Shield AI and ST Engineering Collaborate on Hivemind Software, FedEx Unveils Autonomous Robotic Trailer Unloader, and Apptronik Secures $520M for Humanoid Robotics - Robotics Brief #55
February 12, 2026 -
Robotics Brief
Hi there,
In this edition of the Robotics Brief, we delve into a series of exciting developments in the world of AI and robotics. Shield AI and ST Engineering have joined forces to integrate Hivemind autonomy software into various platforms, aiming to enhance decision-making and mission execution capabilities. Meanwhile, Palladyne AI has successfully completed the first flight of its IntelliSwarm autonomy stack, showcasing its potential in decentralized edge autonomy on the Banshee loitering munition platform.
Additionally, FedEx has unveiled its new Scoop™ robotic trailer unloader, developed in collaboration with Berkshire Grey, which is set to revolutionize logistics by automating trailer unloading. In the realm of funding, Octobotics Tech Pvt. Ltd. has secured ₹10 crore to expand its AI robotics capabilities, while Chiral has raised $12 million to advance its AI-driven robotic platform. These stories, along with many others, highlight the rapid advancements and collaborations shaping the future of AI and robotics.
In this edition of the Robotics Brief, we delve into a series of exciting developments in the world of AI and robotics. Shield AI and ST Engineering have joined forces to integrate Hivemind autonomy software into various platforms, aiming to enhance decision-making and mission execution capabilities. Meanwhile, Palladyne AI has successfully completed the first flight of its IntelliSwarm autonomy stack, showcasing its potential in decentralized edge autonomy on the Banshee loitering munition platform.
Additionally, FedEx has unveiled its new Scoop™ robotic trailer unloader, developed in collaboration with Berkshire Grey, which is set to revolutionize logistics by automating trailer unloading. In the realm of funding, Octobotics Tech Pvt. Ltd. has secured ₹10 crore to expand its AI robotics capabilities, while Chiral has raised $12 million to advance its AI-driven robotic platform. These stories, along with many others, highlight the rapid advancements and collaborations shaping the future of AI and robotics.
Shield AI and ST Engineering Collaborate on Hivemind Software
US-based Shield AI and Singapore’s ST Engineering have partnered to explore integrating Hivemind autonomy software into selected platforms, aiming to enhance decision-making and mission execution. Read more
Palladyne AI's IntelliSwarm Completes First Flight
Palladyne AI has successfully completed the first flight of its IntelliSwarm autonomy stack integrated with the BRAIN X2 flight computer on the Banshee loitering munition platform. This achievement highlights advancements in decentralized edge autonomy for unmanned systems. Read more
FedEx Unveils Autonomous Robotic Trailer Unloader
FedEx has announced the launch of the Scoop™ robotic trailer unloader, developed with Berkshire Grey. This autonomous system is designed to improve safety and efficiency in logistics by automating trailer unloading, with implementation planned for 2026. Read more
Octobotics Secures ₹10 Crore for AI Robotics Expansion
Octobotics Tech Pvt. Ltd., an Indian robotics firm, has raised ₹10 crore in Series Seed funding led by Navam Capital to boost AI-enabled robotics development and expand internationally. Read more
Palladyne AI Tests IntelliSwarm on Banshee Platform
On February 5, 2026, Palladyne AI announced a successful flight test of its IntelliSwarm technology on the Banshee platform, showcasing advancements in AI-enabled unmanned systems for defense. Read more
Chiral Raises $12M to Develop AI Robotic Platform
Swiss startup Chiral, a spinout from ETH Zurich, has secured $12 million in seed funding to advance its AI-driven robotic platform for integrating nanomaterials like graphene into silicon wafers. Read more
US Army Implements Parsons' AI Counter-Drone Tech
The US Army is deploying Parsons Corporation's DroneArmor technology to improve security against unauthorized drones at the southern border, using AI and machine learning for threat detection and neutralization. Read more
UK MoD Advances Project NYX for Autonomous Drones
The UK Ministry of Defence has chosen seven companies to develop autonomous 'wingman' drones to support Apache helicopters, aiming for operational capability by 2030. Read more
Skyways to Build Largest Autonomous Drone Fleet
Austin-based Skyways Air Transportation has secured a $37 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to develop the world's largest fleet of fully autonomous drones, enhancing military logistics. Read more
Deft Robotics Secures Seed Funding for AI in Manufacturing
Deft Robotics, based in San Francisco, has obtained seed funding from Rainfall Ventures and SpringCamp to advance AI-driven humanoid robots for complex manufacturing tasks. Read more
Opentrons and NVIDIA Collaborate on AI Lab Robotics
Opentrons Labworks Inc. is partnering with NVIDIA to integrate AI into laboratory robotics. The collaboration aims to enhance drug discovery by using AI systems that learn from biological experiments. Read more
Shield AI Expands Partnership with Singapore for Drone AI
Shield AI has announced an expanded partnership with the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Defence Science and Technology Agency to develop AI for autonomous drones, enhancing their operational autonomy. Read more
Ambarella to Showcase AI Solutions at Embedded World 2026
Ambarella will exhibit its edge AI solutions at Embedded World 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany, featuring live demonstrations of AI SoCs and software tools for robotics and industrial automation. Read more
Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter Resigns
Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter has resigned after 30 years, with Amanda McMaster stepping in as interim CEO. Read more
