Collaborative Robots

Advances in motor design have allowed different types of robots to both specialize for industrial functions and converge in precision.

Force- and power-limited robot arms, are only as safe as the quality of cobot workspace design, explains a columnist.

The latest force torque sensors provide the levels of sensitivity and reliability needed for industrial cobot applications.

In 2025, North American robot orders from non-automotive customers led the way, with cobots gaining more traction as well.

Changing robot standards provide an opportunity for designers of cobots to deliver improved safety and greater functionality, says IDEC.

RobCo plans to use the new capital to continue developing its physical AI systems and expand enterprise deployments in the U.S. and Europe.

OnRobot and FANUC will demonstrate common applications for automation to help manufacturers in North Texas.

Robotiq says it has combined adaptive gripping with high-frequency tactile sensing, enabling robots to generalize across objects.

Vention has raised Series D funding to continue commercializing its robot control platform and expand into Europe.

AAA20 Group’s CP-66-WD is a waterproof, IP69K-rated collaborative robot that can be power-washed like other production equipment.

The podcast guest this week is Thomas Pilz, managing partner of Pilz GmbH & Co. KG.

The Rho-alpha model incorporates sensor modalities such as tactile feedback and is trained with human guidance, says Microsoft.

Chinese trends in industrial robots and cobots for 2026 include growing volumes, consolidation pressures, and international expansion.

Fluid robot motion is the result of design choices among five options including pneumatics and strain wave gears.

Skild AI has received investment from SoftBank, NVIDIA, Bezos Expeditions, and more as it builds a brain to operate any robot.

Trends such as industry-specific AI and a new data economy will affect physical AI in 2026, says a Universal Robots executive.

Assistive Technology Development, or ATDev, is working with people with disabilities to develop systems for rehab and daily tasks.

Universal Robots has integrated its robot arm with Robotiq’s palletizing cell and Siemens’ digital twin software to make palletizing more efficient.

Orbbec announced new vision products, partnerships, and expanded manufacturing capabilities at CES in Las Vegas.

Between advances in humanoid robotics, exciting events, and large robot orders, there was no shortage of news to cover this year. 

Comau said the EIB partnership will target industrial sectors including batteries, aerospace, construction, renewable energy, and logistics.

AI and robotics have stirred unease in the public, but good design principles can help avoid problems, writes Serve Robotics’ CEO.