Physical AI & robotics news
- · Industry
Bloomberg Publishes Feature on Delivery Robots
On Aug. 17, Bloomberg published an article highlighting Serve Robotics’ work on a program featuring CEO Ali Kashani.
- · Industry
REK: Osone wins back-to-back titles at first 6-foot-class robot fight in U.S. history
The U.S. robot-fighting organization REK held REK2 on Aug. 15, with humanoids about 180 centimeters tall facing off. Japan’s Hiroyuki Osone won the final, claiming his second consecutive title.
- · Deployment & production
Robot Teacher “Engkey” Begins English Classes in South Korea
A South Korean government pilot program is using robot teachers to teach English to elementary school students.
- · Industry
AI in the Physical World Creates New Businesses
EE Times reported that the spread of AI operating in the physical world could prompt companies to rethink their business models.
- · Product launches
Coverage of Infineon’s OktoberTech 2025
EE Times covered Infineon’s OktoberTech 2025 event, held at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California.
- · Product launches
Unitree Unveils ‘Superman’ Humanoid Research Platform
Unitree Robotics unveiled the ‘Superman’ humanoid research platform. It stands 170 cm tall, weighs 45 kg and has a top speed of 45.6 km/h.
- · Product launches
Unitree Announces New Humanoid, 'Superman'
Unitree reportedly unveiled its new humanoid robot, 'Superman,' on Aug. 17.
- · Product launches
ROBOTIS introduces AI Sapiens K1 humanoid for research
According to ROBOTIS materials, AI Sapiens K1 is a humanoid platform for developing motion, learning and control on a physical robot.
- · Product launches
Kakuichi to Hire Humanoid as New Graduate Generalist Employee
Kakuichi Co., Ltd. announced that it will welcome a bipedal humanoid robot as a “new graduate generalist employee” in April 2027.
- · Policy & regulation
U.S. to impose additional tariffs of up to 100% on drones, 15% on Japan, Sankei reports
Sankei News reported Aug. 14, 2026, that the U.S. government would impose additional tariffs of up to 100% on imports of drones and related components, with a 15% rate applying to Japan.
- · Product launches
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Explains Its Path to Becoming a Comprehensive Robotics Maker
The head of Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ robotics division said the company plans to expand beyond industrial robotics, building on technologies developed in that field.
- · Research & technology
NCNP and Waseda Demonstrate Robot Learning of Caregiving Actions
A research group from the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry and Waseda University announced that it had implemented an AI model based on the brain’s predictive processing theory in a humanoid robot.
- · Industry
Boston Dynamics publishes interview with Atlas engineer
Boston Dynamics published an interview with Taylor Frey-Baker, a mechanical engineer responsible for computing and sensing on electric Atlas.
- · Industry
Physical Intelligence Publishes Results of Demonstration of Robotics Foundation Model π0.6
Physical Intelligence published results of a demonstration of its robotics foundation model, “π0.6,” in an official blog post dated Feb. 24, 2026.
- · Policy & regulation
METI Launches FRONTia Project to Build a Foundation Model for Physical AI
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced the launch of FRONTia, a project to develop a domestically developed multimodal foundation model for AI robots and physical AI.
- · Product launches
M Square Lab reports agricultural robot Mobile Mover, hopes it can help address labor shortages
Nikkei reported on the agricultural robot Mobile Mover, launched by M Square Lab in January 2026. The robot can perform multiple tasks, including mowing and pesticide spraying. It was developed as a “partner” for farmers struggling with labor shortages.
- · Industry
North American Robot Deployment Stalls in Shift From Pilots to Scale
automatedwarehouseonline.com reported that robotics adoption in North America is struggling to move from pilot programs to full-scale deployment. The article said adoption is spreading, but some deployments stall as they scale up.
- · Deployment & production
Amazon says Blue Jay development took just over a year
Amazon said development of its warehouse robot Blue Jay took just over a year, from concept to product. An article published by A3 Association for Advancing Automation reported the news.
- · Industry
Han's Robot changes name to Huayan Robotics, steps up global expansion
Chinese collaborative robot maker Han's Robot announced that it has changed its name to Huayan Robotics and will pursue global expansion.
- · Product launches
Sophia sings at Hong Kong concert
Reuters reported that humanoid robot Sophia performed with the Hong Kong Baptist University Symphony Orchestra at an AI-themed concert in Hong Kong.
- · Product launches
Xiaomi reportedly unveils robot vacuum that can climb 6-centimeter steps; price could exceed $700
Xiaomi was reported to have unveiled a robot vacuum that can climb steps up to 6 centimeters high.
- · Research & technology
IEEE Spectrum spotlights video of Deep Robotics’ bipedal robot running on stairs
On June 5, 2026, IEEE Spectrum reported on a video showing a Deep Robotics bipedal robot avoiding a fall while running on stairs.
- · Partnerships & M&A
NSK President Ichii Discusses Management Integration With NTN
Nikkei Business Online published an interview on Aug. 7, 2026, with NSK President Ichii about management integration with NTN.
- · Research & technology
Siemens uses AI to autonomously control manufacturing sites, adapting to unfamiliar situations
Nikkei xTECH published an article on July 17, 2026, about Siemens’ use of AI to autonomously control manufacturing sites.
- · Product launches
NGSE Announces Demonstration Plan for Fully Automated Battery-Powered Aircraft-Washing Robots at EU Airports
Sweden’s Nordic Ground Support Equipment AB will conduct demonstrations of what it calls the world’s first fully automated battery-powered aircraft-washing robot at multiple EU airports.
- · Industry
Nikkei Reports Business Opportunities in Using Domestic Industrial Data for Physical AI
Nikkei reported on Aug. 15, 2026, that using domestic industrial data presents business opportunities in the physical AI sector.
- · Industry
Monumental Sports & Entertainment unveils vision for new Capital One Arena
Monumental Sports & Entertainment announced plans to transform Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C.
- · Tenders
ARM Institute Opens Call for Technology Projects for Defense Manufacturing
The ARM Institute opened a call for technology projects addressing defense manufacturing needs, “27-01,” on August 12, 2026.
- · Industry
Boise State Students Test Lunar Robot Bender 5.0
Eight Boise State students tested their custom-built lunar robot in a simulated lunar environment.
- · Industry
Pudu Robotics Ranks No. 1 Worldwide in Commercial Cleaning Robots
According to a report by Counterpoint Research, Pudu Robotics ranked No. 1 worldwide in commercial cleaning robot shipments and revenue.