OpenAI Seeks US Suppliers, Baidu and K2 in Abu Dhabi, VisionWave Expands in Europe - Robotics Brief #52
January 22, 2026 -
Robotics Brief
Hi there,
In this edition of the Robotics Brief, we delve into the latest advancements in AI chips and data center technologies. SpacemiT has successfully raised $86 million to accelerate the commercialization of its RISC-V-based chips, which are designed to enhance robotics and AI devices. Meanwhile, Ethernovia has secured over $90 million in Series B funding to develop Ethernet-based networking chips aimed at improving AI and autonomous systems. These developments highlight the growing investment and innovation in AI chip technology, which is crucial for the future of robotics and data centers.
Additionally, DEWALT has introduced a new downward drilling robot in collaboration with August Robotics, specifically designed for data center construction. This robot promises to significantly improve the speed and accuracy of drilling operations compared to traditional methods, showcasing the potential of robotics in enhancing infrastructure development. Stay tuned as we continue to explore these exciting advancements in AI and robotics.
In this edition of the Robotics Brief, we delve into the latest advancements in AI chips and data center technologies. SpacemiT has successfully raised $86 million to accelerate the commercialization of its RISC-V-based chips, which are designed to enhance robotics and AI devices. Meanwhile, Ethernovia has secured over $90 million in Series B funding to develop Ethernet-based networking chips aimed at improving AI and autonomous systems. These developments highlight the growing investment and innovation in AI chip technology, which is crucial for the future of robotics and data centers.
Additionally, DEWALT has introduced a new downward drilling robot in collaboration with August Robotics, specifically designed for data center construction. This robot promises to significantly improve the speed and accuracy of drilling operations compared to traditional methods, showcasing the potential of robotics in enhancing infrastructure development. Stay tuned as we continue to explore these exciting advancements in AI and robotics.
OpenAI Seeks US Suppliers for Robotics and AI Devices
OpenAI is seeking US-based suppliers to aid its expansion into consumer devices, robotics, and data center technology. The company is requesting proposals from manufacturers to bolster its hardware supply chain and domestic manufacturing. Read more
Baidu and K2 Launch Autonomous Ride-Hailing in Abu Dhabi
Baidu's Apollo Go and K2's AutoGo have initiated a fully autonomous ride-hailing service on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, after obtaining a commercial permit. The service plans to expand to other islands with a fleet increase by 2026. Read more
VisionWave Expands into European Market with New Agreements
VisionWave Holdings, Inc. has announced its expansion into the European market, securing a follow-on hardware order from a European client and entering a strategic distribution agreement to represent its products in Italy and Spain. Read more
Lotte Hotel Partners with RLWRLD for Humanoid Robots
Lotte Hotel & Resort has announced its involvement in a government-led project to develop humanoid robots for hotel services, partnering with RLWRLD to enhance operations like room maintenance and item delivery. Read more
GrazeMate Raises $1.2 Million for Livestock Tech
GrazeMate has secured $1.2 million in funding to advance its autonomous livestock management technology. The investment, led by Y Combinator, will support the development of a drone-based system to automate cattle movement. Read more
Hyundai Appoints Former Tesla Robotics Head as Adviser
South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group has appointed Milan Kovac, previously leading Tesla's humanoid robot program, as an adviser to boost its AI and robotics strategy. Read more
Nukkleus Inc. Acquires Nimbus Drones Technologies
On January 16, 2026, Nukkleus Inc. announced its acquisition of Nimbus Drones Technologies, aiming to enhance its AI-driven drone capabilities and defense technology portfolio. Read more
SpacemiT Raises $86 Million for AI Chip Production
Chinese chipmaker SpacemiT has secured $86 million in funding to boost the commercialization of its RISC-V-based chips, particularly for robotics and AI devices. Read more
CMES Robotics Wins AI-Driven Warehouse Projects
CMES Robotics has secured new multi-year automation projects to improve logistics for a North American food ingredient manufacturer, focusing on robotic bag palletizing. Read more
Andreas Klinger Raises €15 Million for Prototype Capital
Austrian investor Andreas Klinger has secured €15 million for his venture capital fund, Prototype Capital, to invest in European robotics and AI startups. Read more
Unbox Robotics Raises $28M in Series B Funding
Warehouse automation startup Unbox Robotics has secured $28 million in Series B funding, led by ICICI Venture. The investment will support team expansion, product development, and market growth. Read more
Google DeepMind CEO on Robotics and Startup Funding
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis announced upcoming advancements in robotics, including a partnership with Boston Dynamics to enhance Atlas robots with AI for use in Hyundai's plants. Read more
Ethernovia Raises $90M for AI Networking Chips
Ethernovia has secured $90 million in Series B funding to develop Ethernet-based networking chips for AI and robotics, with backing from investors like Porsche SE and Qualcomm Ventures. Read more
Black Sesame and COSCO Shipping Partner for AI Maritime Robots
On January 15, 2026, Black Sesame Technologies and COSCO Shipping announced a partnership to develop AI-powered robots for maritime inspections, aiming to improve vessel inspection capabilities. Read more
Konnex Secures $15 Million for Robotics Platform
Konnex has raised $15 million to enhance its robotics-as-a-service platform, aiming to create a marketplace for autonomous robots to perform physical work. Read more
Airbus Orders Humanoid Robots from UBTech
Airbus has ordered Walker S2 humanoid robots from UBTech Robotics Corp., resulting in an 8% rise in UBTech's shares. The robots will be deployed in Airbus's aircraft plants, with potential for further robotics applications in aviation manufacturing. Read more
Zipline Secures $600M Funding, Expands to Houston and Phoenix
Zipline has raised over $600 million, achieving a valuation of $7.6 billion, and is expanding its drone delivery services to Houston and Phoenix. Read more
VIA Technologies Launches Brillify for AI Innovations
VIA Technologies has launched Brillify, a new company aimed at advancing photonics and sensor technology for AI applications in various sectors. Read more
Neusoft and Cerence AI Partner for Automotive AI Solutions
On January 22, 2026, Neusoft Corporation and Cerence AI announced a strategic partnership to develop AI-powered automotive cockpit solutions, focusing on enhancing in-cabin interactions with voice AI. Read more
AI-Powered Humanoid Robots Market to Reach $15.26 Billion by 2030
The market for AI-powered humanoid robots is projected to grow significantly, with companies like Realbotix Corp. and Serve Robotics Inc. playing key roles in this expansion. The growth is driven by advancements in AI and increased demand in various sectors. Read more
Serve Robotics Acquires Diligent Robotics
Serve Robotics has announced its acquisition of Diligent Robotics to enhance its AI capabilities in healthcare automation. This move aims to expand Serve's robotics platform into hospital environments, leveraging Diligent's experience with AI-powered healthcare robots. Read more
Auterion Conducts Live-Fire Drone Swarm Test
Auterion has successfully completed a live-fire combat drone swarm strike at a U.S. military range in Florida. This test involved a single operator controlling three autonomous drones to hit separate targets, demonstrating advancements in AI-enabled military technology. Read more
DEWALT Unveils Downward Drilling Robot for Data Centers
DEWALT has launched a new robot in partnership with August Robotics, aimed at enhancing data center construction. The robot significantly speeds up drilling processes and improves accuracy, as demonstrated in pilot tests. Read more
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