At its WAIC 2026 booth, Keenon Robotics demonstrated autonomous humanoid robot operation across four scenarios: coffee making, hotel laundry, a dessert shop, and retail pickup, all without teleoperation. The XMAN-R1 independently picked up a cup, made coffee, and delivered it to a latte art machine for printing.
STIER has launched PolishX axial flexible force control, achieving stable force output as low as 4N for surface treatment processes such as weld seam grinding, curved surface polishing, and weld slag removal. The product uses a floating drive architecture and a self-developed force-position control algorithm, provides multi-orientation gravity compensation and floating stroke compensation, and can adapt to a variety of mainstream industrial robots, reducing over-grinding, indentation, and rework.
Stial has won a flexible grinding robot project from a leading domestic automotive steering system company, providing a full AI flexible grinding solution for its precision automotive structural parts and new energy vehicle supporting components. The project uses Stial's self-developed six-axis robot equipped with the PolishX flexible force control and NextBrain™ Mogu Cloud system, achieving contact force control accuracy of ±0.5% FS through hybrid force/position control and real-time gravity compensation to complete deburring, chamfering, surface finishing and other processes.
Livox has released the ultra-long-range LiDAR Avia 2, aimed at power line inspection, roadside obstacle detection, and bulk material measurement in coal yards and grain silos, with a maximum cutoff detection range of up to 1,000 meters using a 1535nm laser.
Why it matters: The original article lists measured detection ranges at different reflectivities and field-of-view switching options, which can be used to assess the deployment cost of replacing multiple sensors with a single device.
Stial recently won a project to upgrade the intelligent flexible polishing production line of a leading domestic precision metal composite materials company, with an order value in the millions of yuan. The solution deploys multiple AI flexible polishing workstations, uses the NextBrain™ Mogu Cloud system for multi-task intelligent decision-making, and is equipped with the self-developed PolishX flexible force control system at the end effector. Through hybrid force/position control and real-time gravity compensation, it adapts to irregular curved surface profiles and dynamically adjusts contact force, serving the AI computing center's liquid cooling pipelines to improve mass-production quality and efficiency.
Elephant Robotics has launched the ultraArm P1, a 4-DOF programmable desktop smart palletizing stepper robotic arm upgraded from the ultraArm P340 platform. The product supports drag-and-drop teach programming, features absolute encoders, collision detection, a built-in LCD screen, and a dual-core control architecture, with a working radius extended by 20 mm. It targets robotics education, academic research, prototyping, and commercial application scenarios.
Westwood Robotics releases the fourth installment of its BEAR actuator tutorial series, walking through the control table register architecture via the BEAR Data Control GUI: CONFIG registers are used to set PID gains, baud rate, hardware limits, and safety thresholds, while STAT registers manage runtime states and telemetry feedback.
On July 25, JAKA Robotics' self-developed JAKA π (π Zai) lightweight legged humanoid robot appeared at the Changzhou home match of the Suzhou Super League, where multiple robots danced in coordinated formation, hitting precise beats to the music. The robot is 1.2 meters tall, weighs 42 kg, and has 27 degrees-of-freedom joints. It uses a fused "brain + cerebellum" architecture, combining 1 ms EtherCAT high-speed servo communication with kilohertz-level joint feedback to achieve stable motion output. The JAKA Kargo wheeled humanoid robot project, built on the same underlying technology, was selected as a typical case among Jiangsu Province's top ten application scenarios for embodied intelligent robots.
Wandercraft's self-balancing rehabilitation exoskeleton Atalante X has received approval from Ecuador's health regulator ARCSA for rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury (C4 to L5), post-stroke hemiplegia, and multiple sclerosis. The device balances autonomously without crutches and is already in use at more than 150 clinical and research institutions worldwide; La Clínica de Lesiones Deportivas in Quito will be the first center in Ecuador to introduce the device, and the company is also evaluating markets such as Costa Rica and Chile.
