Articles tagged with "AI-robotics"
Humanoid robot uses NVIDIA tech to run real-world factory operations
Hexagon, in partnership with NVIDIA, has developed AEON, a humanoid robot designed to perform complex industrial tasks such as machine operation, part sorting, inspection, and asset scanning. AEON targets sectors like manufacturing, transportation, aerospace, and logistics, aiming to enhance precision and reduce human error in dynamic factory environments. The robot integrates advanced mechatronics, multimodal sensor fusion, and real-time AI to function as a flexible, autonomous industrial assistant. AEON’s development was accelerated through extensive simulation training using NVIDIA’s Isaac platform, enabling it to acquire navigation and manipulation skills within weeks rather than months. It operates on NVIDIA’s robotics stack, including Jetson Orin computers for real-time decision-making, with plans to upgrade to the IGX Thor platform to improve collaborative safety. The robot also leverages NVIDIA’s Isaac GR00T foundation model and Mimic tools to learn from human demonstrations and generate synthetic motion data, expanding its capabilities. A key feature of AEON is its ability to capture physical
robothumanoid-robotindustrial-automationNVIDIA-AIrobotics-simulationfactory-operationsAI-roboticsWaymo limits service ahead of today’s ‘No Kings’ protests
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned robotaxi company, is limiting its service on June 14, 2025, ahead of the nationwide “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump and his policies. Service reductions are reported in San Francisco, Austin, Atlanta, and Phoenix, with a complete suspension in Los Angeles. The duration of these service limitations remains unclear. This precaution follows recent protests in Los Angeles where Waymo vehicles were vandalized with anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) graffiti, likely due to perceptions of the vehicles as surveillance tools, similar to how police departments have used them. Waymo has stated that it challenges any requests for data or cooperation that it views as overly broad or lacking legal justification. The company’s cautious approach reflects concerns about civil unrest and the potential targeting of its autonomous vehicles during politically charged demonstrations. The San Francisco Chronicle noted that during periods of civil unrest, authorities may avoid aggressive intervention unless property is directly threatened, highlighting the tense environment surrounding these protests.
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxitransportation-technologyself-driving-carsAI-roboticsTesla sues ex-engineer for stealing Optimus robot’s trade secrets
Tesla has filed a lawsuit against former engineer Zhongjie “Jay” Li, accusing him of stealing proprietary technology from its Optimus humanoid robot program to launch a rival startup, Proception. The complaint alleges that Li downloaded confidential information related to Tesla’s advanced robotic hand sensors onto personal devices before leaving the company in September 2024. Tesla claims that Proception, backed by Y Combinator, used this stolen data to rapidly develop humanoid robotic hands that closely resemble Tesla’s designs, achieving in months what Tesla took years and billions of dollars to build. The lawsuit also highlights suspicious behavior by Li, including researching humanoid robotic hands and seeking startup funding while still employed at Tesla. This legal action comes amid ongoing challenges for Tesla’s Optimus project, which was initially announced in 2021 with plans for a 2023 rollout but has since faced delays, pushing the expected sales date to 2026. Public demonstrations have shown limited autonomous functionality, with many robots remotely controlled by humans. Despite
roboticshumanoid-robotsTesla-Optimustrade-secretsrobotic-hand-sensorsAI-roboticsstartup-litigationAtlas humanoid robot adapts to failure, unlocking next-gen dexterity
Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot Atlas has made significant advancements in dynamic perception and adaptability, enabling it to handle complex, real-world tasks with greater dexterity and reliability. Moving beyond pre-programmed movements, Atlas integrates advanced AI with classical control systems to build a real-time 3D understanding of its environment. This allows the robot to identify objects, assess their properties, and navigate obstacles dynamically, which is essential for performing intricate tasks like picking up car parts and placing them accurately. The robot’s ability to continuously update its environmental model and adjust its actions in real-time helps it compensate for errors such as objects slipping or being out of place. Atlas also demonstrates impressive resilience in challenging scenarios, including operating in poorly lit spaces and overcoming visual obstructions by actively manipulating objects to improve its perspective. A key breakthrough is its capacity to adapt seamlessly to unexpected environmental changes, such as when objects are moved during a task, requiring it to revise its plan on the fly. Furthermore, Atlas can recover from “catastrophic
robothumanoid-robotBoston-Dynamicsdynamic-perception-systemAI-roboticsrobotic-dexterityadaptive-roboticsMilan Kovac, Head Of Tesla Optimus Program, Departs - CleanTechnica
