PlusAI Targets 2027 for Autonomous Trucks, Lyft & Baidu Eye Europe

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In this edition of the Robotics Brief, we're diving into a range of exciting developments in the world of AI and robotics. PlusAI is setting ambitious targets for its autonomous truck technology, aiming for commercial readiness by 2027 in Texas. Meanwhile, Plus Automation and Kodiak Robotics are focusing on safety as they advance their driverless trucking technologies, backed by significant funding and legislative support.

In the realm of agricultural technology, Hesai Technology is collaborating with Agtonomy and Alpha Werke to provide 3D lidar sensors for autonomous farming robots, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. On the connectivity front, DefendEye is integrating Starlink Mini satellite connectivity into its drones, improving operations in areas lacking cellular coverage. Additionally, Lyft and Baidu are set to launch autonomous rides in Europe by 2026, pending regulatory approval, combining cutting-edge technology to enhance mobility across the continent.

Plus and Kodiak Prioritize Safety in Driverless Trucks

Plus Automation and Kodiak Robotics are advancing their driverless trucking technologies with a cautious approach, prioritizing safety amid significant funding and legislative support. Read more

Hesai Technology Provides Lidar for Autonomous Farming Robots

Hesai Technology has announced the supply of its JT series 3D lidar sensors to Agtonomy and Alpha Werke for use in autonomous farming robots. This collaboration aims to improve agricultural efficiency and sustainability. Read more

DefendEye Integrates Starlink Mini for Drone Connectivity

DefendEye has announced the integration of Starlink Mini satellite connectivity into its autonomous search drone, enabling global operation without cellular coverage. Read more

Lyft and Baidu to Launch Autonomous Rides in Europe by 2026

Lyft has partnered with Baidu to introduce autonomous vehicles in Germany and the UK starting in 2026, subject to regulatory approval. This initiative will combine Baidu's Apollo Go technology with Lyft's platform to improve mobility in Europe. Read more

Samsung Electronics Launches 'InnoX Lab' for AI and Robotics

Samsung Electronics has introduced 'InnoX Lab', a new initiative aimed at advancing humanoid robots, digital twin solutions, and physical AI to drive innovation and transformation within the company. Read more

UBTech Robotics Unveils Walker S2 Robot

UBTech Robotics has introduced the Walker S2, a humanoid robot capable of autonomously replacing its own battery pack, allowing for near-continuous operation. The robot's dual-battery system enables it to switch batteries in under three minutes, making it ideal for industrial and logistics applications. Read more

OpenMind Secures $20 Million for AI Development

Silicon Valley startup OpenMind has raised $20 million to advance its AI technology for robots, with Pantera Capital leading the funding round. Read more

Terafac Technologies Secures Rs 6.5 Crore in Pre-Seed Funding

Chandigarh-based AI robotics startup Terafac Technologies has raised Rs 6.5 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by Inuka Capital. The funding will be used to enhance their AI-powered vision system for automating welding processes. Read more

JD.Com Invests in Robotics Startup PaXini

JD.Com has led a Series A funding round for PaXini Tech, raising CNY1 billion to advance high-precision tactile sensors and humanoid robotic systems. Read more

Tefa Robotics Raises $1.45 Million for AI in Industrial Robots

South Korean startup Tefa Robotics has secured $1.45 million in Pre-Series A funding to enhance factory automation by integrating Physical AI into industrial robots. Read more

HD Hyundai and H-Line Shipping Partner on AI Ship Tech

HD Hyundai and H-Line Shipping have signed an agreement to co-develop AI-based autonomous ship technology, focusing on enhancing navigation and operational efficiency. Read more

Nextracker Expands into AI and Robotics with Acquisitions

Nextracker, a US solar tracker manufacturer, reported US$864 million in revenue for Q1 FY2026 and announced the acquisition of three robotics and AI firms to enhance its technology offerings. Read more

Raise Robotics Secures $7.75 Million in Seed Funding

On July 30, 2025, Raise Robotics announced it raised $7.75 million in seed funding to enhance its robotic platform for high-risk construction tasks. Read more

Saronic Technologies Launches Echelon for ASVs

Saronic Technologies has introduced Echelon, a new platform for mission planning, simulation, and command-and-control of Autonomous Surface Vessels. This platform aims to improve operational efficiency by allowing operators to manage multiple ASVs through a single interface. Read more

PlusAI Sets KPIs for Autonomous Trucks by 2027

PlusAI has announced key performance indicators for the commercial readiness of its autonomous truck technology, aiming for a 2027 launch in Texas. The KPIs highlight progress in safety and autonomy, with goals for 100% Safety Case Readiness and over 90% Remote Assistance-Free Trips. Read more

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PlusAI Targets 2027 for Autonomous Trucks, Lyft & Baidu Eye Europe - Robotics Brief #29

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