Launch Chinese humanoid robotics firm A Chinese humanoid robotics firm is expanding internationally ahead of an IPO push. Chinese humanoid robotics firm expanding globally in preparation for IPO · CNBC
Launch MOIA · Volkswagen Volkswagen's MOIA launched its first U.S. robotaxi service in Orlando, marking the German automaker's entry into America's driverless taxi market. VW unit MOIA begins US robotaxi rides with Orlando rollout · Reuters
Launch Waymo Waymo launched a teen account feature allowing parents to monitor and restrict their children's autonomous rides. Parents weigh in on new Waymo teen account · News Channel 5 Nashville
Launch Waymo Waymo is launching a program to integrate its autonomous vehicles with public transit networks. Waymo programme aims to link AV users to public transport · ITS International
Launch Dryad Dryad won the XPRIZE Wildfire competition with an autonomous drone system designed to detect and suppress wildfires before they spread. Dryad Wins International XPRIZE Wildfire Award for Autonomous Wildfire Detection and Suppression · businesswire.com
Launch Anduril — Palmer Luckey Palmer Luckey's Anduril won a $1.2 million XPRIZE for autonomous drone technology to detect and suppress wildfires. Palmer Luckey Says Anduril’s $1.2 Million XPRIZE Win ‘Beginning of the End’ for Destructive Wildfires: 'Even Tiny Gains Make for Huge Savings' · TradingView
Launch Neuralink Neuralink's brain implant enabled an ALS patient to produce synthesized speech directly from neural activity, demonstrating the first practical deployment of thought-to-speech technology. Neuralink brain implant brings back the voice of ALS patient with thought-to-speech BCI · Notebookcheck
Launch Skydio Skydio unveiled the F10 Lightrunner drone and MegaDock charging system at Ascend 2026, expanding its autonomous platform for industrial and public-safety operations. Ascend 2026: F10 Lightrunner Megadock Commands · Skydio
Funding O-ID · Techstars O-ID, a Techstars-backed robotics company, raised $1.2 million to develop modular humanoid robots designed to address industrial labor shortages. O-ID Raises $1.2M To Build Fully Modular Humanoid Robots as Industries Brace for a Shortage of Millions of Workers · techstars.com
Funding Uber Uber commits $10 billion to autonomous vehicles as robotaxi competition intensifies. Robotaxi competition revs up as Uber makes $10B investment in autonomous vehicles · Smart Cities Dive
Funding Brightline Interactive — Allan Evans Brightline Interactive raises $1.25M in a PIPE round led by drone executive Allan Evans. Brightline Interactive Secures $1.25M PIPE Led by Drone Executive Allan Evans · citybiz
Funding Ondas Holdings Ondas Holdings acquired three defense technology companies for $56 million upfront to expand its portfolio of unmanned systems and wireless communications, with potential earnouts reaching $32 million. Ondas Acquires Three Defense Technology Companies For $56 Million, With Up To $32 Million In Earnouts · Pulse 2.0
Funding ONDS ONDS is spending $56 million to acquire three companies and assemble an autonomous drone warfare platform. ONDS' $56M Defense Bet: Can 3 Buyouts Build an Autonomous Warfare Stack? · TradingView
Funding AeroVironment AeroVironment, an AI drone maker, has reached a $6.4 billion valuation as defense spending accelerates amid the Ukraine conflict. AI drone maker hits $6.4 billion valuation as Ukraine war spurs defense tech · CNBC
Funding Precision Neuroscience Precision Neuroscience closes a $250 million Series B to commercialize its ultra-thin brain-computer interface for paralysis patients. Precision Neuroscience raises $250M for brain-computer interface · MobiHealthNews
Research Researchers develop whole-body AI control methods allowing humanoid robots to squeeze through tight spaces and navigate complex obstacles. Humanoid robots navigate narrow gaps and obstacles with whole-body AI control · Tech Xplore
Research International Federation of Robotics The International Federation of Robotics reports 7,000 humanoid robots sold globally, but workplace deployments remain limited to small-scale pilots. IFR Counts 7,000 Humanoid Robot Sales as Workplace Pilots Stay Small · TechRepublic
Research Durham University researchers have developed drone technology aimed at enabling faster and safer autonomous flight, though the announcement lacks specifics on the innovation or its stage of development. New drone technology at UK’s Durham University paves the way for faster and safer autonomous flight · EdTech Innovation Hub
Research Brown University researchers using brain-computer interfaces have identified neural activity patterns that illuminate how the brain processes observation, advancing understanding of mirror neuron function. Brain-computer interface study sheds light on neural activity during observation, or 'mirror neurons' · Brown University
Opinion A market analyst suggests that China's humanoid robotics companies with solid fundamentals will weather the IPO slowdown. China’s humanoid robot IPO slowdown no threat to firms with ‘genuine strength’ · South China Morning Post