SoftBank Eyes Agility Robotics, Kepler Unveils K2 'Bumblebee', and NVIDIA's AI Manufacturing Push - Robotics Brief #40
October 30, 2025 -
Robotics Brief
Hi there,
In this edition of the Robotics Brief, we delve into the latest developments in the world of robotics and artificial intelligence. SoftBank Group Corp. recently considered acquiring Agility Robotics for $900 million, showcasing its continued interest in the robotics sector. Although the acquisition did not materialize, SoftBank's investment in Agility's funding round underscores its commitment to advancing humanoid robotics. Meanwhile, at APEC 2025, HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Kisun highlighted the critical role of AI in sustainable shipbuilding, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to drive innovation in this field.
Additionally, Kepler Robotics introduced its K2 'Bumblebee' humanoid robot and developer platform at the IROS 2025 conference, aiming to enhance global humanoid robotics development. In the realm of AI-driven manufacturing, NVIDIA is partnering with major US firms to utilize its Omniverse technologies, addressing labor shortages and boosting productivity. These stories, among others, illustrate the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of AI and robotics, with companies worldwide pushing the boundaries of technology to create innovative solutions for various industries.
In this edition of the Robotics Brief, we delve into the latest developments in the world of robotics and artificial intelligence. SoftBank Group Corp. recently considered acquiring Agility Robotics for $900 million, showcasing its continued interest in the robotics sector. Although the acquisition did not materialize, SoftBank's investment in Agility's funding round underscores its commitment to advancing humanoid robotics. Meanwhile, at APEC 2025, HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Kisun highlighted the critical role of AI in sustainable shipbuilding, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to drive innovation in this field.
Additionally, Kepler Robotics introduced its K2 'Bumblebee' humanoid robot and developer platform at the IROS 2025 conference, aiming to enhance global humanoid robotics development. In the realm of AI-driven manufacturing, NVIDIA is partnering with major US firms to utilize its Omniverse technologies, addressing labor shortages and boosting productivity. These stories, among others, illustrate the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of AI and robotics, with companies worldwide pushing the boundaries of technology to create innovative solutions for various industries.
SoftBank Considered Acquiring Agility Robotics for $900 Million
Japanese conglomerate SoftBank Group Corp. explored acquiring Agility Robotics, valuing the startup at $900 million, but instead invested in its funding round, highlighting a focus on supporting independent robotics firms. Read more
HD Hyundai Chairman on AI in Sustainable Shipbuilding at APEC 2025
At APEC 2025, HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Kisun discussed AI's role in sustainable shipbuilding and the importance of global cooperation. Read more
Kepler Robotics Unveils K2 'Bumblebee' Robot and Developer Platform
At the IROS 2025 conference, Kepler Robotics introduced its K2 'Bumblebee' humanoid robot and a developer platform to encourage global collaboration in humanoid robotics. Read more
Green Hills and Infineon Launch Tools for PSOC™ Edge
Green Hills Software has announced the availability of advanced safety-certified development tools for Infineon Technologies' PSOC™ Edge microcontroller family. This integrated solution aims to streamline the development of applications for robotics, smart home devices, and industrial human-machine interfaces, focusing on safety and security. Read more
Nightfood Holdings Inc. Leverages AI for Market Uplisting
On October 20, 2025, Nightfood Holdings Inc. announced its strategic use of AI and robotics to enhance operations and prepare for uplisting to national exchanges. Read more
NVIDIA Partners with US Firms for AI-Driven Manufacturing
NVIDIA has announced a collaboration with major US manufacturers and robotics companies to use its Omniverse technologies for creating advanced robotic factories. This effort aims to tackle labor shortages and boost productivity in American manufacturing. Read more
The Bot Company Plans $250 Million Funding Round
