Estonia Deploys AI Vessel, Zimmer Biomet Expands Robotics - Robotics Brief #26
July 17, 2025 -
Robotics Brief
Hi there,
In this edition of the Robotics Brief, we're diving into some exciting developments in the world of AI and robotics. Estonia is taking a significant step towards enhancing its border security with Russia by deploying an AI-powered robotic vessel, funded by the EU, to monitor river sections along the border. Meanwhile, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. is set to expand its orthopedic robotics portfolio with the acquisition of Monogram Technologies Inc. for approximately $177 million.
In other news, Diligent Robotics is strengthening its leadership team by hiring two former executives from Cruise, a self-driving car company. Over in Berlin, MOTOR Ai has secured $20 million in seed funding to advance its neuroscience-driven autonomous driving technology. Additionally, AiMOGA and Chery Auto Group are teaming up to launch humanoid robots in automotive retail, aiming to enhance customer experiences in dealerships. Stay tuned for more updates on these and other stories in the world of AI and robotics.
In this edition of the Robotics Brief, we're diving into some exciting developments in the world of AI and robotics. Estonia is taking a significant step towards enhancing its border security with Russia by deploying an AI-powered robotic vessel, funded by the EU, to monitor river sections along the border. Meanwhile, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. is set to expand its orthopedic robotics portfolio with the acquisition of Monogram Technologies Inc. for approximately $177 million.
In other news, Diligent Robotics is strengthening its leadership team by hiring two former executives from Cruise, a self-driving car company. Over in Berlin, MOTOR Ai has secured $20 million in seed funding to advance its neuroscience-driven autonomous driving technology. Additionally, AiMOGA and Chery Auto Group are teaming up to launch humanoid robots in automotive retail, aiming to enhance customer experiences in dealerships. Stay tuned for more updates on these and other stories in the world of AI and robotics.
Estonia Uses AI Vessel for Border Patrol
Estonia plans to improve its border security with Russia by deploying an AI-powered robotic vessel. The project, funded by the EU, will monitor river sections along the border and should be operational in two years. Read more
Zimmer Biomet to Acquire Monogram Technologies for $177 Million
On July 14, 2025, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. announced its plan to acquire Monogram Technologies Inc. for approximately $177 million, aiming to enhance its orthopedic robotics portfolio. Read more
Diligent Robotics Strengthens Leadership with Cruise Alumni
Diligent Robotics has announced the hiring of two former executives from Cruise, a self-driving car company, to strengthen its leadership team. This move is part of Diligent Robotics' strategy to enhance its capabilities in the robotics sector. Read more
MOTOR Ai Secures $20M for Self-Driving Tech
Berlin-based company MOTOR Ai has raised $20 million in seed funding to advance its neuroscience-driven autonomous driving technology, focusing on transparency and European regulatory compliance. Read more
AiMOGA and Chery Auto Group Launch Humanoid Robots
On July 15, 2025, AiMOGA announced a partnership with Chery Auto Group to introduce humanoid robots in automotive retail, aiming to enhance customer experience in dealerships. Read more
Norwegian Defence Chooses Skydio Drones in $9.4M Deal
The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Defence has selected Skydio for a 101 million NOK tender to supply X10D autonomous drones, enhancing their military capabilities. Read more
Theker Raises $21M to Expand AI Robotics
Barcelona-based startup Theker has secured $21 million in seed funding to advance its AI-driven robotics technology, with Kibo Ventures and Inditex leading the round. Read more
Ukrainian Company Reveals TFL-1 Autonomous Drone
Ukrainian defense tech company The Fourth Law has introduced the TFL-1 autonomous drone, designed to strike targets independently, even amidst electronic warfare. The drone is already in use by Ukrainian forces and has received Western investment for further development. Read more
Fernride and HHLA TK Estonia Launch Driverless Port Operations
Fernride and HHLA TK Estonia have partnered to transition the terminal near Tallinn to driverless operations for terminal tractors, following TÜV SÜD certification of Fernride's safety concept. Read more
Intel Spins Off RealSense with $50M Funding
Intel has launched its AI robotics unit RealSense as an independent company, securing $50 million in Series A funding. The move is aimed at addressing the growing demand for humanoid robots. Read more
Greenroom Robotics Gets AUKUS Exemption for Vessel Software
Australian AI startup Greenroom Robotics has been granted an AUKUS exemption license, enabling it to share its autonomous vessel software with U.S. and British defense contractors. Read more
TIER IV to Test Level 4+ Autonomy in Japan
TIER IV has developed an end-to-end architecture for Level 4+ autonomy, set to be tested at 50 locations in Japan starting in early 2026. The system combines machine learning and rule-based components to improve autonomous driving in complex scenarios. Read more
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