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Iván Hernández Dalas: BioflexBot robot hand aims to replicate key human hand motions

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Humanoid robot developers are trying to replicate the human hand. Source: Adobe Stock Human hands are dexterous, versatile machines. Roboticists have tried to copy the biological structures of the hand for humanoid grippers. This, however, typically results in complex and difficult-to-control structures. Researchers proposed an alternative end-effector solution in a new study published by Wiley in Advanced Science . They created the BioflexBot, a novel robot that mimics and even exceeds core motions of the hand with a simple design. Instead of creating a robotic hand with the intricate anatomy of a human hand, the researchers aimed to capture fundamental hand motions with a coiled spring, constraining shell, and basic pneumatic system, using compressed air to control mechanical action. Optimized for precision and range of mobility, the BioflexBot can pinch, rotate, hook, and grasp with just two pneumatic inputs. “By harnessing structural and physical intelligence, we pursued a si...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Mobile manipulators and humanoids: The future of robotics

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Humanoid robotics and software startups have emerged weekly for the past year, capturing media attention and billions of dollars in investment. While some humanoids are in commercial trials, semi-humanoid and nonhumanoid mobile manipulators are already arriving in factories and warehouses. How are locomotion, manual dexterity, and flexible skills training proceeding? This free download looks at the current state of mobile manipulator and humanoid development. Technical concerns include power management, 360-degree but affordable perception, and data collection and processing for AI and world models.  The Robot Report  spoke with industry experts to get beyond the hype and learn where bimanual manipulation and legged robots are heading. We’ve compiled a list of more than 200 verified humanoid robot providers, noting where they are located around the world, what types of systems they are working on, and whether their products are in development or are available for sale. At the 2026 ...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Experts to discuss the state of humanoid robots at RoboBusiness

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Clockwise from top left: Agility’s Digit robot, Apptronik’s Apollo, PSYONIC’s robotic hand, and Persona AI’s humanoid. | Sources: Agility, Apptronik, PSYONIC, and Persona AI Humanoid robots have captured the world’s attention, attracting billions in investment and generating excitement about the future. But beyond the viral videos and ambitious promises, where does the technology really stand? At RoboBusiness , which will take place on Oct. 20 and 21 and in Santa Clara, Calif., humanoid robot experts will participate in the “State of Humanoids” panel. During the keynote, industry leaders will examine the current state of humanoids through the lens of real-world deployment. The panel will include experts from Agility Robotics, Apptronik, Persona AI, and PSYONIC. Mike Oitzman, senior editor at The Robot Report ,  will moderate. The discussion will explore the capabilities that humanoids are delivering today, the technical and operational chal...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Strengthening U.S. Army sustainment: TALUS to deliver autonomous distribution

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The Armored Cab is designed to meet the evolving needs of troops in theater, providing crew protection on a MILCOTS platform. | Credit: ND Defense The U.S. Army has awarded an industry team led by Stratom Inc. a Project Sustainment contract to develop the Tactical Autonomous Logistics Utility System, or TALUS, a modular autonomous distribution system designed to resupply dispersed forces in contested environments. “ This announcement is the first public introduction of TALUS,” Mark Gordon, president and CEO of Stratom, told The Robot Report . “TALUS is the name of the integrated capability set our team is advancing under Project Sustainment and our team’s solution for the Army’s Project Sustainment mission. We brought together the TALUS team and its complementary capabilities to address the Army’s requirement for autonomous distribution across contested and distributed operations.” Founded in 2001, Stratom combines mobility, autonomy, robotic cargo handling, a...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: DAF Trucks to integrate Einride Driver to scale autonomous electric freight

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Einride and DAF Trucks are integrating autonomous and electric trucking. Source: Einride Autonomous truck developers are responding to industry challenges such as labor shortages and rising operating costs. Einride AB today said it has partnered with DAF Trucks N.V. to integrate its autonomous driving system with DAF’s premium vehicle platform. “This collaboration is a testament to DAF’s commitment to innovation and future-proofing the logistics sector,” stated Jeroen van den Oetelaar, chief engineer and a member of the board at DAF Trucks. “By combining our premium truck platform with leading autonomous technology, we are actively shaping a more efficient, safer, and sustainable freight ecosystem.” Eindhoven, Netherlands-based DAF Trucks is a subsidiary of PACCAR Inc., a global designer and manufacturer of light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks. DAF provides a full range of tractor units and commercial vehicles. The company also provides MultiSuppo...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Robotics roadmaps from around the world

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What’s a robotics roadmap, and why should we care? Machines with pre-defined capabilities will soon be old-school. Future machines are expected to learn and adapt to unpredictability and to interact with the physical world with the ableness of our own bodies. Welcome to Industry 4.0 (1). The reliance of modern societies on robots, from manufacturing to healthcare to agriculture to transportation (2), already suggests the magnitude of impact that recent innovations in robotic hardware could have once transferred from the laboratory to the market. Investment in robotics is a national priority in many countries (3). We are in fact in the midst of a global race to advance robots for physically embodying artificial intelligence, which is expected to have a dominating influence in global labor markets, immigration, military, commerce, and education (4). Gaining familiarity with relevant stakeholders helps roboticists to understand their role in influencing the trajectory of their innovat...
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Iván Hernández Dalas: Defense drone developer Cambridge Aerospace raises $300M

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Cambridge Aerospace plans to bring its next product, Starhammer, to market in 2027. | Source: Cambridge Aerospace Cambridge Aerospace Ltd. this week raised $300 million in Series C funding, bringing its valuation to $3.4 billion. The defense drone developer said it plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities to deliver on existing and new contracts. The round comes just months after Cambridge Aerospace’s $200 million Series B round in April. Since then, the company said it has received several contracts from the U.K. Ministry of Defence, including one to provide low-cost interceptors for the British Armed Forces. “This raise is testament to the incredible work of the entire Cambridge Aerospace team,” said Steven Barrett, CEO of Cambridge Aerospace. “By bringing together the best talent in the world with a singular mission to protect allied skies from threats, we have achieved a huge amount already. The addition of these funds will allow us to continue to scale o...
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