OneRobotics Raises $210M, Japan's $58B Defense Budget Includes AI Drones, Waymo Integrates Gemini AI - Robotics Brief #49
January 02, 2026 -
Robotics Brief
Hi there,
Welcome to the latest edition of the Robotics Brief, where we delve into the dynamic world of AI and robotics. This week, we spotlight significant advancements and investments shaping the future of autonomous systems and AI-driven technologies. Hydra Drones has secured $5.4 million to advance its heavy-lift drone technology, while Xynova has raised $13 million to enhance its robotic hands and micro actuators. In a collaborative effort, XPENG and Peking University have unveiled the FastDriveVLA framework, promising to optimize computational efficiency in autonomous driving.
In regulatory news, China has updated its aviation laws to better regulate drones, aiming for improved safety standards. Meanwhile, Akara has launched a new AI robotics startup focused on enhancing hospital operations. On the financial front, OneRobotics has raised $210 million in a Hong Kong IPO to expand its market presence, and Rideflux has secured $13.9 million to advance its autonomous truck technology. These stories and more highlight the ongoing evolution and investment in AI and robotics, setting the stage for future innovations.
Welcome to the latest edition of the Robotics Brief, where we delve into the dynamic world of AI and robotics. This week, we spotlight significant advancements and investments shaping the future of autonomous systems and AI-driven technologies. Hydra Drones has secured $5.4 million to advance its heavy-lift drone technology, while Xynova has raised $13 million to enhance its robotic hands and micro actuators. In a collaborative effort, XPENG and Peking University have unveiled the FastDriveVLA framework, promising to optimize computational efficiency in autonomous driving.
In regulatory news, China has updated its aviation laws to better regulate drones, aiming for improved safety standards. Meanwhile, Akara has launched a new AI robotics startup focused on enhancing hospital operations. On the financial front, OneRobotics has raised $210 million in a Hong Kong IPO to expand its market presence, and Rideflux has secured $13.9 million to advance its autonomous truck technology. These stories and more highlight the ongoing evolution and investment in AI and robotics, setting the stage for future innovations.
Hydra Drones Secures $5.4 Million for Drone Development
UK-based Hydra Drones has raised $5.4 million to finalize the development of its HYDRA-400 heavy-lift drone, which can carry up to 400 kilograms and uses a hybrid propulsion system. Read more
Xynova Secures $13 Million for Robotics Development
Chinese robotics startup Xynova has raised over $13 million in an angel funding round to enhance research and development, expand its team, and begin mass production of its advanced robotic hands and micro actuators. Read more
XPENG and Peking University Unveil FastDriveVLA Framework
XPENG and Peking University have introduced the FastDriveVLA framework for visual token pruning in autonomous driving, which was accepted at AAAI 2026. The framework aims to enhance efficiency by significantly reducing computational load while maintaining planning accuracy. Read more
TIER IV to Create AI Dataset for Autonomous Driving
TIER IV is set to create a detailed AI dataset aimed at enhancing autonomous driving technologies as part of the NEDO initiative in Japan. Read more
China Updates Aviation Law for Drone Regulation
On December 27, 2025, China passed a revised aviation law to regulate unmanned aircraft, aiming to enhance safety standards in the drone sector. The new rules will be effective from July 1, 2026, requiring airworthiness certification for drone manufacturers and operators. Read more
Akara Launches AI Robotics Startup for Hospital Efficiency
Akara has introduced a new AI-driven robotics startup designed to minimize delays in hospital operating rooms. The technology employs thermal sensors and AI to enhance real-time monitoring and coordination, aiming to save significant costs in the healthcare system. Read more
OneRobotics Raises $210 Million in Hong Kong IPO
OneRobotics, a Shenzhen-based company, has raised $210 million in its Hong Kong IPO. The funds will support R&D and market expansion, with plans to launch the humanoid household robot, H1, in early 2026. Read more
Rideflux Raises $13.9M for Autonomous Trucks
Rideflux, a Korean startup, has secured $13.9 million in pre-IPO funding to boost its autonomous truck technology and operations, with plans for a KOSDAQ listing in 2026. Read more
Lockheed Martin Tests AI in X-62A VISTA
The Lockheed Martin X-62A VISTA is testing AI integration in flight, focusing on AI's role alongside human pilots in combat scenarios. Read more
NC AI Releases Baeki AI Model on Hugging Face
NC AI, a subsidiary of NCSOFT, has launched its open-source AI model Baeki on Hugging Face. The model is designed to meet industry needs in sectors such as manufacturing, defense, and logistics. Read more
ZenaTech Expands DaaS with Three Acquisitions
ZenaTech has completed three acquisitions to enhance its Drone-as-a-Service capabilities in North America, including companies in Washington, Illinois, and Halifax. Read more
Shenzhen Kingkey Invests in Huibo Robotics for AI in Agriculture
Shenzhen Kingkey Smart Agriculture Times has acquired a controlling stake in Huibo Robotics to establish an 'Embodied Robotics Research Institute'. This move aims to integrate AI and robotics into Kingkey's hog raising business. Read more
Ondas Holdings Secures $10 Million in Orders for Autonomous Systems
Ondas Holdings Inc. has announced new purchase orders totaling approximately $10 million for its autonomous systems portfolio. This development reflects growing demand from government and critical infrastructure sectors for advanced security solutions. Read more
TIER IV and JR Central Partner for Autonomous Mobility
TIER IV has announced a capital and business alliance with Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) to enhance first- and last-mile mobility solutions in Japan, integrating autonomous driving technology with railway services. Read more
Japan's $58 Billion Defense Budget Includes AI Drones
The Japanese government has approved a record defense budget of over 9 trillion yen, focusing on missile and drone capabilities, including AI-operated drones, amid tensions with China. Read more
Waymo Integrates Gemini AI in Robotaxis
Waymo is testing Google's Gemini AI chatbot as an in-car assistant for its robotaxis. The assistant aims to enhance rider experience by managing in-cabin functions and answering queries. Read more
POSCO DX Invests in Humanoid Robot Startup Persona AI
POSCO DX has invested $3 million in U.S. startup Persona AI to boost automation and safety in industrial settings through humanoid robots. Read more
European Investment Bank Funds Comau's AI Robotics R&D
The European Investment Bank has committed €50 million to Comau for advancing research in robotics and automation technologies, focusing on innovation across multiple industries in Italy. Read more
Seeing Machines Launches Future Mobility Group
Seeing Machines, based in Canberra, Australia, has launched a Future Mobility Group to enhance integration with autonomous vehicle programs. This initiative aims to meet the growing demand for human-centered safety systems as the industry transitions from development to commercial deployment. Read more
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