Persona AI's $27M Boost, UPS's Robotic Future, and Naqi Logix's Neural Interface Breakthrough

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In this edition of the Robotics Brief, we're diving into the latest advancements and collaborations in the world of AI and robotics. Persona AI has secured $27 million in funding to develop humanoid robots for industrial applications, partnering with HD Hyundai to bring these innovations to the shipbuilding sector. Meanwhile, Naqi Logix Inc. is teaming up with Kinova Robotics to integrate neural interface technology into assistive robotics, aiming to enhance accessibility with the Jaco robotic arm.

Additionally, the former CEO of Synapse has launched a new humanoid robotics startup, targeting a $1 billion valuation. In the realm of logistics, United Parcel Service Inc. is exploring the use of humanoid robots with Figure AI Inc. to boost automation. These stories highlight the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of AI-driven robotics, showcasing significant investments and strategic partnerships shaping the future of technology.

Naqi Logix and Kinova Robotics Collaborate on Neural-Controlled Robotics

Naqi Logix Inc. has partnered with Kinova Robotics to integrate neural interface technology with the Jaco robotic arm, aiming to improve accessibility and interaction through brain-based control. Read more

Persona AI Secures $27M for Humanoid Robotics

Persona AI has raised $27 million in a pre-seed funding round to develop humanoid robots for shipbuilding and industrial manufacturing. The company plans to deploy these robots in partnership with HD Hyundai. Read more

AI Strategy Corp Launches 9-HI Platform for U.S. DoD

AI Strategy Corp has introduced its 9-HI platform to speed up the development of military technologies, including the SwarmStopper™ and Holosail, for testing by the U.S. Army. Read more

Former Synapse CEO Starts Humanoid Robotics Startup

The former CEO of Synapse has launched a new startup in humanoid robotics, aiming for a $1 billion valuation. Read more

I-Kingtec and Rino.ai Secure Major Funding for AI Technologies

Chinese startup I-Kingtec has raised $69.2 million to advance its AI-driven drone and robot technologies, while SF Express has invested $27.7 million in Rino.ai for expanding autonomous delivery vehicles. Read more

UPS Plans to Use Robots in Logistics with Figure AI

United Parcel Service Inc. is in talks with Figure AI Inc. to introduce humanoid robots into its logistics operations, as part of its strategy to enhance automation. Read more

ULS Robotics Secures $10M for AI Exoskeletons

Chinese startup ULS Robotics has raised $10 million in a Series B funding round to enhance production and AI integration of its consumer-grade exoskeletons. Read more

Alta Ares Secures €1M for AI Drone Tech

Alta Ares, a French startup, has raised €1 million to advance its AI-powered drone technology, with backing from Kima Ventures, Starburst Ventures, and Apeiron Venture Capital. The funding aims to boost product development and expand operations in Europe. Read more

UN Meeting on AI Weapons Regulation

Countries are gathering at the United Nations to discuss the regulation of AI-driven autonomous weapons, focusing on the need for international standards amid concerns over their use in conflicts. Read more

Realtime Robotics Introduces Resolver for Robotic Workcells

Realtime Robotics has launched Resolver, a cloud-based tool aimed at enhancing the design and deployment of robotic workcells by automating robot path planning. Read more

Huawei and UBTech Partner for AI-Robotics in China

Huawei Technologies has partnered with UBTech Robotics to advance humanoid robot development for factories and homes in China, focusing on transitioning from lab innovations to large-scale adoption. Read more

Meituan Invests $100 Million in AI Startup X Square Robot

Chinese AI startup X Square Robot has raised over $100 million in a Series A funding round, with Meituan leading the investment. The startup aims to advance its embodied AI models and robotic systems for smart service applications. Read more

GM Appoints Sterling Anderson as Chief Product Officer

General Motors has appointed Sterling Anderson, former head of Tesla's Autopilot and co-founder of Aurora, as Chief Product Officer. Anderson will oversee the product lifecycle and strategy for GM's vehicle portfolio starting June 2. Read more

LG Innotek and Boston Dynamics Collaborate on Atlas Robot Vision System

LG Innotek has partnered with Boston Dynamics to develop a vision sensing system for the Atlas humanoid robot, aiming to enhance its perception capabilities. Read more

Doosan Group Opens AI Lab and Partners with Stanford

Doosan Group has launched a Physical AI Lab to innovate in hardware intelligence, focusing on robotics and machinery. They have also partnered with Stanford University to enhance AI research and talent acquisition. Read more

NVIDIA Partners Unveil AI Solutions at Automate 2025

At Automate 2025, industry leaders like KUKA and Siemens showcased NVIDIA-accelerated AI solutions for industrial automation, highlighting advancements in robot training and collaborative robots. Read more

Saildrone Secures $60M for AI Maritime Hub in Copenhagen

Saildrone has announced a $60 million funding round to establish a new European headquarters in Copenhagen, focusing on AI-driven maritime security. Read more

Perrone Robotics Launches Transit Division

Perrone Robotics has created a new Transit Division to improve services in public and commercial passenger transit, focusing on deploying its TONY Autonomous Vehicle Kit and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Read more

Plus Tests Semi-Autonomous Trucks in Germany

Plus has completed a successful test of semi-autonomous trucks in Krefeld, Germany, with partners DSV, dm-drogerie markt, and IVECO, showcasing improvements in safety, efficiency, and fuel economy. Read more

Persona AI's $27M Boost, UPS's Robotic Future, and Naqi Logix's Neural Interface Breakthrough - Robotics Brief #17

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