Milan Kovac, the head of engineering for Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot program, announced his departure on June 6, 2025, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. Despite initial speculation about possible conflicts with Elon Musk, Kovac expressed strong support for Musk and confidence in the Tesla team’s ability to advance the Optimus project. Tesla confirmed that Ashok Elluswamy, head of the Autopilot team, will assume leadership of the Optimus program. Both Kovac and Musk exchanged respectful public statements, indicating an amicable transition without signs of urgency or internal strife. Elon Musk continues to position Optimus as a transformative product, claiming it could be Tesla’s most significant development ever, with a target price around $30,000. Musk envisions the robot performing everyday tasks such as folding clothes, walking dogs, and cleaning dishes, and he has publicly declared that autonomy and Optimus are Tesla’s long-term priorities. However, skepticism remains among observers and industry watchers, who note that Tesla’s promotional videos—like the one showing Optimus folding a shirt—are staged and that the robot is not yet capable of autonomous operation. Critics draw parallels to previous Tesla hype cycles, such as with Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, suggesting that Optimus may be similarly overpromised and years away from practical reality. Overall, while Kovac’s departure marks a leadership change, Tesla’s commitment to the Optimus project remains firm under Musk’s vision. Yet, the program faces scrutiny over its current capabilities versus public expectations, highlighting the challenges Tesla faces in delivering on its ambitious humanoid robot goals.
robotTesla-Optimushumanoid-robotautonomous-robotsAI-roboticspersonal-assistant-robotsrobotics-engineeringTesla Moves To Block City Of Austin From Releasing Robotaxi Information - CleanTechnica
Tesla plans to launch a robotaxi service using its Full Self Driving (FSD) technology on public roads in Austin, Texas, starting June 10. However, the company is aggressively seeking to keep details about this trial confidential. Tesla has requested a federal judge to block the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from releasing crash data related to its Autopilot and FSD systems. Additionally, Tesla is pressuring the city of Austin and the Texas Attorney General’s office to withhold information about the robotaxi trial, citing concerns over revealing proprietary and competitively sensitive details such as deployment procedures and operational strategies. Despite public interest, specifics like the exact streets where the geofenced robotaxis will operate remain undisclosed. Tesla’s efforts to maintain secrecy extend beyond Austin, reflecting a broader pattern of limiting transparency about its autonomous driving technology. This includes influencing federal transportation authorities to reduce reporting requirements for robotaxi-related incidents, thereby minimizing public access to safety data. Critics argue that Tesla’s approach prioritizes corporate interests and secrecy over public safety and informed consent, especially given past incidents where Tesla vehicles operating in FSD mode have been involved in crashes, including fatal ones. The ongoing dispute highlights tensions between innovation, regulatory oversight, and the public’s right to information about emerging autonomous vehicle technologies.
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslarobotaxiself-driving-technologytransportation-technologyAI-roboticsFigure AI CEO skips live demo, sidesteps BMW deal questions onstage at tech conference
Brett Adcock, CEO of humanoid robotics startup Figure AI, appeared at the Bloomberg Tech conference amid scrutiny over the company’s progress with BMW, a marquee customer. Adcock avoided providing specifics about the nature or commercial value of the BMW contract, instead emphasizing the technical insights gained from deploying robots on factory floors. Figure AI had previously released videos showing its robots operating in a BMW factory but has not conducted any live demonstrations, citing a company philosophy against attending many events and preferring to showcase via videos. Adcock also revealed that Figure AI has signed a contract with a second, unnamed customer—reported by Bloomberg to be UPS—for initial deployment. Despite the skepticism surrounding Figure AI’s commercial relationships, the company claims its AI-powered robots have human-like fine motor skills and precise object manipulation capabilities. Adcock confirmed plans to manufacture and deploy approximately 100,000 robot units within four years. The company is currently attempting to raise $1.5 billion at a valuation reportedly fifteen times higher than its February 2024 valuation. Additionally, Figure AI has taken steps to restrict unauthorized secondary market trading of its shares, signaling efforts to control its stock distribution amid this fundraising phase.
roboticshumanoid-robotsAI-roboticsfactory-automationindustrial-robotsrobot-deploymentrobotics-startupsUS startup unveils rugged Titan robot for tough industrial workspace
robotindustrial-automationAI-roboticsprecision-engineeringmodular-designoperational-efficiencyTitan-robotNew enabling technologies from Automate 2025
robotIoTindustrial-automationmachine-controlAI-roboticsautomation-technologiesreal-time-data