Philip English - Robotics Consultancy, Robot Consultant, Robot, Automation Consultancy, and AI Consultancy,

07/04/202507/04/2025

SPROUT Robot – MIT’s Soft Robot for Search and Rescue

SPROUT Robot – MIT’s Soft Robot for Search and Rescue

Meet SPROUT – the Soft Pathfinding Robotic Observation Unit from MIT and the University of Notre Dame. It’s a vine-like robot designed to squeeze through tight spaces in disaster zones to help emergency responders.

When buildings collapse, responders often face dangerous and exhausting conditions searching for survivors. SPROUT can take on some of that burden. It inflates and “grows” through rubble, navigating tight gaps where traditional robots struggle, all while sending back images and maps.

Think of it as a high-tech vine with a camera — not exactly your average houseplant.

The robot is joystick-operated, lightweight, and currently stretches up to 10 feet, with plans to expand that to 25. The design wasn’t without challenges — researchers had to engineer just the right air pressure and friction control to make it move precisely.

Tested with real rescue teams in Massachusetts, SPROUT is already proving it could be a valuable tool in emergencies — and maybe one day, in places like aircraft maintenance or infrastructure inspection.

A flexible robot that helps save lives? That’s a pretty good twist on the phrase growing into the job.

And that’s your Robot news update for today! Don’t forget to join me for my weekly Live Robot Optimise Workshop if you’re interested in learning more about robotics and the latest trends for businesses. Also, make sure to subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss out on future updates.

I’m RoboPhil from Robot Philosophy, and I’ll see you next time!

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05/04/202505/04/2025

Unitree G1 Robot – Nails Side Flip After AI Upgrade

Unitree G1 Robot – Nails Side Flip After AI Upgrade

“Watch closely—because this humanoid robot just pulled off a side flip.”

“This is Unitree’s G1, and thanks to a recent AI upgrade, it’s now performing advanced acrobatics with ease. In the video, the robot crouches, launches into the air, rotates sideways—and sticks the landing like it’s been training for a robot Olympics.”

“How? It’s all thanks to reinforcement learning—a method where the robot learns by doing. Think trial and error, but with fewer scraped knees.”

“Last year, G1 mastered the backflip. Now, with faster, smarter software, it’s taking things to the next level—literally.”

“But G1 isn’t just a gymnast. In a martial arts demo, it even disarmed an opponent with a swift spinning kick. So, not someone—or something—you want to challenge to a sparring match.”

“The robot stands 4.3 feet tall, weighs just 77 pounds, and is packed with tech—like LIDAR, depth cameras, and 23 degrees of freedom for smooth, natural movement.”

“Unitree envisions the G1 helping in homes, on factory floors, and even in rescue missions. For now though, it’s showing off… and we’re kind of here for it.”

I’m RoboPhil from Robot Philosophy, and I’ll see you next time!

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03/04/202503/04/2025

CNH Acquires Advanced Farm – Boosting Robotic Apple Picking

CNH Industrial has just picked up something sweet—literally and figuratively. They’ve acquired the assets and intellectual property of Advanced Farm, a startup known for developing robotic apple pickers.

During the 2024 harvest, these robots were put to the test in Washington state orchards, and the results? A crisp success. The system performed just as hoped, helping solve a growing issue: labor shortages in agriculture.

A CNH spokesperson said the move strengthens their push into ag-tech, enhancing both efficiency and resilience in the industry. And they’re not just taking the tech—they’re also bringing on key members of the Advanced Farm team to join CNH’s innovation divisions.

Advanced Farm’s CEO, Kyle Abbott, admitted the investment climate hasn’t been kind to agtech startups. Selling the IP was a tough call, but ensures the work—and the innovation—lives on.

So, while we might not see farmers replaced by robots just yet, it’s clear the orchards of the future are going to be a whole lot smarter.

I’m RoboPhil from Robot Philosophy, and I’ll see you next time!

