Seven-Eleven's Robot Revolution, Mercedes-Benz's Chip Venture, and Nvidia's AI Leap

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In this edition of the Robotics Brief, we delve into the latest advancements and collaborations in the realm of AI and robotics. Seven-Eleven Japan and Telexistence are working together to develop 'Astra,' a humanoid robot aimed at automating convenience store operations by 2029. Meanwhile, Ilmor and HavocAI have joined forces to enhance maritime defense capabilities with autonomous vessels equipped with electric propulsion systems.

Additionally, Mercedes-Benz has launched Athos Silicon, a new company focused on creating semiconductors for autonomous vehicles and drones. In a significant partnership, Nvidia and Fujitsu are collaborating on AI projects to advance smart robots and AI infrastructure in Japan. These stories highlight the ongoing innovations and strategic partnerships shaping the future of AI and robotics.

Seven-Eleven Japan and Telexistence to Develop AI-Powered Robots

Seven-Eleven Japan and Telexistence have partnered to create 'Astra,' a humanoid robot using generative AI, to improve convenience store operations by 2029. Read more

Ilmor and HavocAI Partner for Autonomous Maritime Defense

On October 2, 2025, Ilmor and HavocAI announced a partnership to integrate electric propulsion systems into autonomous vessels for national security. Read more

Mercedes-Benz Launches Athos Silicon for Autonomous Vehicle Chips

On September 26, 2025, Mercedes-Benz announced the creation of Athos Silicon, a new company focused on developing semiconductors for autonomous vehicles and drones. Read more

Nvidia and Fujitsu Partner on AI Projects

U.S. company Nvidia and Japanese firm Fujitsu have announced a collaboration to develop AI projects, focusing on smart robots and AI infrastructure in Japan. Read more

Waymo's NYC Robotaxi Testing Extended to 2025

New York City regulators have extended Waymo's permit for autonomous vehicle testing until the end of 2025, allowing the company to continue its efforts towards launching a robotaxi service. Read more

CJ Logistics and Aidin Robotics Partner on Humanoid Robot for Logistics

CJ Logistics and Aidin Robotics are collaborating on a government-backed project to develop a humanoid robot with a robotic hand for logistics, aiming to improve efficiency by 2028. Read more

Unusual Machines Inc. Wins $800,000 Drone Parts Contract

Unusual Machines Inc. has secured a contract with Red Cat Holdings Inc. to provide components for the FANG drone platform, valued at $800,000. Read more

TIER IV to Develop Digital Infrastructure for Autonomous Buses in Japan

TIER IV has been chosen by Japan's NEDO to develop digital infrastructure for the transport network, aiming to support autonomous bus services and address labor shortages. Read more

Solideon Defense Opens Autonomous Facility in Virginia

In Norfolk, Virginia, Solideon Defense has launched a new autonomous production facility to boost the U.S. submarine industrial base, in collaboration with Fairlead. Read more

Crow Industries Marks One Year of Fenris UGV

Crow Industries celebrates the one-year milestone of Fenris, the first U.S. Group 2 Unmanned Ground Vehicle designed for defense and mining, highlighting its impact on battlefield operations. Read more

P2P Group Deploys StealthWave Demo Units for Defense

P2P Group Ltd. has deployed 10 StealthWave demo units for evaluation with drone manufacturers and North American Special Forces, showcasing real-time spatial intelligence and HumanRadar technology. Read more

Ashish Kumar Leaves Tesla for Meta

Ashish Kumar, formerly leading Tesla's Optimus AI team, has joined Meta as a research scientist, affecting Tesla's humanoid robot development. Read more

Nissan Updates ProPilot and Plans Autonomous Ride-Share

Nissan is enhancing its ProPilot driver-assistance system to compete with Tesla, aiming for a 2028 launch. The company also plans to introduce an autonomous ride-share service by 2027. Read more

Made Scientific and Streamline Bio Partner on AI Robotics for Cell Therapies

Made Scientific and Streamline Bio have announced a collaboration to enhance AI-driven robotic manufacturing for cell therapies, aiming to automate processes and improve efficiency. Read more

VECROS Technologies Develops AI Drone for GPS-Free Navigation

Bengaluru-based startup VECROS Technologies has developed AI-powered drones capable of navigating without GPS, using advanced vision systems to enhance operational efficiency in various sectors. Read more

Panda Surgical Secures $1.3M for Neurosurgical Robot

Panda Surgical has raised $1.3 million to further develop its handheld robotic system for neurosurgery, with backing from Oxford Investment Consultants and others. Read more

Lucid Bots Launches Robotic Painting System with Sherpa Drone

On October 8, 2025, Lucid Bots introduced a new robotic painting system utilizing the Sherpa Drone, offering faster and more cost-effective solutions for commercial painting projects. Read more

SoftBank Acquires ABB's Robotics Unit for $5.375 Billion

Japanese conglomerate SoftBank Group has announced its acquisition of ABB Group's robotics unit for $5.375 billion, with the deal expected to close by 2026. Read more

Velodyne Space Unveils AI-Powered Drone Defense System

On October 8, 2025, Velodyne Space announced a new Drone Catching System developed by CEO David Hall, aimed at neutralizing drone threats using AI technology. Read more

Hoverfly Technologies Secures $20 Million Series B Funding

Hoverfly Technologies has closed a $20 million Series B funding round, led by Leonardo DRS and Korea Robot Manufacturing, to enhance its tethered drone capabilities and establish a U.S.-based supply chain for UAV components. Read more

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Seven-Eleven's Robot Revolution, Mercedes-Benz's Chip Venture, and Nvidia's AI Leap - Robotics Brief #38

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