Pickle Robot Appoints Former Tesla Exec as CFO, Galbot Raises $300 Million

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In this edition of the Robotics Brief, we delve into the latest advancements in AI chips and data centers. LIG Nex1 has teamed up with Boss Semiconductor to create AI semiconductors specifically designed for drones and robots. This collaboration aims to boost autonomous capabilities while minimizing the need for cloud computing. Meanwhile, Renesas Electronics Corporation has launched the R-Car Gen 5 X5H, a cutting-edge 3nm automotive SoC, alongside the RoX Whitebox SDK, to support the development of software-defined vehicles.

Additionally, Nvidia has introduced the NitroGen AI model, developed in collaboration with Stanford and Caltech, which is set to revolutionize both gaming and robotics through its extensive gameplay training. These stories highlight the ongoing innovations in AI technology, underscoring the significant strides being made in enhancing autonomous systems and data processing capabilities.

Pickle Robot Appoints Former Tesla Exec as CFO

Pickle Robot has appointed Jeff Evanson, a former Tesla executive, as its first chief financial officer. The company is reportedly expanding its partnership with UPS, which plans to invest $120 million in purchasing 400 of Pickle's autonomous robots. Read more

Yann LeCun and Alexandre LeBrun's New AI Startup Targets $3.5 Billion Valuation

Yann LeCun, outgoing chief AI scientist at Meta, is planning a new AI startup with CEO Alexandre LeBrun, aiming for a $3.5 billion valuation. The startup seeks to raise $586 million to develop AI systems for robotics and transport. Read more

Renesas Unveils R-Car Gen 5 SoC and RoX SDK for Automotive AI

Renesas Electronics Corporation has launched the R-Car Gen 5 X5H, a multi-domain automotive SoC built on 3nm technology. The company also introduced the RoX Whitebox SDK to aid in the development of software-defined vehicles. Read more

Quantum Systems Acquires FERNRIDE for Autonomous Mobility

Quantum Systems has acquired FERNRIDE, a company known for its autonomous trucking technology, to enhance its ground mobility solutions. Read more

Wildberries Uses AI and Robotics to Boost E-Commerce

Wildberries, a major digital platform in Eurasia, is implementing artificial intelligence and robotics to enhance its e-commerce operations, including logistics and customer service. Read more

ScrubMarine Raises $1 Million for Autonomous Robots

ScrubMarine, a UK-based startup, has secured $1 million in pre-seed funding to advance its autonomous robotic systems for maritime inspection and maintenance. Read more

Peripheral Labs Uses AI for Sports Viewing

Peripheral Labs is developing volumetric video technology using AI to enhance sports viewing by allowing fans to view games from multiple angles. The startup has raised $3.6 million in seed funding and is in discussions with sports teams and leagues in North America. Read more

Unusual Machines Receives $3.75M Order from Performance Drone Works

Unusual Machines has secured a $3.75 million order from Performance Drone Works to aid in the expansion of PDW's AM-FPV program, aiming to bolster the U.S. drone infrastructure. Read more

Grab Acquires Infermove for $33 Million

Grab Holdings has acquired Chinese tech company Infermove for $33 million to enhance its AI-enabled robotics in food delivery. Infermove specializes in autonomous driving systems and robotics. Read more

Galbot Raises $300 Million, Hits $3 Billion Valuation

On December 19, 2025, Galbot announced a new funding round of over $300 million, boosting its valuation to $3 billion. The company plans to use the funds to advance technology and expand industry deployments. Read more

Terna Forward Invests €2 Million in Hibot and Hypermeteo

Terna Forward, part of the Terna Group, has invested nearly €2 million in Hibot and Hypermeteo. The investment aims to boost technological innovation in robotics and climate analysis. Read more

Hyundai to Reveal AI Robotics Strategy at CES 2026

Hyundai Motor Group will unveil its AI Robotics Strategy at CES 2026, highlighting human-robot collaboration and manufacturing innovations. The event will feature Boston Dynamics' new Atlas robot. Read more

Closer Robotics Secures ¥420 Million for AI Robots

Japan-based startup Closer Robotics has raised ¥420 million in a Pre-Series A funding round to enhance its AI-powered industrial robots, focusing on sectors like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Read more

LIG Nex1 and Boss Semiconductor Collaborate on AI Chips

LIG Nex1 has partnered with Boss Semiconductor to develop AI semiconductors for drones and robots, aiming to enhance autonomous capabilities and reduce cloud computing reliance. Read more

Momenta and Grab Collaborate on Autonomous Driving

Chinese startup Momenta has partnered with Singapore's Grab to enhance autonomous driving technology in Southeast Asia, following a recent investment from Grab. Read more

Waymo Resumes Robotaxi Service in San Francisco

Waymo has resumed its robotaxi service in San Francisco after a temporary suspension due to a blackout caused by a substation fire. Read more

Nvidia Launches NitroGen AI Model for Gaming and Robotics

A team from Nvidia, Stanford, and Caltech has introduced NitroGen, an AI model trained on extensive gameplay data, aimed at improving both gaming and robotics. Read more

CATL Uses Spirit AI Robots in Battery Production

Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) has started utilizing humanoid robots from Spirit AI at its Luoyang facility in China to enhance electric vehicle battery production efficiency. Read more

Deutsche Telekom Invests in Quantum Systems for Drone Tech

Deutsche Telekom has invested in Quantum Systems to advance drone technology aimed at protecting critical infrastructure in Germany and Europe, with involvement in Ukraine. Read more

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Pickle Robot Appoints Former Tesla Exec as CFO, Galbot Raises $300 Million - Robotics Brief #48

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