The Bot Company, co-founded by Kyle Vogt, is reportedly in talks to raise $250 million, valuing the AI-driven robotics startup at over $4 billion. This move underscores growing interest in AI and robotics for household automation. Read more
AgiBot Unveils LinkCraft for Robot Performances
AgiBot has launched LinkCraft, a zero-code platform that transforms human motion videos into humanoid robot performances using AI motion capture and cloud-based learning. Read more
Ecorobotix Secures €128 Million for AI Farming Tech
Swiss AgTech company Ecorobotix has raised €128 million to advance its AI-driven Ultra-High Precision spraying technology, aiming to improve crop health and efficiency. Read more
Samsung Heavy Industries Partners with Rainbow Robotics for AI Robots
Samsung Heavy Industries has partnered with Rainbow Robotics to develop AI-equipped robots for the shipbuilding industry, focusing on welding and mobile dual-arm robots. Read more
SoftBank Invests in Humanoid Robots
SoftBank's CEO, Masayoshi Son, is making significant investments in humanoid robot startups, including Agility Robotics and Skild AI, aiming to lead in the robotics sector. Read more
Healinno Tech Reveals New Prostate Biopsy Robot
At the IROS 2025 conference, Healinno Tech and Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications introduced an ultrasound-guided hybrid robot for transperineal prostate biopsy, featuring advanced precision and flexibility. Read more
International Motors and PlusAI Partner with NVIDIA for Autonomous Trucks
International Motors and PlusAI are collaborating with NVIDIA to develop Level 4 autonomous trucks using the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Hyperion platform, aiming for production-ready vehicles for freight operations. Read more
Raytron and KargoBot Collaborate on Truck Safety
In Yantai, China, Raytron and KargoBot are working together to improve autonomous truck safety by integrating thermal cameras, enhancing all-weather perception and detection of road users. Read more
Carbon Robotics Raises $20 Million for AI Farm Robot
Seattle-based Carbon Robotics has secured $20 million to develop a new AI-powered farm robot, aiming to expand manufacturing and improve agricultural efficiency. Read more
Geekplus Unveils Robot Arm Picking Station for Unmanned Warehouses
On October 28, 2025, Geekplus announced its new Robot Arm Picking Station in Shanghai, aiming to enhance warehouse automation with a fully unmanned picking system. Read more
Spacedock and Space Robotics Workers Partner for In-Space Assembly
A collaboration between Space Robotics Workers and Spacedock aims to enhance modular in-space assembly using an AI-powered interface, with a ground demonstration planned for 2026. Read more
HD Hyundai Robotics Unveils Hi7 Robot Controller with AI Safety
On October 9, 2025, HD Hyundai Robotics announced the Hi7, an industrial robot controller with advanced AI safety features, including SafeSpace 2.0 for risk prediction and incident prevention. Read more
eInfochips and InOrbit.AI Partner for Robotics Solutions
eInfochips and InOrbit.AI have announced a strategic partnership to enhance edge-to-cloud robotics solutions, aiming to support large-scale autonomous mobile robot deployments. Read more
Oso Electric Equipment Acquires Electric Sheep Robotics
Oso Electric Equipment has acquired Electric Sheep Robotics, aiming to enhance AI-driven autonomous mowing technology by combining their electric powertrain with Electric Sheep's robotics and machine learning systems. Read more
Monteris and Symphony Partner on AI Micro-Robotics for Neurosurgery
Monteris Medical and Symphony Robotics have announced a strategic partnership to develop an AI-driven micro-robotic platform for precision in laser ablation surgeries for brain tumors. Read more
Summer Robotics Secures Series A Funding
Summer Robotics has completed the first closing of its Series A financing led by Applied Ventures, LLC to enhance its AI-powered machine vision platform. Read more
University of Virginia Develops Water-Walking Robots
Researchers at the University of Virginia have developed water-walking robots using the HydroSpread technique, aimed at enhancing environmental monitoring and disaster response. Read more
Open Navigation and 3Laws Partner for Robotics Safety
Open Navigation LLC and 3Laws have announced a strategic partnership to integrate the Nav2 navigation platform with 3Laws' universal safety layer, enhancing robotics safety and performance. Read more
