Autonomous Vehicles in 15 New Cities, Path Robotics & ALM Innovate AI Welding at TYCROP

Hi there,

Welcome to this edition of the Robotics Brief, where we delve into the latest advancements and partnerships in the world of AI and robotics. This week, we're spotlighting a range of innovative collaborations and technological breakthroughs that are shaping the future of automation and AI-driven solutions across various industries.

From Path Robotics and ALM Positioners implementing AI welding solutions at TYCROP to enhance manufacturing efficiency, to WeRide and Uber expanding their autonomous vehicle operations to 15 new cities, the landscape of AI in robotics is rapidly evolving. Additionally, Orca AI has secured significant funding to advance autonomous shipping technologies, while Pony.ai and Uber are set to launch autonomous robotaxis in the Middle East. These stories and more highlight the dynamic developments in AI and robotics, promising to transform industries and improve operational efficiencies globally.

Pony.ai and Uber Partner for Autonomous Robotaxis

PONY AI Inc. and Uber Technologies, Inc. have announced a strategic partnership to deploy Pony.ai's Robotaxis on the Uber platform, starting with a pilot in the Middle East in 2025. Read more

May Mobility to Launch Robotaxis with Uber in Arlington by 2025

Startup May Mobility will deploy autonomous vehicles on the Uber platform in Arlington, Texas, by the end of 2025, marking a significant expansion of its services. Read more

AiSeed Tech Secures $6M for GPS-Free Drone Expansion

AiSeed Tech, a Taiwan-based startup, has raised US$6 million to enhance production and technology development for its GPS-free autonomous drones, targeting US and European markets. Read more

Arondite Raises $12M for Autonomous Defence Systems

Arondite, a London-based AI defence technology startup, has secured $12 million to enhance the integration of autonomous systems in defence, with funding led by Index Ventures. Read more

Wandercraft Begins Clinical Trials for AI-Powered Exoskeleton

Wandercraft has initiated clinical trials for its AI-powered Personal Exoskeleton aimed at aiding individuals with mobility impairments. The trials are being conducted in New York and New Jersey, with future plans for FDA clearance. Read more

Glacier AI Robots Sorting Waste in Seattle

AI robots developed by the startup Glacier are being utilized to sort waste in Seattle, enhancing recycling efforts and waste management efficiency. Read more

Aurora Innovation Launches Self-Driving Truck Service in Texas

Aurora Innovation has initiated a self-driving truck service in Texas, marking the first commercial use of driverless heavy-duty trucks on U.S. public roads. The service operates between Dallas and Houston with partners Hirschbach Motor Lines and Uber Freight. Read more

International Partnership to Enhance AI in Underwater Threats

Four companies, Helsing, Blue Ocean Marine Tech Systems, Ocean Infinity, and QinetiQ, have formed a partnership to deploy AI and autonomous technologies for addressing underwater threats, focusing on maritime operations and surveillance. Read more

Shoucheng Holdings to Invest in China's Robotics Sector

Shoucheng Holdings, part of Shougang Group, plans to invest in 40 to 50 robotics companies in China over the next few years, managing a 10 billion yuan fund to support the industry. Read more

Uber Partners with Momenta for Autonomous Vehicles

Uber has announced a partnership with Chinese self-driving startup Momenta to integrate its robotaxis into the Uber app in Europe by early 2026, enhancing its autonomous vehicle offerings. Read more

CaPow and Peer Robotics Partner to Enhance AMR Efficiency

On May 6, 2025, CaPow and Peer Robotics announced a partnership to integrate power delivery technology into autonomous mobile robots, allowing them to charge while in motion and eliminating downtime. Read more

BigBear.ai and Hardy Dynamics Partner for U.S. Army Drone AI

BigBear.ai and Hardy Dynamics have teamed up to enhance AI orchestration in U.S. Army drone swarm operations under Project Linchpin, focusing on improving communication and coordination among drones. Read more

Origin Robotics Unveils BLAZE Drone Interceptor for NATO

Latvian startup Origin Robotics has launched BLAZE, an autonomous drone designed to intercept enemy drones, aimed at enhancing NATO's defense capabilities. Read more

Posha Launches Cooking Robot with $8M Funding

Posha, a startup, has introduced a countertop robot that uses computer vision to cook meals. The company secured $8 million in Series A funding to expand its offerings. Read more

Xense Robotics Raises $10 Million for Tactile Sensing

Xense Robotics, based in Shanghai, has raised $10 million to enhance production and R&D of their tactile sensing systems for robotics, with funding led by Oriza Seed Capital, Gobi China, and Xiaomiao Longcheng Capital. Read more

TIER IV Joins Japanese Government Autonomous Driving Project

TIER IV has been chosen for a Japanese government project to develop standards for Level 4+ autonomous driving and create an open dataset using real-world and AI-generated data. Read more

Epson Robots Invests in Blank Beauty for Retail Automation

Epson Robots has invested in Blank Beauty to integrate robotics into retail, starting with custom nail polish kiosks. Read more

Vention Unveils AI Bin-Picking Robot at Automate 2025

At Automate 2025, Vention introduced its AI-powered bin-picking robot and motion control systems, highlighting real-time part recognition and modular robotic work cells. Read more

Amazon Introduces 'Vulcan' Warehouse Robot

Amazon has launched a new warehouse robot called Vulcan, equipped with force sensors to detect items it touches. The robot is operational in Spokane, Washington, and Hamburg, Germany, and has processed half a million orders. Read more

HD Hyundai and Persona AI to Develop Humanoid Welding Robots

HD Hyundai and Persona AI have signed an agreement to create humanoid robots for welding in shipyards, aiming to improve efficiency and safety. Read more

Path Robotics and ALM Positioners Implement AI Welding at TYCROP

On May 6, 2025, Path Robotics and ALM Positioners announced the implementation of their AI-powered welding solution at TYCROP, aimed at enhancing production performance and efficiency. Read more

WeRide and Uber to Expand Autonomous Vehicles to 15 Cities

WeRide and Uber have announced an expansion of their partnership to introduce autonomous vehicles in 15 additional cities globally over the next five years. This follows successful launches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with plans to operate outside the US and China. Read more

Orca AI Raises $72.5 Million for Autonomous Shipping

Orca AI, a company focused on autonomous navigation for shipping, has secured $72.5 million in Series B funding led by Brighton Park Capital. The investment will aid in advancing its AI-powered maritime technology to enhance efficiency and safety in the shipping sector. Read more

Autonomous Vehicles in 15 New Cities, Path Robotics & ALM Innovate AI Welding at TYCROP - Robotics Brief #16

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