Pony AI's $863M IPO, Rivian's Mind Robotics, and Shenzhen's Driverless Robotaxi

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In this edition of the Robotics Brief, we're diving into some exciting developments in the world of AI and robotics. Pony AI is making headlines with its plans to raise $863 million through a Hong Kong IPO, marking a significant step in its growth strategy. Meanwhile, Pony.ai and Shenzhen Xihu Corporation Limited have achieved a milestone by securing Shenzhen's first citywide permit for fully driverless commercial robotaxi operations, paving the way for a new era in urban mobility.

Additionally, Linker Vision is expanding its global footprint with its VisionAI platform, showcased at the Smart City Expo 2025 in Barcelona. On the industrial front, Rivian has launched Mind Robotics, a new venture focused on industrial AI, backed by $115 million in seed funding. These stories highlight the rapid advancements and investments in AI technologies, shaping the future of robotics and automation.

Pony AI to Raise $863 Million in Hong Kong IPO

Pony AI Inc. is planning to raise HK$6.7 billion ($863 million) through its upcoming listing in Hong Kong, with shares priced at HK$139 each. Read more

Pony.ai and Shenzhen Xihu Get Permit for Driverless Robotaxi in Shenzhen

Pony.ai and Shenzhen Xihu Corporation Limited have been granted Shenzhen's first citywide permit for fully driverless commercial robotaxi operations, marking a significant step in autonomous mobility. Read more

Rivian Launches Mind Robotics for Industrial AI

On November 4, 2025, Rivian announced the creation of Mind Robotics, a spinoff company focused on industrial AI and robotics, with $115 million in seed funding. Read more

Atinary and ABB Robotics Launch Self-Driving Lab

Deeptech startup Atinary has teamed up with ABB Robotics to develop a self-driving laboratory in Boston, aiming to boost R&D efficiency with AI and robotics. Read more

Volkswagen and Horizon Robotics to Develop In-House Chip

Volkswagen has announced a joint venture with Horizon Robotics to develop its first in-house chip for smart driving in the Chinese market. This initiative aims to boost Volkswagen's competitiveness amid declining sales and rising local competition. Read more

Tethys Robotics Raises €3.5 Million for Underwater Drone

Swiss startup Tethys Robotics has secured €3.5 million in pre-seed funding to advance its autonomous underwater drone, Tethys ONE, aimed at improving underwater inspections. Read more

WIRobotics' WIM KIDS Wins CES 2026 Innovation Award

WIRobotics has announced that its AI-driven wearable robot, WIM KIDS, has won the CES 2026 Innovation Award in the Digital Health category. The robot is designed to assist children in walking and adapts as they grow. Read more

RoboForce's AI Robot TITAN Featured by NVIDIA CEO

At the NVIDIA GTC keynote, RoboForce was highlighted by CEO Jensen Huang for its advancements in Physical AI with its AI robot TITAN, marking a significant step towards commercial production. Read more

Andon Labs Tests LLMs in Robot with Humorous Results

Researchers at Andon Labs integrated large language models into a vacuum robot to test their readiness for robotic use. The robot humorously malfunctioned, highlighting the need for further development. Read more

DeepRoute.ai Plans Robotaxi Launch by 2025

DeepRoute.ai intends to begin robotaxi operations using consumer-grade vehicles by the end of 2025, aiming to commercialize autonomous driving technology with significant investments. Read more

ATDev Joins ARPA-H Initiative for Robotic Mobility

Assistive Technology Development, Inc. (ATDev) has joined a $41 million initiative funded by ARPA-H to develop robotic technologies for people with disabilities. The project, led by the University of Pittsburgh, aims to enhance independence through open-source solutions. Read more

mimic Raises €13.8M for Robotic Dexterity

Zurich-based startup mimic has secured €13.8M in funding to develop AI systems for robots to perform complex tasks in manufacturing and logistics. Read more

Linker Vision Announces Global Expansion and AI Platform at Expo

At the Smart City Expo World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Linker Vision revealed its plans for global expansion and introduced advancements in its Physical AI platform aimed at enhancing urban operations. Read more

Booster Robotics Unveils Booster K1 Humanoid Robot

On October 30, 2025, Booster Robotics introduced the Booster K1 humanoid robot at their Ecosystem Conference in Beijing, highlighting its use for education and research. Read more

PL-Universe Robotics Partners with JD.com for New Robot Launch

PL-Universe Robotics has launched the ProWhite Robot 2.0 and PL-WitHand in collaboration with JD.com. This partnership aims to expand global sales and enhance industrial AI applications. Read more

Swarmbotics AI Unveils FireAnt Anti-Tank Drones

Swarmbotics AI has introduced FireAnt, a new ground-based drone designed for swarm operations to detect and destroy tanks. These drones offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional anti-tank weapons and can be controlled by a single operator. Read more

AgiBot and Longcheer Technology Deploy RW-RL in Robotics

AgiBot has implemented its Real-World Reinforcement Learning system in collaboration with Longcheer Technology on a pilot production line in Shanghai, marking a significant milestone in industrial robotics. Read more

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Pony AI's $863M IPO, Rivian's Mind Robotics, and Shenzhen's Driverless Robotaxi - Robotics Brief #41

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