AgiBot Robotics Unveils Innovations at IROS 2025
AgiBot Robotics presented its latest innovations at the IROS 2025 conference and organized a World Challenge event, showcasing advancements in robotics technology. Read more
TARS Robotics to Release Multimodal Dataset for Embodied AI
TARS Robotics has announced the launch of the World In Your Hands (WIYH) dataset, a large-scale Vision-Language-Tactile-Action dataset to enhance embodied intelligence, with access opening in December 2025. Read more
DroneDeploy Unveils AI and Robotics at Horizons 2025
At the Horizons 2025 conference, DroneDeploy introduced new AI agents and robotics innovations to improve data capture and analysis in various sectors. Read more
Agibot Unveils G2 Industrial Robot with Advanced AI
On October 16, 2025, Agibot introduced the Agibot G2, an advanced industrial robot designed for diverse applications, featuring enhanced hardware and AI for improved efficiency and safety. Read more
Leju Robotics Secures $200 Million Pre-IPO
Leju Robotics, a Chinese humanoid robot maker, has raised over $200 million in funding ahead of its IPO. The funds will be used for developing new robots and boosting production, with notable investors including Citic Goldstone and Shenzhen Investment Holdings. Read more
Arx Robotics and Deutz Collaborate on Unmanned Defense Systems
The Munich-based startup Arx Robotics has partnered with engine manufacturer Deutz to develop unmanned defense systems for European armed forces, integrating Deutz's drive systems into Arx Robotics' vehicles. Read more
GrayMatter Robotics Opens AI Robotics Center in California
GrayMatter Robotics has inaugurated a 100,000-square-foot headquarters and innovation center in Carson, California, aimed at advancing AI-powered manufacturing automation and creating over 100 jobs. Read more
Astra Mobility Meta and W Motors to Develop 30,000 Autonomous Vehicles
Astra Mobility Meta, a subsidiary of Robo.ai, has partnered with W Motors to produce 30,000 smart electric and autonomous vehicles over five years, with manufacturing in Dubai. Read more
Augmentus Receives Investment from Applied Ventures
Augmentus, a Singapore-based AI-robotics company, has secured strategic investment from Applied Ventures to enhance its AutoPath™ robotics stack for high-mix manufacturing. Read more
Medtronic Expands London Office for AI and Robotics Hub
Medtronic has expanded its London office to 25,000 sq ft and increased its workforce to over 200, aiming to create a global center for AI and robotics in surgery. This investment is part of a multi-million-dollar commitment to the UK healthcare sector. Read more
Remedy Robotics Unveils Remote Surgical Robot
Remedy Robotics has launched the Remedy N1 System, an AI-enabled robotic system for remote endovascular procedures. The system has successfully completed its first remote neurointerventional procedures at Unity Health Toronto. Read more
Burkhan Capital Invests $300 Million in Robo.ai
Burkhan Capital LLC has led a $300 million investment in Robo.ai Inc. to enhance its AI and robotics platform and support global expansion. Read more
Remedy Robotics Partners with Mission Thrombectomy for Stroke Treatment
Remedy Robotics has partnered with Mission Thrombectomy to enhance access to endovascular thrombectomy for stroke patients using telerobotics. The collaboration aims to improve treatment availability, especially in underserved regions. Read more
Nauticus Robotics Secures $250 Million for Mineral Exploration
Nauticus Robotics has obtained a $250 million equity line to expand its operations into deep-sea rare earth mineral exploration, utilizing its autonomous robotics and AI technologies. Read more
Palladyne AI and Draganfly Partner for Drone Autonomy
Palladyne AI and Draganfly are collaborating to integrate AI software into UAV platforms, enhancing autonomous operations and swarming capabilities for various sectors. Read more
Nvidia Plans $3 Billion Robotaxi Fleet
Nvidia is reportedly developing a $3 billion robotaxi fleet to compete with Tesla and Waymo in the autonomous mobility market. Read more
Saronic and NVIDIA Partner for AI in Maritime
Saronic Technologies has partnered with NVIDIA to enhance maritime autonomy and shipbuilding using AI, integrating NVIDIA's technologies with Saronic's expertise. Read more
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