EP.51 ROBOT THAT RUNS FASTER THAN USAIN BOLT
Wheeled robot dogs to deliver food, a robot faster than light, dancing humanoid robots & much more...
Robot dog on wheels to deliver your food! 🛍️
Swiss robotics company Swiss-Mile has rebranded as RIVR, signaling its evolution from a tech spin-off to a global leader in Physical AI and last-mile delivery solutions. This shift reflects the company’s ambition to revolutionize logistics with robots that integrate artificial neural networks with both wheels and legs for enhanced efficiency in urban deliveries.
RIVR plans to begin field testing its advanced physical AI technology in 2025, partnering with major logistics carriers. CEO Marko Bjelonic emphasizes that this innovation could set new industry standards for sustainability and efficiency.
Backed by a $22 million seed funding round co-led by Jeff Bezos via Bezos Expeditions, RIVR is now securing additional investment to accelerate development. The rebrand represents more than just a new name—it marks a strategic push toward reshaping the future of logistics.
Cobots refurbishing electronic appliances! 🔌
A leading Japanese manufacturer of industrial components Nagahori Industry Co. has adopted ABB’s GoFa™ collaborative robots to automate key toolmaking processes and offer optimized assembly solutions for its customers.
Based in Osaka, the company specializes in quick couplings, sockets, and bits for screw-fastening tools used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction machinery.
After seeing ABB’s GoFa robots in action, NAC introduced two units to automate high-precision laser engraving of screwdriver bits and the loading and unloading of socket part materials into a machine press. Equipped with ABB’s SafeMove technology, the robots work safely alongside human operators, optimizing production efficiency without compromising safety.
For NAC, deploying collaborative robots was also an opportunity to upskill its workforce. Employees learned to program and operate the robots through hands-on experience and ABB’s training programs, enabling them to tailor robotic movements to different applications with ease.
🦾 Feature sponsorship with ABB Robotics
This robot runs nearly as fast as Usain Bolt 💨
Chinese researchers have unveiled Black Panther 2.0, a four-legged robot that can sprint 100 meters in under 10 seconds, nearly matching Usain Bolt’s world-record pace of 10.44 m/s.
Developed by robotics startup Mirror Me and Zhejiang University, the 84-pound (38 kg) robot reaches speeds of 23.3 mph (10.4 m/s). Its impressive speed is achieved through flexible, knee-like joints and reinforced carbon-fiber structures, which help maintain stability under high-speed movement.
Black Panther 2.0 also incorporates artificial intelligence and machine learning, allowing it to adapt its gait to different environments. This makes it one of the most advanced quadrupedal robots to date, pushing the boundaries of robotic mobility.
With robots getting closer to human speed and agility, could this technology soon be applied to real-world tasks like search and rescue or rapid delivery?
Teradyne consolidates their robotics teams ⚖️
Teradyne, which owns Universal Robots (UR) and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR), has laid off 10% of its workforce due to economic uncertainty and slower-than-expected demand for automation. While the exact number of affected employees is unclear, Teradyne has over 1,400 staff worldwide, including a 6% reduction in Denmark, where both UR and MiR are based.
Despite outperforming the market, with UR declining 3% year over year and MiR growing just 1%, global challenges like post-COVID investment slowdowns and trade disruptions have impacted sales. To improve efficiency, Teradyne is restructuring its robotics division, consolidating sales, marketing, and service teams to streamline operations and reduce its breakeven revenue from $440 million to $365 million in 2025.
With UR and MiR now operating under a unified robotics group, Teradyne aims to optimize resources, enhance customer service, and strengthen its market position despite industry challenges.
Much success, and good luck with new jobs for all those laid off! 🤞🏼
Meme of the week 🤖
Robotics startup funding keeps booming! 💸
Investment in robotics is increasing, with projections estimating the market will reach $169.8 billion by 2032, growing at a rate of 15.1% annually.
But this meme is relatable, right?
Humanoid robots dance to celebrate China’s New Year 🏮
Sixteen humanoid robots from Chinese robotics company Unitree dazzled audiences at the Spring Festival Gala, performing the traditional Yangge dance in perfect sync with human dancers. Their ability to spin handkerchiefs, kick their legs, and twist their waists with fluid precision highlighted a seamless blend of technology and cultural heritage.
Directed by renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou, the performance showcased Unitree’s AI-powered full-body motion control, allowing the robots to autonomously adjust their movements to the rhythm. Equipped with 3D laser SLAM technology for precise navigation and 360° panoramic depth awareness, the robots moved flawlessly across the stage.
Unitree recently released an open-source full-body dataset, further enhancing the natural movement of its H1, H1-2, and G-1 humanoid robots. The company named this model “Fuxi,” symbolizing the fusion of innovation and tradition.
