16-year-old Canadian student Evan Budz created an AI-powered robot turtle with 94% accuracy in detecting microplastics underwater. Inspired by snapping turtles, his invention earned him the Gordon E. Moore Award and a US$50,000 scholarship at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.
Rumors of Anthropic acquiring robotics startup Physical Intelligence, co-founded by Lachy Groom, were partially true, with talks held this spring. This highlights the intense AI acquisition race and the strategic importance of robotics for superintelligent systems, especially given OpenAI's prior investment in Physical Intelligence.
Gritt, an AI robotics startup founded by Carnegie Mellon alumni, raised $26 million in Series A funding to deploy intelligent systems that automate solar panel installation. The company uses off-the-shelf hardware and AI models to address labor shortages and accelerate construction, with systems already deployed and contracted for 2.8 gigawatts of solar.
AI robotics startup Gritt secured $26 million in Series A funding, totaling $32 million, to automate solar panel installation. Using off-the-shelf hardware and AI models, Gritt aims to address labor shortages and boost efficiency in the solar energy build-out, with plans to expand to other construction tasks.
Mahi Malhani, a Delhi Class 12 student, created TRASHbot, an AI-powered robot that autonomously collects and sorts waste. Inspired by litter at Sundar Nursery, the robot uses sensors and AI for efficient waste management, achieving national recognition.
Shanghai MicroPort MedBot's Toumai Remote robot gains EU's CE mark, enabling free market access in Europe. The system, already used in the UK for remote surgeries, integrates 5G for procedures in multiple specialties.
XDOF, a startup focused on creating data pipelines for physical AI robots, has raised $70 million. The company aims to solve the data bottleneck in training robots for real-world interaction, a challenge faced by major AI labs.
AI-powered robots are transforming farming in California's Salinas Valley, using lasers to zap weeds and UV light to target pests. Companies like Carbon Robotics and TRIC Robotics are offering solutions that reduce chemical use, cut labor costs, and improve crop yields, addressing challenges like labor shortages and herbicide resistance.
Theker, a Barcelona-based AI robotics startup, raises $85M in Europe's largest robotics Series A to develop reconfigurable robots for manufacturing and logistics, backed by CRV, Samsung, and others.
Tether led a $1.4 billion investment round in NEURA Robotics, a German AI robotics firm. The funding aims to advance physical AI and humanoid robots, integrating Tether's wallet and edge AI technologies into NEURA's ecosystem for autonomous machine transactions and local processing.
AI robots are impressive but years away from mass human replacement, researchers state. While capable of repetitive tasks, they struggle with adaptability, reliability, and cost in dynamic environments, unlike humans. Concerns about job displacement due to AI persist, with some US companies reporting AI-related layoffs.
The Saudi Ministry of Health has unveiled an AI-powered robot designed to improve pilgrim safety and health awareness during Hajj, offering preventive health guidance in over 97 languages. The robot is available 24/7 at key locations in Mecca and Medina.
Hyundai Motor is accelerating its transformation into a future mobility and AI solutions provider, planning mass production of Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robots by 2028 and deployment in its own manufacturing facilities. The strategy aims to integrate AI with physical robots for industrial applications.
In Germany, robotic AI dogs with the faces of tech's most powerful men are on the loose — courtesy of American artist Beeple.
The Verge reviews Dyson's $1,200 Spot + Scrub Ai robot vacuum and mop, praising its excellent mopping performance, navigation, and multifunction dock, but criticizing its compromised vacuum quality. The core conflict: Dyson's flagship robot uses a third-party motor instead of Dyson's proprietary V10 motor, resulting in worse carpet cleaning than the Vis Nav. While the AI stain-detection feature underperformed in testing, the robot excels at obstacle avoidance and hard floor cleaning.
Dyson has confirmed its new Spot & Scrub Ai robot vacuum and mop uses a partner-developed motor and lidar navigation instead of its signature V10 high-speed motor. The company partnered with Shenzhen Picea Robotics (identified by Reddit users) to quickly enter the wet/dry and self-emptying robot vacuum market. While previous Dyson robots featured powerful motors but struggled with camera-based navigation, the new model uses lidar but sacrifices vacuuming performance. Dyson developed its own AI stain detection, hydration system, and Cyclonic bagless dock, but the motor is from a third party.
MS Dhoni is set to return to IPL 2026 action after recovering from a calf strain, with former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin predicting he will play against Mumbai Indians. Dhoni, 44, has been sidelines for CSK's first six matches but participated in wicketkeeping and batting sessions at Wankhede Stadium. He was also spotted interacting with an AI-powered robotic dog named 'Champak' during practice. CSK have won just two of six matches and are placed eighth on the points table.
MS Dhoni, recovering from a calf strain, was seen practicing with an AI-powered robotic dog named Champak at Wankhede Stadium ahead of Chennai Super Kings' clash against Mumbai Indians. The 44-year-old has missed CSK's first six IPL 2026 matches but completed intense wicketkeeping and batting sessions, with former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin predicting Dhoni will definitely play. CSK have won just two of six matches and are placed eighth on the points table.
Ace is an AI-powered articulated robot equipped with 12 cameras designed to compete against top table tennis players.