Join our Robot Optimise Industry (ROI) Workshop: https://robophil.com/workshop

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Robot Center: – https://robotcenter.co.uk/ – Buy Robot, Robot Buy, Robot consultancy, Robotics Consultancy

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03/04/202503/04/2025

No Electronics, No Problem – This $20 3D-Printed Robot Walks With Air

No Electronics, No Problem – This $20 3D-Printed Robot Walks With Air

Scientists at UC San Diego have just 3D-printed something pretty incredible—a six-legged walking robot that doesn’t need electronics, wires, or even a complex assembly process.

This robot is powered entirely by air. That’s right—just soft, flexible materials, a single 3D-printing process, and a cartridge of compressed gas. The result? A robot that can literally walk straight off the printer.

Each leg has four degrees of freedom, coordinated by a clever pneumatic circuit—kind of like a mini steam engine system. It moves in a smooth, alternating rhythm, walking in a straight line for up to three days… as long as you keep the air flowing.

And the price tag? Just $20. That’s less than a round of coffees—and this one doesn’t even need charging.

These air-powered bots are perfect for extreme environments, like disaster zones or even space—places where electronics tend to struggle. The future? Researchers are looking at adding grippers, using biodegradable materials, and integrating gas storage directly into the robot.

A simple design, a big step for robotics—powered by nothing but air and innovation.

I’m RoboPhil from Robot Philosophy, and I’ll see you next time!

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02/04/202502/04/2025

UC Berkeley – Unveils Smallest Flying Robot

UC Berkeley – Unveils Smallest Flying Robot

UC Berkeley has just unveiled the world’s smallest wireless flying robot—lighter than a paperclip and about the size of a bee. And fittingly, it’s inspired by one.

This tiny marvel uses two magnets that spin in response to an external magnetic field—acting like a miniature propeller system. No battery, no onboard motor—just smart design and clever physics.

Despite weighing only 21 milligrams, it can hover, change direction, and hit small targets with precision. It’s got potential for all sorts of missions—search and rescue, environmental monitoring, even artificial pollination.

Since fitting a full power system into something this small is a challenge, the team sidestepped it by controlling and powering the robot entirely from outside—using magnetic fields like an invisible remote control.

Future versions could include real-time sensors and improved navigation. And while it’s early days, this little bee-bot could someday explore tight spaces or support delicate tasks—quietly buzzing where no drone has gone before.

I’m RoboPhil from Robot Philosophy, and I’ll see you next time!

Join our Robot Optimise Industry (ROI) Workshop: https://robophil.com/workshop

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31/03/202531/03/2025

Real-Life Liquid Robot Unveiled – Shape-Shifting Tech Inspired by Terminator

Real-Life Liquid Robot Unveiled – Shape-Shifting Tech Inspired by Terminator

Liquid robots used to be the stuff of science fiction—think the T-1000 from Terminator 2. But now, researchers in South Korea have taken a big step toward making that fiction a reality.

At Seoul National University, scientists have developed a robot that behaves like an intelligent fluid. It can change shape, split apart, merge with others, and move without direct contact—guided by ultrasonic waves and a layer of Teflon-like particles that keep its form stable, even after the icy core melts.

It’s not just a lab trick. This robot can glide over surfaces, slip through tight spaces, and even pick things up—demonstrating serious potential for medicine and industry. Imagine tiny robots delivering drugs inside the body or reaching areas no rigid tool could access.

For now, it’s still in the research phase—externally controlled and working through challenges like miniaturization and real-world durability. But within 7 to 10 years, we could see real-world uses emerge.

The future is flexible—and maybe just a little liquid.

I’m RoboPhil from Robot Philosophy, and I’ll see you next time!

Join our Robot Optimise Industry (ROI) Workshop: https://robophil.com/workshop

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28/03/202528/03/2025

WHERE-Bot – Wheel-less Soft Robot from Tsinghua University

WHERE-Bot – Wheel-less Soft Robot from Tsinghua University

You know you’re a roboticist when playing with a Slinky leads to a scientific breakthrough.

Meet WHERE-Bot, a new soft robot from Tsinghua University that moves without wheels, legs, or even sensors. Instead, it turns itself inside out — literally — using a clever trick called everting. Think of it as a spring that’s constantly flipping through itself to move.

Inspired by the idea of connecting the two ends of a Slinky, researchers created a helical ring-shaped robot that can roll, rotate, and navigate in all directions — no GPS, no cameras, just smart design and physics.