Keli Sensing co-organized the 5th Embodied Intelligence and Humanoid Robotics Industry Connection Conference held in Ningbo, and showcased its multi-dimensional force product series, with Chairman and President Ke Jiandong delivering a keynote speech. The company proposed a strategy of building from a "sensor forest" foundation toward a robotics industry ecosystem, and is developing robot sensors for force perception, touch, vision, inertial navigation, vibration, and temperature and humidity. It is also advancing the construction of a 40,000-square-meter robotics industry building and plans to open Zhejiang's first robot 4S store, gathering more than 100 robot-related enterprises and integrating 8 core functions.
The key to the NexArm robotic arm's smooth start and stop at a 500mm reach is its high-precision magnetic-encoder bus servos. The 12-bit magnetic angle sensors in the core joints provide 360° absolute angle detection and 4096-step position resolution, and their contactless measurement avoids wear.
During the 2026 World AI Conference, Fudan University's Institute of Intelligent Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Innovation presented achievements in embodied intelligence, physical intelligence, and related areas. Professor Su Hao delivered a keynote speech on physical intelligence at the main forum; Sudo Technology made its first public appearance in China and demonstrated a four-robot collaborative battery module assembly production line; and Zhang Lihua's team's intelligent inspection robot dog appeared on a CCTV program.
During the four-day WAIC 2026 exhibition, Elite Robots showcased collaborative robots, mobile manipulators, wheeled humanoid robots, and a coffee robot, and ran a live full-process optical module production line on site. Over the course of the exhibition, the booth received nearly 10,000 visitors, held signing ceremonies with multiple batches of strategic partners, announced the industry-education integration strategy of its sub-brand "Aifan Robotics" and the new commercial layout of "Qianbi Intelligent Robot," welcomed visiting government leaders at multiple levels from Jiangsu, Shanghai, Anhui, and other regions, and hosted five themed presentations.
At WAIC 2026, Youibot publicly unveiled its industrial humanoid robot Edge offline for the first time; five Edge robots and one mobile transport robot collaborated in a simulated line-side warehouse to complete material picking and delivery. The demonstration is based on its industrial embodied intelligence foundation model FabriX and a "one brain, multiple embodiments" architecture, in which a unified control framework dynamically decomposes workflows and assigns tasks. After leaving the factory, Edge requires only 50 training demonstrations to reach a success rate of up to 90% on applicable tasks, and it iterates training on a 24-hour cycle.
At 2026 WAIC, JAKA Robotics' full-stack, in-house developed embodied intelligence products were showcased together. The JAKA K1-25 humanoid robot weighs under 25 kg, has a maximum payload of up to 30 kg, and features 1 kHz force-control response and ±0.1 mm repeat positioning accuracy; the new energy motor collaborative assembly system jointly built by JAKA Kargo and Hasco Automotive has a recognition accuracy of 99% and can complete 0.5 mm fine-thread screw fastening in 10 seconds.
At WAIC 2026, Juwei Technology unveiled the Curious S01 industrial high-speed wheeled quadruped robot and JW106P, the world's first embodied-intelligence flat-wire joint. The JW106P joint module achieves 90% efficiency, 600 N·m peak torque, and 276 N·m/kg torque density; the MOVENEW P series "four-proof" models carry 200-400 kg loads with 8-12 hours of battery life. The exhibition also presented a closed loop of "four-proof body + real industrial machine data + embodied industrial brain." The company obtained the world's first composite explosion-proof certification for wheeled-legged robots in April this year.
At the "Intelligent Trends Forum" at WAIC 2026, Cao Yunan, Chairman of Elite Robots, delivered a speech titled "Optically Connected Intelligence: The Strategic Outpost of Physical AI," noting that physical AI deployment faces four bottlenecks: data, models, execution, and scale. The company's self-developed "Yuanqi Primo" solution enables on-site cold start with a small number of samples, keeps sensitive data resident locally, and evolves through federated intelligence; it has already achieved scaled deployment in optical communications manufacturing. Its Suzhou super factory is expected to be completed and put into operation by the end of 2026, and the company has accumulated millions of robot operation trajectories and hundreds of millions of force-tactile sensor sampling data points.
Booster Robotics announced that it has secured another round of strategic funding. The first batch of fully paid orders for its new Booster K1 sold out within 20 minutes, and dealers placed orders for more than 1,000 units at the launch event; the company promised 3x compensation for any undelivered orders by the end of December. It has delivered more than 700 humanoid robots worldwide, serving over 200 customers. Production capacity is expected to reach the tens of thousands of units level next year. Booster K1 runs on the Booster Agents platform, offering APIs, an open-source framework, and a no-code teaching method.
Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot Atlas handed the match ball to the referee and performed a series of soccer celebration moves during halftime of the 2026 FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match between Norway and Brazil on July 5. This was the first public appearance of the production version of Atlas and the first robot halftime performance in World Cup history. The behavior is based on reinforcement-learning whole-body control training and was tested in both the lab and real environments; it was a live demonstration rather than an on-site autonomous operational deployment. The event is related to Hyundai's "Next Starts Now" project.
UBTECH Robotics has signed a cooperation agreement with European robotics integrator Terra Robotics, which will serve as its exclusive distributor and strategic partner in the German-speaking region (Germany, Switzerland, Austria). Terra Robotics has purchased an initial batch of dozens of full-size embodied intelligent humanoid robots, deployed at the logistics center of European retailer ROSSMANN to perform repetitive tasks such as handling and sorting through long-term, large-scale pilot operations.
1X Technologies announced a 25-DOF tendon-driven dexterous hand for the NEO humanoid robot platform, which will ship with every NEO unit.
Why it matters: The original article provides key specifications and production progress for the 25-DOF tendon-driven hand, which readers can use to assess its actual impact on humanoid manipulation capabilities.
DEEP Robotics held its Global Partner Conference in Hangzhou on June 27, bringing together more than 500 partners and unveiling its "1+X+N" development strategy: one embodied brain, X product series covering quadruped, wheeled-legged, and humanoid robots, and N industry application scenarios.
STIER has won the bid for an intelligent manufacturing production line project from a globally renowned lighting company and will build an intelligent flexible production line covering upstream welding and downstream AI flexible grinding. The downstream grinding uses its AI flexible grinding robot, equipped with the self-developed PolishX flexible force control system and the AI brain NextBrain™ Mogu Cloud system. Through hybrid force/position control and real-time gravity compensation, it handles burrs, curved-surface polishing, and edge and corner grinding, while the entire line achieves coordinated linkage of welding, grinding, conveying, dust removal, and inspection.
Yaskawa Electric announced that YASKAWA Europe Robotics d.o.o. will build a new logistics facility, the ERDC (European Robotics Distribution Center), in the city of Kocevje, Slovenia, and will relocate and expand YASKAWA Ristro d.o.o., currently located in the city of Ribnica, to the same site, consolidating development, production, and systems operations.
Why it matters: The original article provides hard figures such as investment amount, floor area, and monthly production capacity, which can be used to gauge the scale of change in Yaskawa's European logistics and production capacity layout.
Mobile robot chassis selection should be evaluated across six dimensions: terrain adaptation, drive and steering architecture, core hardware reliability, modular expansion, software ecosystem, and mass-production delivery, using the AgileX Robotics UMR four-wheel four-steering omnidirectional chassis as a reference.
Apptronik announced the expansion of its Robot Park humanoid robot data collection and training facility in Austin to nearly 90,000 square feet, and released the Apollo 2 humanoid robot in bipedal and wheeled configurations.
Dexmate argues in a post that the deployment ceiling for industrial Physical AI is set by hardware rather than models, using its own Vega 1 Pro as an example.
The STIER PolishV series introduces three radial flexible grinding tools: a flexible spindle, a flexible engraving grinder, and a flexible reciprocating file. They use a 360° circumferential floating plus ±5° oscillation architecture and can be paired with various abrasives to handle deburring, flash, and parting-line challenges. The three tools target precision grinding of high-hardness complex workpieces, narrow-groove recessed areas, and soft workpieces such as copper busbars, covering scenarios from large castings to micro die castings. Practical cases include deburring bearing brackets, weld seam grinding for new energy vehicle battery boxes, and removing tool marks from server wiring copper busbars.
The KPMG China Future Unicorn AI List (Yangtze River Delta region) award ceremony was held in Shanghai on October 19. STIAL was selected as one of the "Innovation Double 30 Enterprises" for its AI embodied intelligent robot system for grinding scenarios. Its NextBrainAI Mogu Cloud system integrates a cognitive system with force, tactile, visual, and auditory perception, combines intelligent trajectory planning with intelligent process recipe generation, and achieves intelligent grinding based on deep learning and reinforcement learning.
