Pony.ai's Robotaxi Service Now 24/7 in Guangzhou and Shenzhen - Robotics Brief #28

July 31, 2025 - Robotics Brief
Hi there,

Welcome to this edition of the Robotics Brief, where we delve into the latest advancements and partnerships shaping the world of robotics and AI. In Hangzhou, China, Guozi Robotics has launched an intelligent logistics project with TZ Group, deploying nearly 200 robots to automate excavator production. Meanwhile, Pony.ai has expanded its Robotaxi service to operate 24/7 in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, marking a significant milestone in autonomous vehicle operations.

In other news, AiMOGA Robotics has achieved a breakthrough with its Mornine robot, which autonomously opened car doors at a Chery dealership. At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2025, KEENON Robotics unveiled its XMAN-F1 humanoid robot, showcasing its interactive capabilities. Additionally, SunCubes has secured €1.1M to advance its drone charging technology, while DroneShield has been awarded a $5 million contract by the Australian government for counter-drone equipment. Stay tuned as we explore these stories and more in this edition.
AiMOGA's Mornine Robot Opens Car Doors Autonomously
AiMOGA Robotics has announced that its humanoid robot, Mornine, is the first to autonomously open car doors in a commercial setting at a Chery dealership in Wuhu, China. Read more
KEENON Robotics Launches XMAN-F1 Humanoid Robot at WAIC 2025
At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2025 in Shanghai, KEENON Robotics introduced its first bipedal humanoid service robot, XMAN-F1, showcasing its capabilities in various interactive scenarios. Read more
SunCubes Secures €1.1M for Drone Charging Tech
Milan-based company SunCubes has raised €1.1M in Seed funding to advance its laser-based drone charging technology, with investment from RoboIT, CrossConnect, and others. Read more
DroneShield Secures $5 Million ADF Contract
Defence technology company DroneShield has been awarded a $5 million contract by the Australian government to provide handheld counter-drone equipment to the Australian Defence Force as part of Project LAND156. Read more
Nauticus Robotics Partners with Advanced Ocean Systems
Nauticus Robotics, Inc. has entered into a Master Services Agreement with Advanced Ocean Systems, Inc. to work on integrating autonomous systems in the offshore industry. Initial trials will involve Nauticus' Aquanaut® at AOS's facility in Florida. Read more
HyperAccel Targets On-device AI Market
Korean AI semiconductor startup HyperAccel is entering the on-device AI market, focusing on robots and home appliances with its new AI accelerator 'Verda'. Read more
Shanghai Announces Autonomous Driving Zone Plan
During the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, Shanghai unveiled a plan to establish a leading zone for high-level autonomous driving, targeting over 6 million passenger trips by 2027. Read more
4AG Robotics Secures $29M for Mushroom Harvesting Tech
Canadian startup 4AG Robotics has raised $29 million in a Series B funding round to advance its autonomous mushroom harvesting technology and expand its operations. Read more
Luma and Runway Target Robotics and Self-Driving Cars
AI video-generating startups Luma and Runway are expanding their focus to include robotics and self-driving car companies as they seek new revenue streams beyond the film industry. Read more
Skild AI Unveils Skild Brain for Multi-Purpose Robots
Robotics startup Skild AI, supported by Amazon and SoftBank Group, has launched Skild Brain, an AI model aimed at enhancing robot capabilities for various tasks. Read more
Apera AI Secures Series A Funding and Expands Leadership
Apera AI has completed a Series A financing round with investments from BDC Capital and others, aimed at supporting growth in automotive and industrial sectors. The company also announced four new executive appointments to aid in its expansion. Read more
Doosan Robotics Acquires Majority Stake in ONExia
On July 28, 2025, Doosan Robotics announced its acquisition of an 89.59% stake in U.S.-based ONExia for $25.9 million, aiming to enhance its AI and robotics capabilities. Read more
PONY AI Gains Permit for Driverless Robotaxi in Shanghai
PONY AI has received a permit to operate fully driverless commercial robotaxi services in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area, marking its presence in all four Tier-1 cities in China. Read more
Glīd Unveils Unmanned Road-to-Rail Platform and Secures Funding
California-based startup Glīd has introduced an unmanned road-to-rail platform, featuring a hybrid-electric vehicle and AI system, while also securing $3.1 million in pre-seed funding. Read more
Olympus and Revival Healthcare Capital Launch Swan EndoSurgical
Tokyo-based Olympus and Austin, Texas-based Revival Healthcare Capital have partnered to create Swan EndoSurgical, focusing on robotic platforms for gastrointestinal treatments. Read more
Steadfast Robotics Uses AI Robots for Faster Wildfire Rebuild
Steadfast Robotics, a startup based in Los Angeles, is deploying AI-driven robots to speed up wildfire reconstruction in Southern California, reducing site preparation time by 60%. Read more
Ex-Apple Engineer Launches Delian Alliance Industries for Drone Tech
Dimitrios Kottas, formerly of Apple, has established Delian Alliance Industries in Athens to supply drones to European defense partners, aiming for cost-effective and rapid solutions. Read more
Bailey Equipment Partners with GreyOrange for AI Warehouse Automation
Bailey Equipment & Intralogistics has partnered with GreyOrange to integrate AI-driven automation solutions in warehouses, aiming to tackle labor shortages and operational demands. Read more
SAIC Beijing and LimX Dynamics Launch Joint Lab for Automotive AI
Shanghai Automotive Group (Beijing) Co., Ltd. has partnered with robotics startup LimX Dynamics to establish a joint lab aimed at advancing embodied intelligence in the automotive industry. The initiative focuses on developing technologies to enhance manufacturing and logistics through robotics. Read more
ARX Robotics Raises €11M for UGV Expansion
ARX Robotics, a Munich-based company, has secured an additional €11 million in a Series A extension to enhance its production of unmanned ground vehicles and software platform. Read more
Guozi Robotics and TZ Group Launch Intelligent Logistics Project
In Hangzhou, China, Guozi Robotics has introduced an advanced intelligent production and logistics system at TZ Group's new factory, utilizing nearly 200 robots to automate excavator production and improve operational flexibility. Read more
Pony.ai Expands Robotaxi Service to 24/7 in China
Pony.ai has launched its 24/7 Robotaxi service in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, marking a significant expansion from its previous 15-hour operations. The company is also conducting 24-hour testing in Beijing, utilizing its autonomous driving technology. Read more

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