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Iván Hernández Dalas: VDMA warns Germany is losing ground in global robotics race

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Germany’s robotics and automation industry is preparing for another tough year. The VDMA Robotics + Automation Association , a German trade group, expects revenue to fall 5% in 2026 to about €14.1 billion. That follows a 7% decline in 2025 , marking the second straight year of contraction for one of the world’s leading robotics clusters. Industry leaders say the problems go beyond a normal economic slowdown. Weak demand from key customers has hurt orders. At the same time, geopolitical tensions and broader economic uncertainty have made companies more cautious about investing in new automation equipment. “The situation remains challenging. Our industry is simultaneously grappling with weak demand, geopolitical uncertainty, and challenging location conditions,” said Dr. Olaf Munkelt, chairman of VDMA Robotics + Automation. “This makes it all the more important that we decisively strengthen our competitiveness – our levers for this are customer centricity, innovation, and courage. At ...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: The hidden infrastructure challenge facing outdoor robotics OEMs

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The era of burying perimeter wires is over. As the industry shifts to RTK GPS, virtual boundaries are replacing physical ones. | Credit: RTKData The robotic lawn mower market is undergoing a fundamental transition. For years, perimeter wires defined the operating boundaries for autonomous mowers, requiring homeowners to bury low-voltage cables around their property. These wires break. They complicate landscaping changes. Installation takes hours. The industry response has been a shift toward real-time kinematic Global Positioning System (RTK GPS) navigation , where virtual boundaries replace physical infrastructure, and centimeter-level accuracy enables precise mowing patterns. This transition solves the customer experience problem. But it creates a new challenge for OEMs: the robots now depend on continuous, reliable GNSS correction data. Hardware alone is only half the equation. The NTRIP infrastructure dilemma RTK achieves centimeter-level precision by streaming correction da...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Tesollo commercializes its lightweight, compact robotic hand for humanoids

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On the left, the DG-5F-S 20-DoF model, and on the right, the 15-DoF model. | Source: Tesollo Tesollo Inc. today said it is officially commercializing its compact and lightweight humanoid robotic hand, the DG-5F-S. The company developed this updated model based on its dedicated gripper actuator technology. While maintaining the core structure and manipulation performance of the company’s flagship DG-5F-M, Tesollo redesigned the DG-5F-S with a strong focus on miniaturization and weight reduction. Through this redesign, the company has expanded the range of applications by enabling more flexible responses to the mounting requirements and system configurations. A wide variety of humanoid robot platforms helped to drive these changes, Tesollo said. Founded in 2019, Tesollo said its name is a combination of “technology” and “sole,” representing its commitment to opening new horizons in the robotic automation market. The Incheon, South Korea-based company originally debuted the DG-5F-S...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Fictiv and MISUMI report on the state of manufacturing, supply chain digitalization

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Simpler design and more use of AI for management can boost manufacturing, said survey respondents. Source: MISUMI Americas Artificial intelligence and digitalization are transforming global industry in response to persistent volatility, according to a the “11th Annual State of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Report” by Fictiv and MISUMI Global. The companies surveyed more than 300 senior supply chain and manufacturing leaders. “Global manufacturing has entered a new phase, where quality, compliance, and transparency are non-negotiable,” stated Ryusei Ono, representative director and president of MISUMI. “This research reflects what we see across our customer base: a growing expectation for consistent performance at scale amid increasing regional, regulatory, and technological complexity.” Fictiv said businesses use its manufacturing centers in India, Mexico, China, and the U.S. to access high-quality production, optimize logistics, and mitigate supply chain risk. The San Francisc...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Integrated motion control enables sophisticated robot motion

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Motion control is enabling new levels of robotic precision. Source: Adobe Stock Garnering much attention these days are industrial robots and their integration of motion components and incorporation into workcells with other motion-based automated equipment. Such robotic workcells also feature conveyors, vision systems, and machines to automate specific tasks. So, what makes a motion system a robot or machine? In other words, what’s the distinction between motion systems used in automated machinery and that taking the form of robots? The latter are capable of automatically executing complex and programmable (and especially reconfigurable) movement sequences. This definition is admittedly quite vague, and even the ISO 8373 definition could describe machines not usually considered robots. It says a robot is an “automatically controlled multipurpose manipulator” reprogrammable in three or more axes. This igus setup features AI-powered machine vision. In contrast with robot...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Visual drone detection moves into critical infrastructure playbooks

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Concern about drone defense is growing. Image was created using OpenAI’s ChatGPT. As unauthorized drone activity around critical infrastructure becomes increasingly common, trusted authorities and regulatory bodies are advising facility operators to update existing safety systems and explore specialized anti-drone security measures. Critical infrastructure like energy grids, oil and gas pipelines and transit stations have long stood as primary targets for physical and cybersecurity attacks, but as global socioeconomic tensions rise, the frequency and sophistication of attacks against critical sites are increasing. Amidst a 30% rise in cyber-attacks , many of which are designed to impact or disable physical Operational Technology (OT) systems, government agencies and trusted authorities around the world are publishing updated guidance intended to help operators address novel threats. One such example published by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Ghost Robotics: Innovating for safety

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The Robot Report Podcast · Ghost Robotics: Innovating for Safety In Episode 232 of The Robot Report Podcast, Gavin Kenneally, co-founder and CEO of Ghost Robotics, discusses the journey of his company, from its inception to becoming a leader in legged robotics. Kevin Kenneally, CEO and cofounder, Ghost Robotics. | Credit: Ghost Robotics He highlights the unique challenges and advantages of legged robots compared with their wheeled counterparts, emphasizing their ability to navigate difficult terrains. In 2014, Kenneally and Avik De founded Ghost Robotics after successfully developing multiple direct-drive robots, like Minitaur. Gavin originally held the role of chief technology officer when Jiren Parikh joined the company as CEO. The company launched the Vision 60 in 2020, while the team grew to 10 employees. Ghost Robotics also deployed the first base security robot at Tyndall AFB. In the past year, the company has grown to 60+ employees, delivered enhancements to the V...
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