In a significant shift, six funds have dramatically altered their top holdings, focusing on AI hardware and robotics. Key investments now target components for humanoid robots and smart driving systems, reflecting a strategic pivot towards high-tech sectors amid evolving market dynamics and regulatory changes in autonomous driving.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a light-powered soft robot capable of transporting objects along predefined tracks, similar to aerial trams. This innovative robot can carry loads up to 12 times its weight and navigate complex routes, showcasing potential for practical applications in various fields.
The 2025 Shanghai International Auto Show showcases China’s automotive innovation, with nearly a thousand exhibitors and over a hundred new car launches. Amidst global trade challenges, Chinese brands are gaining traction internationally, emphasizing electric and intelligent vehicles, while foreign companies express confidence in the Chinese market’s potential.
On April 24, Horizon Robotics announced a strategic partnership with Bosch to advance driver assistance technology. The collaboration aims to produce a new generation of multifunctional cameras, with mass production set for mid-2026. This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing global market presence for advanced driving solutions.
A study by Takuya Fujinaga from Osaka Metropolitan University introduces an algorithm enabling autonomous farming robots to navigate and operate alongside raised cultivation beds. Utilizing lidar technology, these robots can enhance efficiency in harvesting, disease monitoring, and pruning, addressing the decreasing labor force in agriculture.
Ecoppia has launched a fleet of autonomous robots designed to clean solar panels, enhancing efficiency and supporting climate goals. Operating at night, these robots use microfiber cloths and air flows to remove dust, saving water and energy while ensuring solar panels remain unobstructed for optimal energy absorption.
A new AI vision technology developed by GIST enhances robots’ ability to recognize unfamiliar objects. By refining error detection in real-time, the ‘QuBER’ model significantly improves accuracy, achieving 88.4% in indoor environments. This advancement is expected to impact fields like robotics, autonomous driving, and industrial automation.
A new four-legged robot named ‘Koleo’ by Kawasaki Heavy Industries was unveiled at the Osaka Expo, designed for rugged terrains. Meanwhile, Chilean wingsuit expert Sebastián Álvarez set multiple world records during a daring flight, showcasing remarkable athleticism at a unique obstacle race in Ibiza, featuring teams from around the globe.
LG Display has introduced an AI-based autonomous delivery robot service at its Paju facility. This innovative service, utilizing robots from Woowa Brothers, aims to reduce employee travel time and distance within the expansive site. A pilot program runs until April 18, with full service starting on April 21.
Researchers propose a new era in lunar exploration with PLEASER, a concept for snake-like robots designed to investigate the Moon’s subsurface. These autonomous systems aim to uncover geological secrets, assess potential habitats, and support future lunar infrastructure, enhancing our understanding of the Moon’s history and resources.
