Steve Crowe

The UR20 collaborative robot arm with its increased payload (25 kg) demoed at the China International Industry Fair. | Credit: Universal Robots

Robotics industry’s must-attend technical development event returns to Boston in 2025 with deepened coverage, an expanded expo and more.

Researchers at Duke University have developed a system called SonicSense that gives robots a sense of touch by “listening” to vibrations. The researchers said this allows the robots to identify materials, understand shapes and recognize objects.

September 2024 robotics investments totaled $3.7 billion, the highest monthly funding amount for 2024. Here's who raised money.

One of the robotics industry’s household brands continues to struggle. iRobot, maker of the popular Roomba robot vacuum, is laying off another 105 employees as part of its restructuring plans. The number of employees being let go represents 16% of iRobot’s global workforce as of September 28, 2024. Since the start of 2024, iRobot has reduced its global workforce by nearly 50%.

The Digit humanoid transports totes at a Spanx facility run by GXO Logistics in Georgia. | Credit: Agility Robotics

Dietmar Ley, CEO of Basler AG, was named the new chairman of VDMA Robotics + Automation.

The UR20 cobot with its increased payload at the 2024 China International Industry Fair. | Credit: Universal Robots

Editor’s Note: Join us on January 21, 2025 for a free State of the Robotics Industry webinar. Erik Nieves (Plus One Robotics), Ken Goldberg (UC Berkeley), Aaron Prather (ASTM), and Mike Oitzman (The Robot Report) will examine the latest market trends, cutting-edge technologies, and emerging applications shaping the future of robotics. Register here.

Robotics investments topped $7.4 billion for the month of October 2024, the result of 77 funding rounds. The investment total was led by Waymo’s $5.6 billion raise, which is the largest single round of the year through November. This