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Iván Hernández Dalas: From combat to space: Foundation Robotics’ Mike LeBlanc talks humanoids

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The Robot Report Podcast · From Combat to Space: Mike LeBlanc on Humanoid Robotics In Episode 224 of The Robot Report Podcast, hosts Mike Oitzman and Eugene Demaitre recap the major robotics news of the week. Our guest this week is Michael LeBlanc, co-founder of Foundation Robotics. The company is developing humanoid robots for deployment into challenging applications. Mike LeBlanc, co-founder of Foundation Robotics Having been a major in the U.S. Marine Corps and a graduate of Harvard Business School, LeBlanc’s work sits at the intersection of national security , robotics, and leadership under pressure. Previously, LeBlanc co-founded security robot provider Cobalt Robotics , where he raised $120 million from top-tier investors, led a 250-person team, and oversaw its acquisition. At Foundation Robotics, LeBlanc is building next-generation, rugged humanoids for the U.S. Department of War and first responders. Mike also discusses the potential for the company ‘s robots to some...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: igus designs ReBeLMove modular mobile robot, new energy chain

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The ReBeLMove Pro acts as a versatile base for multiple add-ons, including order-picking systems, smart shelving units, and collaborative robots equipped with conveyor belts. | Source: igus Businesses of all sizes need automation that they can easily integrate into existing processes without previous robotics experience, according to igus GmbH. Last month, it launched the ReBeLMove Pro, which it said can be customized for a range of applications. The company is using the modular autonomous mobile robot, or AMR, in its own operations. “igus itself is already using the ReBeLMove Pro as a shuttle to transport products away from injection-molding machines in production,” stated Sebastian Thorwarth-Kienbaum, a low-cost automation expert at igus. “These are tedious, routine tasks in material handling that companies find difficult to get people excited about.” igus develops and produces motion plastics. The Cologne, Germany-based company said its self-lubricating, high-performance polym...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Antioch raises pre-seed funding to accelerate AI robotics testing

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Antioch co-founders Harry Mellsop, Alex Langshur, Colton Swingle, and Collin Schlager. Source: Antioch Safely validating artificial intelligence to run physical systems in the real world is one of the hardest challenges in autonomy, according to Antioch Inc. The startup has raised pre-seed funding from investors including Shyam Sankar, chief technology officer of Palantir Technologies Inc. Stanford University graduates Harry Mellsop, Alex Langshur, Colton Swingle, and Collin Schlager co-founded Antioch early in 2025. The New York-based company said it is building a simulation platform to enable robotics teams to build, test, and deploy autonomous systems entirely in software . Antioch builds infrastructure to democratize development Antioch’s stated mission is to eliminate lengthy testing cycles that slow robotics progress by giving developers access to “Tesla-level infrastructure.” “At Tesla, I saw first-hand how the right simulation tools let you develop and iterate exception...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Generations in Dialogue: Embodied AI, robotics, perception, and action with Professor Roberto Martín-Martín

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Generations in Dialogue: Bridging Perspectives in AI is a podcast from AAAI featuring thought-provoking discussions between AI experts, practitioners, and enthusiasts from different age groups and backgrounds. Each episode delves into how generational experiences shape views on AI, exploring the challenges, opportunities, and ethical considerations that come with the advancement of this transformative technology. Embodied AI, robotics, perception, and action with Professor Roberto Martín-Martín In the third episode of this new series from AAAI, host Ella Lan chats to Professor Roberto Martín-Martín about taking a screwdriver to his toys as a child, how his research focus has evolved over time, how different generations interact with technology, making robots for everyone, being inspired by colleagues, advice for early-career researchers, and how machines can enhance human capabilities. About Professor Roberto Martín-Martín: Roberto Martín-Martín is an Assistant Professor of Com...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: ARM Institute issues final project call for defense systems

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The public-private consortium will award up to $2 million for multiple projects. Source: ARM Institute The Advanced Robotics in Manufacturing, or ARM, Institute last week said the final version of Technology Project Call 26-01 is publicly available. The core-funded call is looking to serve high-priority defense application areas. Dual-use technology that also benefits the broader U.S. manufacturing sector is preferred, but this project call primarily focuses on defense applications, noted the ARM Institute. Founded in 2017, the ARM Institute said it partners with industry, academia, and government to make robotics, autonomy, and artificial intelligence more accessible to U.S. manufacturers of all sizes. The Pittsburgh-based Manufacturing Innovation Institute ( MII ) also works on workforce development, strengthening global economic competitiveness, and improving national security and resilience. Project call seeks defense projects The ARM Institute plans to award about $2 ...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Civ Robotics provides CivNav AI navigation for solar construction systems

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CivNav addresses labor shortfalls in the solar and infrastructure industries. Source: Civ Robotics Civ Robotics Inc. this week launched CivNav, a material-distribution system for solar construction using artificial intelligence for machine control. CivNav can streamline logistics, efficiently place pallets and drive piles, and accelerate construction with advanced planning and workflow segmentation, said the company. “We’re seeing really exciting tech entering the industry to solve long-standing inefficiencies,” stated Tom Yeshurun, co-founder and CEO of Civ Robotics. “The most important element for us is to keep it simple and approachable, so everyone on the worksite can benefit from new developments, no matter their experience level,” he added. “As we continue to build new robotics systems, we ensure innovation and user experience always go hand in hand.” Founded in 2018, Civ Robotics has developed CivDots, uncrewed ground vehicles ( UGVs ) that mark thousands of coordinates pe...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Melonee Wise to lead KUKA’s new software and AI organization

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Melonee Wise is the new chief product officer of KUKA’s software and AI organization. | Source: Melonee Wise Robotics industry veteran Melonee Wise has taken a new position at KUKA AG. She is now the chief product officer for the company’s new software and artificial intelligence organization in Silicon Valley. Wise said she has been in the position for about four weeks so far. Wise was previously the chief product officer at Agility Robotics . She stepped down from that position in August. In 2023, Wise joined the humanoid robotics developer as chief technology officer, and she shifted into the chief product officer role in May 2024. Wise led Agility’s engineering team in addition to its newly formed product organization. “I took some time off after Agility, and then I started looking for a new role,” Wise told  The Robot Report . “I met with a lot of different companies, but I ended up meeting with the team at KUKA, and I got really excited about the new software and AI...
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