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Iván Hernández Dalas: From sci-fi to reality: Physical AI’s future with Dr. Jan Liphardt

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The Robot Report Podcast · From Sci-Fi to Reality: Physical AI’s Future with Dr. Jan Liphardt Episode 239 of The Robot Report Podcast features Dr. Jan Liphardt, Stanford bioengineering professor, founder of OpenMind , and OM1 . Dr. Jan Liphardt, Stanford bioengineering professor, founder of Open Mind and OM1. Dr. Jan Liphardt is an Associate Professor of Bioengineering at Stanford University whose interdisciplinary career spans the fields of biophysics, computational genomics, and distributed trust systems. From his early work at Cambridge and UC Berkeley using advanced computational tools and optical tweezers to decode the complexities of RNA, Liphardt has evolved into a versatile scholar now exploring the frontiers of engineering, living matter, and blockchain technology. A recognized Searle Scholar and Sloan Research Fellow, he currently balances high-level federal research with innovative teaching that ranges from artificial intelligence in bioengineering to the applic...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Accenture, Vodafone, and SAP to pilot humanoid robots in the warehouse

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Accenture aims to be a reinvention partner for its clients, using AI and technology to create unique solutions for its clients. | Source: Accenture Accenture, together with Vodafone Procure & Connect and SAP, is piloting humanoid robotics in warehouse environments. The companies hope to demonstrate how physical AI can enhance operational efficiency, improve safety, and enable new approaches to workforce and business model design. “Trained in digital twins and powered by physical AI, humanoid robots can reduce worker injuries and other warehouse safety incidents, lower overtime costs, and reduce dependency on temporary labor. Equally important, Vodafone Procure & Connect will gather valuable data and insights on robot deployment and performance as a basis for a future humanoid workforce solutions business,” Christian Souche, the Advanced Robotics lead at Accenture , said. The pilot program was conducted at Vodafone Procure & Connect’s warehouse in Duisburg, Germany, w...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Robot Talk Episode 153 – Origami-inspired robots, with Chenying Liu

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Claire chatted to Chenying Liu from University of Oxford about how a robot’s physical form can actively contribute to sensing, processing, decision-making, and movement. Chenying Liu is a Junior Research Fellow and an Associate Member of Faculty in the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford. She leads an independent research programme focused on embodied physical intelligence, exploring how robot design can integrate geometry, materials, and control to enhance autonomy and robustness. Her work aims to develop more efficient and resilient robotic systems by embedding intelligence directly into their physical structures. View Source
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Iván Hernández Dalas: SS Innovations is developing a drone-based surgical robot

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The SSi Vimana Aero Drone System is intended to bring medical care to soldiers injured in the field. | Source: SS Innovations International SS Innovations International Inc. this week unveiled four in-development surgical robotic systems at its Global Multi-Specialty Robotic Surgery Conference in New Delhi, India. These new systems include the SSi Vimana Aero Drone System, the SSi Avtara Humanoid Surgical Platform, the SSi Operion Mobile Operating Room, and new single-arm robotic endoscopy and ultrasound assist carts. “Innovation is in our DNA. Beyond continuously improving our advanced, cost-effective SSi Mantra surgical robotic system and telesurgery capabilities, we strive to pioneer new surgical robotic technologies that will meaningfully improve healthcare for a wider segment of patients in need,” stated Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, chairman of the board and CEO of SS Innovations. “SMRSC 2026, our largest conference yet, successfully elevated this important theme.” Fort Lauderdale,...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Pudu Robotics raises nearly $150M as it targets industrial applications

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Pudu offers a range of robots for service delivery, commercial cleaning, industrial delivery, and general embodied AI. | Source: Pudu Robotics Pudu Technology Inc. today said it has it raised nearly $150 million in a new funding round. Following this round, the company claimed that its valuation has exceeded $1.5 billion, and its cumulative funding exceeds $300 million. “This funding milestone is a powerful validation of Pudu’s industry leadership, product and technological strength, global brand, and commercial infrastructure,” said Felix Zhang, founder and CEO of Pudu Robotics. “Backed by our strategic investors and industrial partners, Pudu will continue to push the boundaries of embodied AI and commercial service robotics. We remain committed to innovating with the spirit of an inventor and leveraging a global vision to accelerate robot adoption, elevating the industry to new heights in the global value chain.” Pudu said it is a global leader in service robotics , focusing it...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: End of an era: Honeywell hands warehouse automation reins to AIP

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The Honeywell Intelligrated division is known for anything from conveyors to ASRS, advanced robotics, and hybrid strategies. | Credit: Honeywell Honeywell announced today that it is selling its Warehouse and Workflow Solutions (WWS) business (comprised of the Intelligrated and Transnorm brands) to American Industrial Partners , a private equity firm focused on industrial businesses. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026. Intelligrated and Transnorm are leading providers of supply chain and warehouse automation projects, products, and services, generating approximately $935 million in revenue in 2025. Details of the deal were undisclosed. WWS will build on AIP’s existing investment in Trew Automation , creating a complementary and differentiated platform to better serve customers across a wide range of industries. “As demand for warehouse automation continues to grow, driven by e-commerce, labor shortages, and supply chain digitization, WWS is we...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Reliable Robotics raises funding for fully automated aircraft

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The Reliable Autonomy System is intended for both civilian and military aircraft. Source: Reliable Robotics Reliable Robotics Corp. this week announced $160 million in new funding to accelerate deployment and scale production of the Reliable Autonomy System, or RAS, which it said is the first Federal Aviation Administration-certifiable system enabling fully automated operation of an aircraft. “Aviation is vital to our economy and national security, but to meet demand, it needs to be able to scale safely,” stated Robert Rose, co-founder and CEO of Reliable Robotics. “Automation eases constraints, enabling us to realize greater levels of throughput at even higher levels of safety.” Founded in 2017, Reliable Robotics said it has designed RAS to work on any aircraft, in any airspace, and to directly address the most common causes of aviation incidents. The Mountain View, Calif.-based company said its certifiable autonomy can lead to safer, more affordable, and more scalable air trans...
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