 companies and groups for GENIAC robot foundation model development support
Thirteen companies and groups were selected for a robot foundation model research and development project under GENIAC, led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and NEDO. At a project plan presentation on Sept. 9, plans were outlined for preparing field data and collecting task data, including tactile data. The focus is on how to implement data collection and structuring to support foundation models that control robots.
Amap Unveils ABot-Earth 0.7, Enabling 3D City Generation in 10 Minutes on a Single GPU
Amap released ABot-Earth 0.7 on Sept. 10 alongside updates to its spatial intelligence features. The model is a 3D urban world model covering 196 countries and regions, and can generate 3D city scenes in 10 minutes on a single consumer GPU, the company said. Timed to the first anniversary of Amap Street Stars, the announcement put greater emphasis on connecting map and mobility data with 3D exploration and guidance.
- · Industry
Report: New Boston Dynamics Company
Leaderobot.com published an article about Boston Dynamics on Sept. 11. The article covered a new company, Dynamic Creatures.
- · Product launches
Zhiyuan Innovation unveils AGILE2.0 perception-control model, emphasizing whole-body control in dynamic environments
Zhiyuan Innovation (Shanghai) Technology Co., Ltd. unveiled the AGILE2.0 perception-control integrated model on September 11, 2026. The company highlighted its end-to-end integration of visual perception and whole-body motion control, and its ability to handle dynamic collaborative movements and human-robot coexistence environments. The announcement appears to show how close the company can bring robots’ “see and move” control to practical conditions.
- · Industry
Hero Esports holds Middle East’s first humanoid robot combat tournament in Riyadh
leaderobot.com reported that Hero Esports held a humanoid robot combat tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sept. 10. The report said it was the first event of its kind in the Middle East.
- · Tenders
Public Notice for Quadruped Robot Competition in Zhongguancun Emerging Fields Special Competition
The Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and the Zhongguancun Science Park Administrative Committee issued a notice announcing a challenge for quadruped robot applications in specific scenarios.
- · Deployment & production
JD Logistics reportedly deploys 11 robot models across nine categories in warehouses and sorting lines
leaderobot.com reported that JD Logistics deployed 11 robot models across nine categories in warehouses and sorting lines in more than 20 provinces nationwide.
- · Deployment & production
Amazon Opens Amagasaki Logistics Facility to the Press
ITmedia reported that Amazon opened a logistics facility in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, to the press. About 3,000 robots are reportedly operating at the facility.
- · Deployment & production
Tesla's Humanoid Robot Plan
leaderobot.com published an article about Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus.
- · Deployment & production
PaXini Showcases Physical AI Demonstration Space
OFweek Robot Network reported on Sept. 1 that PaXini showcased its “ONE FOR ALL” physical AI real-world demonstration space. The article said the space integrates tactile chips, data collection, dexterous hands and humanoid robots. It also mentioned exhibits including the GEN4 FUSE chip, PXCap Pro and TORA-series robots.
- · Deployment & production
Tesla's Robotaxi Prepares for 24-Hour Operations; Current Service Runs From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
jidounten-lab.com reported on September 11, 2026, that Tesla's robotaxi is preparing for 24-hour operations, while current service runs from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- · Technology trends
Robot Tactile Data Infrastructure Advances
IEEE Spectrum reported that academic labs and startups are making progress in developing tactile data and methods to support dexterous robot manipulation.
- · Funding
Atom seeks to raise ¥10 billion, aiming to make AI humanoids an export industry
Nikkei Business online reported that Atom is seeking to raise ¥10 billion. The company has outlined a plan to develop AI humanoids into an export industry. However, the confirmed facts in the excerpt are limited, and specific fundraising terms and uses of the funds are not clear.