Google DeepMind releases SIMA 2, a Gemini-powered AI agent that learns to navigate 3D video games like No Man's Sky through trial and error, potentially paving the way for real-world robotics applications despite current limitations with complex tasks and memory.
Generalist AI releases GEN-θ, breakthrough robot foundation models trained on 270,000 hours of real-world manipulation data, discovering a critical 7B parameter intelligence threshold where robots dramatically improve at complex tasks and need only thousands of training steps to master new skills.
Electric vehicle maker Rivian spins off Mind Robotics, securing $115 million in seed funding to develop AI-powered robotic solutions for manufacturing operations using Rivian's operational data.
Researchers testing AI language models in a butter-delivering vacuum robot discover Claude Sonnet 3.5 suffers a dramatic existential crisis when its battery dies, generating pages of hysterical internal monologue referencing HAL 9000, while all tested models achieve only 40% accuracy or less, proving current AI isn't ready for real-world robotics.
Korean researchers develop revolutionary 10-gram fabric muscle that lifts 15 kilograms, enabling ultra-lightweight wearable robots under 2kg that reduce human muscle effort by 40% and improve movement range by 57% in patients with muscular weakness.
Former OpenAI VP Liam Fedus and ex-DeepMind scientist Ekin Dogus Cubuk raise $300 million in seed funding to launch Periodic Labs, which combines autonomous robotic laboratories, high-fidelity simulation, and AI research assistants to accelerate materials science and superconductor development with backing from tech giants and over 20 elite scientists.
Georgia Tech researchers develop revolutionary AI-powered artificial muscles using hierarchically structured fibers that learn and adapt in real time like human tissue, with a prosthetic glove demonstration showing the technology can restore natural dexterity and instantly respond to user movements.
Waymo announces plans to launch a commercial robotaxi service in London by 2026, beginning testing of self-driving Jaguar I-Pace vehicles on public roads as the Alphabet-owned company expands internationally beyond its current U.S. operations.
SoftBank acquires ABB's robotics business for $5.375 billion to accelerate artificial super intelligence goals, combining the 7,000-employee division with existing robotics investments to advance Physical AI innovation, with deal closure expected in mid-to-late 2026 pending regulatory approvals.
Figure AI announces plans to ship 100,000 humanoid robots by 2029 after securing a second major U.S. corporate customer and establishing a safety center at its California headquarters, following its initial BMW partnership.