OpenAI Considers Robotics, Hidden Level Secures $100M & much more
February 06, 2025 -
Robotics Brief
Hi there,
In this edition of the Robotics Brief, we delve into the latest advancements and collaborations in the field of robotics and AI. Locus Robotics has teamed up with The Quality Group to enhance operational efficiency at a new fulfillment center in Germany, while Deloitte and May Mobility are working together to improve autonomous transport services worldwide. Additionally, Nexar and Japan Post are collaborating to utilize dashcam data for better road monitoring in Japan, which could significantly aid the development of autonomous vehicles.
We also highlight strategic partnerships and acquisitions, such as Nauticus Robotics joining forces with Leidos to advance underwater autonomy solutions, and AIBotics planning to acquire DigiTrax for $40 million. Furthermore, the humanoid robot market is projected to grow substantially by 2029, driven by the demand for improved industrial operations. Stay tuned for more insights into these exciting developments in the world of robotics and AI.
Locus Robotics Partners with The Quality Group in Germany
Locus Robotics and The Quality Group have partnered to deploy the LocusOne mobile robotics platform at a new fulfillment center in Elsdorf, Germany, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and scalability. Read more
Deloitte and May Mobility Partner on Autonomous Transport
Deloitte and May Mobility have formed a strategic alliance to enhance autonomous transportation services globally, focusing on safety, efficiency, and accessibility. Read more
Nexar and Japan Post Collaborate on Road Monitoring
Nexar has partnered with Japan Post to utilize dashcam data for improving road conditions in Japan, aiding autonomous vehicle development. Read more
Nauticus and Leidos Partner for Underwater Autonomy
Nauticus Robotics and Leidos have formed a strategic alliance to advance subsea autonomy solutions, focusing on developing autonomous underwater systems for complex missions. Read more
AIBotics to Acquire DigiTrax for $40 Million
AIBotics plans to acquire DigiTrax, a startup with seven AI-music patents, for $40 million, with the deal expected to close by February 2025. Read more
Humanoid Robot Market to Grow by $59.18 Billion by 2029
A Technavio report forecasts the global humanoid robot market to expand by USD 59.18 billion from 2025 to 2029, driven by demand for improved industrial operations. Key players include Engineered Arts Ltd., Honda Motor Co. Ltd., and Toyota Motor Corp. Read more
Hidden Level Inc. Secures $100 Million Funding
Hidden Level Inc., a drone defense startup, has raised $100 million from investors including DFJ Growth and Lockheed Martin Ventures. The funding will support the expansion of its operations and workforce. Read more
Unusual Machines to Acquire Aloft Technologies for $14.5 Million
Unusual Machines has signed an agreement to acquire Aloft Technologies for $14.5 million in stock, aiming to enhance the U.S. drone industry by leveraging Aloft's management of FAA-approved airspace authorizations. Read more
nuVizz Unveils AI Assistant for Logistics
nuVizz has launched its AI assistant, Vizzard, to enhance last-mile logistics in Atlanta, as part of a new software update. Read more
SAEKI Raises €6.4 Million for Autonomous Factories
Zurich-based startup SAEKI has secured €6.4 million in funding to develop autonomous factories, enhancing efficiency in European manufacturing through AI and robotics. Read more
AgiBot Partners with Kazakhstan for AI and Robotics Enterprise
AgiBot has partnered with Kazakhstan's government to establish a Robotics and AI Solutions Enterprise, focusing on local production and a joint venture for AI solutions. Read more
Frontline Begins Mass Production of 'Storm' Robotic Turret
Ukrainian startup Frontline has started mass production of the 'Storm' robotic turret for the 40 mm Mk 19 grenade launcher, with deliveries already made to the front lines. Read more
MapmyIndia Acquires Stake in AI Startup SimDaas
MapmyIndia has acquired a 9.37% stake in the AI startup SimDaas Autonomy for 3 crore rupees. The acquisition involves an equity infusion and issuance of preference shares. Read more
Avride and Grubhub Launch Campus Delivery Robots
Autonomous technology startup Avride has teamed up with Grubhub to introduce food delivery robots on US college campuses, beginning with Ohio State University. Read more
SICK Acquires Accerion to Boost Robotics
SICK, a German company, has acquired the Dutch startup Accerion to enhance its autonomous mobile robots portfolio with AI-based technologies. Read more
Palladyne AI Secures Air Force Contract for Drone Software Upgrade
Palladyne AI has been awarded a contract by the Air Force Research Laboratory to upgrade its Pilot AI software for autonomous drones using next-generation U.S. AI chipsets. Read more
OpenAI CEO Explores Medical ChatGPT in South Korea
During a visit to South Korea, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, discussed plans for a medical version of ChatGPT and potential robotics collaborations with local firms. Read more
Waabi and Volvo Collaborate on Autonomous Trucks
Waabi has teamed up with Volvo Autonomous Solutions to create self-driving trucks, targeting commercial pilots in Texas and a demonstration by 2025. This effort builds on Volvo's previous work with Aurora Innovation. Read more
XDOWN Unveils PS Killer Drone for Military Use
XDOWN, a US defense startup, has developed the PS Killer drone designed for special operations and counter-terrorism, featuring rapid deployment capabilities and a range of 64 km. Read more
Cruise Cuts 50% of Staff After GM Funding Halt
Cruise has laid off nearly 50% of its workforce, including CEO Marc Whitten, following General Motors' decision to stop funding its robotaxi operations. This move marks a shift in strategy towards personal autonomous vehicles. Read more
OpenAI Trademark Application for Hardware and AI Chips
OpenAI has filed a trademark application indicating potential new product lines, including consumer hardware like headphones and smartwatches, as well as robots and AI chips. The application also highlights a joint venture with SoftBank Group for enterprise AI solutions in Japan. Read more
Safe Pro Group and Nibulon Use AI Drones for Demining
Safe Pro Group has partnered with Nibulon to deploy AI-powered drones for detecting landmines in Ukrainian farmlands, addressing contamination from the ongoing war. Read more
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