Wandercraft has entered a commercial partnership with National Seating & Mobility (NSM), under which NSM will become the exclusive CRT distribution partner for Eve, its self-balancing personal exoskeleton for home use.
Robot.com announced the commercial launch of the R-noid™ humanoid robot, deployed under a Robot-as-a-Service model within 8–12 weeks after an initial site survey. The initial offering covers five solutions: Restaurant Assistant, Packer, Picker, Folder, and Host, targeting six industries: industrial, logistics, healthcare, food service, hospitality, and experience.
NEURA Robotics will showcase a full-stack product portfolio spanning collaborative robots, mobile autonomous transport, and humanoid robots at Automate 2026 in Chicago from June 22-25, and will demonstrate the Neuraverse platform and NEURA Gyms training environment.
Ati Robotics will appear at Automate 2026 from June 22–25 (Booth 450, South Hall, McCormick Place), running a continuous multi-robot collaborative material handling workflow featuring the Sherpa XT Lite tugger, the Sherpa Mecha humanoid robot, and the Sherpa Pallet Mover.
Genesis AI has unveiled Eno, its first agentic robot, which integrates an AI agent and a general-purpose robot into a single system that can reason, plan, and act in the real world. Eno was developed end to end in house at Genesis, spanning simulation, the GENE foundation model, the data engine, the dexterous hand, and the robot body, so that intelligence and hardware advance as one. The product is positioned as matching human capability without imitating human form, aiming to extend rather than replicate human abilities.
IPLUSMOBOT will exhibit three AMRs at Automate 2026 (June 22–25, McCormick Place, Chicago, Booth #26027): the QN1416 counterbalance high-precision heavy-load transport robot, the Omni2.5T omnidirectional mobile robot (millimeter-level positioning), and the EMMA 400L for light-load rapid deployment.
Deep Robotics' wheeled-legged robot Lynx M20, equipped with a smart utility tunnel solution, has been deployed for inspection in nearly 26 kilometers of underground utility tunnels at Chengdu Future Science and Technology City. The robot combines wheeled and legged locomotion, can pass through passages as narrow as 50 centimeters, and supports autonomous charging and automatic return for 7×24-hour inspection. It integrates infrared temperature measurement, gas detection, high-definition cameras, acoustic collection, and other sensor modules, and works with Junyi Digital to carry a digital twin operations and maintenance system, enabling three-tier red, orange, and yellow alerts and a closed digital inspection loop.
Yaskawa Electric has begun sales of the MOTOMAN-GP215L, GP400L, and GP700 robots for handling large workpieces, with payload capacities of 215 kg, 400 kg, and 700 kg and maximum reaches of 3114 mm, 3718 mm, and 2845 mm, respectively. The three models increase wrist allowable values by up to 44%, 110%, and 60% compared with equivalent-class models, targeting the handling of workpieces such as automotive bodies, die-cast parts, and battery cells. The products go on sale at open prices from June 10, 2026, and their compact design aims to reduce interference radius and shorten production lines.
In a payload demo, Duatic Alpha lifted 22.4 kg at full 1-meter extension, held it steady for 2 seconds, then safely set it back down, repeating this 10 times consecutively. The test was used to verify the platform's lifting capability, stability, and operational reliability, showcasing its mechanical design and motor control precision; the source did not provide information on speed, battery life, or mass-production delivery.
Rainbow Robotics will showcase its RB series collaborative robots and RBY series dual-arm mobile manipulators at Booth 1078 at Automate 2026 in Chicago, USA, from June 22–25.
STIER has built an integrated AI flexible grinding solution covering perception, analysis, decision-making, and execution, targeting the difficult grinding and polishing of special-shaped bent pipes such as liquid-cooling bent pipes and exhaust bent pipes. Its self-developed SeeV perception system combines 3D imaging to identify contours and deviations; the NextBrain™ AI Mushroom Cloud system plans trajectories and enables one-click changeover; and the six-axis AI flexible grinding robot is equipped with the PolishX flexible force control system, achieving contact force control accuracy of ±0.5% FS and supporting small-batch, multi-model customized production.