Alibaba Introduces Open-Source AI Model RynnBrain
Alibaba has launched an AI model called RynnBrain, designed to improve robotics capabilities by enabling robots to understand their environment and identify objects. The model will be available as an open-source tool for developers globally. Read more
Beijing Yizhuang Hosts 300 Robotics Firms
Over 300 robotics companies are now based in the Beijing Yizhuang Economic-Technological Development Area, forming an industrial chain worth over 10 billion yuan. The area is a center for robotics innovation, supported by competitions and government incentives. Read more
Vention Launches GRIIP for Autonomous Manufacturing
Vention has introduced GRIIP, a new AI pipeline aimed at enhancing industrial automation by enabling autonomous robot cells to function without training data. Read more
Swarm Defense Joins $1.1 Billion Drone Program
Swarm Defense Technologies has been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of War's $1.1 billion Drone Dominance Program, focusing on deploying attack drone systems. Read more
Nauticus Robotics Receives $50 Million Investment for UAE Hub
Nauticus Robotics, Inc. has secured up to $50 million from Master Investment Group to create its first international manufacturing and offshore robotics services hub in the UAE. The investment will initially provide $3 million for startup activities, with additional funds for expanding operations and deploying Aquanaut® technology. Read more
UN Proposes Global Regulation for Self-Driving Cars
The UN has announced a draft regulation to ensure the safe deployment of self-driving vehicles globally, aiming for adoption by June 2026. Read more
Hesai Technology Partners with Grab for LiDAR Distribution
Hesai Technology has formed a strategic partnership with Grab, making Grab the exclusive distributor of its LiDAR products in Southeast Asia. This move aims to improve access to LiDAR sensors for industries like robotics and autonomous systems. Read more
ACE Robotics Secures Funding from Ant Group
ACE Robotics has completed an angel funding round led by Ant Group to advance its embodied robotics technology, focusing on environmental data systems and the Kairos 3.0 model. Read more
Helsing and Stark Win German Military Drone Contracts
The German military has awarded significant contracts to Helsing and Stark for unmanned drones, with backing from notable investors Daniel Ek and Peter Thiel. Read more
Occam Industries Raises €3 Million for Autonomous Drones
London-based defence tech startup Occam Industries has secured €3 million in funding to advance its autonomous drone technology for GPS-denied environments, with initial testing in Ukraine. Read more
Trener Robotics Raises $32 Million for AI in Automation
Trener Robotics, based in Norway and the US, has secured €26 million ($32 million) in Series A funding to enhance its AI platform for manufacturing robots. The funding will aid in R&D, skill training, and market expansion. Read more
Licorne Gulf Invests $205 Million in GCC AI Startups
Licorne Gulf has announced a $205 million investment to support AI and robotics startups in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This initiative aims to boost technological innovation and entrepreneurship in the area. Read more
AI-Powered Laser Sniper Unveiled by olee.space in India
India has introduced a compact AI-driven laser sniper developed by olee.space, mounted on an unmanned ground vehicle. This advanced weapon system uses AI for autonomous operation and is designed for close combat and perimeter security. Read more
Apptronik Secures $520 Million for Humanoid Robotics
Humanoid robotics startup Apptronik has raised $520 million, valuing the company at $5 billion. The funds will support the production of its Apollo humanoid robots, tested with partners like Mercedes-Benz and GXO Logistics. Read more
Algorized Raises $13 Million for Predictive Safety Engine
Algorized has secured $13 million in Series A funding to enhance its Predictive Safety Engine for industrial robotics. The funding round was led by Run Ventures with contributions from the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund and Acrobator Ventures. Read more
Allonic Secures Record Pre-Seed Funding with OpenAI and Hugging Face Support
Hungarian robotics startup Allonic has achieved a record-breaking $7.2 million in pre-seed funding, with backing from investors including OpenAI and Hugging Face. The company plans to innovate in robot manufacturing using its 3D Tissue Braiding technology. Read more
Haply Robotics Secures $16 Million for Haptic Tech
Montréal-based startup Haply Robotics has raised $16 million CAD to advance its haptic technology, enabling robots to interact with the physical world. The funding will support expansion, manufacturing, and hiring efforts. Read more
Articulus Surgical Receives Funding from Kalaari Capital
Medical robotics startup Articulus Surgical has secured funding from Kalaari Capital to enhance its surgical robotics systems in Indian hospitals. Read more
AI2 Launches MolmoSpaces for Embodied AI Research
AI2 has introduced MolmoSpaces, a platform for studying embodied learning in robotics, featuring extensive resources for research in robotic navigation and manipulation. Read more
We hope you enjoyed this article.
Consider subscribing to one of our newsletters like Robotics Brief or Daily AI Brief.
Also, consider following us on social media:
More from: Robotics
02/11
Ambarella to Showcase 'The Ambarella Edge' at Embedded World 2026
02/11
Opentrons Integrates NVIDIA AI Platforms to Advance Laboratory Robotics
02/08
Palladyne AI Completes First Flight of IntelliSwarm Autonomous Swarming System
02/05
Bedrock Robotics Raises $270 Million Series B to Scale Autonomous Construction
02/05
Faraday Future Launches Three Robot Series at NADA Show in Las Vegas
Subscribe to Robotics Brief
Weekly coverage of AI-driven robotics advances in industrial automation, autonomous vehicles, and robotic systems.