Its secret? An unbalanced mass creates friction differences when the ring touches the ground, causing the robot to rotate and move toward the heavier side. It’s like controlled wobbling — but on purpose.

Best part? It doesn’t get stuck. When it hits an obstacle, it just flips itself and backs off gracefully.

With potential to explore underground tunnels, inspect pipes, or even roll through sand, WHERE-Bot could be a game-changer in unstructured environments.

Slinky fun, serious science.

I’m RoboPhil from Robot Philosophy, and I’ll see you next time!

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27/03/202527/03/2025

Beihang University’s Tiny Robot – Dives Into the Mariana Trench

Beihang University’s Tiny Robot – Dives Into the Mariana Trench

Most people go diving in tropical waters… this robot chose the Mariana Trench. Talk about an overachiever.

Scientists at Beihang University in China have developed a tiny, shape-shifting robot designed for deep sea exploration. This little machine recently took an untethered dive 10,600 metres down into Earth’s deepest ocean trench — that’s deeper than most commercial planes fly up.

The robot can swim, crawl, and glide by switching between different movement modes using clever mechanical components — like tail fins and foldable legs — that store and release energy even under extreme pressure.

In a separate test, the team used a soft robotic gripper to gently collect creatures like starfish and urchins from the seafloor of the South China Sea, 3,400 metres deep.

With over 70% of our planet covered by ocean — and most of it still unexplored — robots like this could help us unlock some of the ocean’s biggest mysteries without disturbing delicate ecosystems.

Small robot. Big potential.

I’m RoboPhil from Robot Philosophy, and I’ll see you next time!

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27/03/202527/03/2025

Schindler RISE Robot – Debuts in UK at 105 Victoria Street

Schindler RISE Robot – Debuts in UK at 105 Victoria Street

You know you’re in London when even the robots wear hard hats… or at least they should.

At 105 Victoria Street, something pretty futuristic is happening. This new all-electric, net zero carbon office building—developed by BGO and built by Skanska—is now home to the UK debut of Schindler RISE.

That’s right—a robot that climbs up lift shafts and installs elevator components all by itself. Made by Swiss lift experts Schindler, only five of these machines exist worldwide, and now one’s getting to know Victoria Street, bolt by bolt.

Schindler RISE handles the hot, dusty work of drilling and fixing with precision, while a human operator supervises from a safe, comfortable distance.

Skanska says it improves safety, efficiency, and quality. BGO is all in on bringing smart tech to smart buildings. And Schindler? They’re proving the future of construction might just come on tracks.

One robot, one lift shaft, and one very cool look at what’s next for construction.

I’m RoboPhil from Robot Philosophy, and I’ll see you next time!

Join our Robot Optimise Industry (ROI) Workshop: https://robophil.com/workshop

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25/03/202525/03/2025

Dexterity Unveils Mech – First Super-Humanoid Robot for Industrial AI Work

Dexterity Unveils Mech – First Super-Humanoid Robot for Industrial AI Work

Imagine a robot with the reach of a basketball hoop and the strength of a heavyweight lifter — without ever asking for a lunch break. Meet Mech, the world’s first super-humanoid industrial robot, unveiled by US robotics firm Dexterity.

Designed with two arms, a 5.4-meter span, and a 132-pound lift capacity, Mech brings both dexterity and strength to the factory floor. It moves on an agile rover, climbs ramps, spins in tight spaces, and handles everything from loading trucks to stacking fragile packages — all with AI-powered precision.

Built with Physical AI, Mech can adapt to new tasks as easily as installing a new app. It operates on the edge or connects to the cloud for remote management. With up to 16 onboard cameras, it senses, plans, and executes with remarkable accuracy.

One human can supervise up to ten Mechs, improving efficiency while reducing injuries from repetitive, heavy tasks. With future task-specific apps on the way, Mech is designed to grow with your operation.

Crafted in California, powered by advanced robotics, and ready for industrial deployment — Mech is more than a robot. It’s a productivity powerhouse.

I’m RoboPhil from Robot Philosophy, and I’ll see you next time!

Join our Robot Optimise Industry (ROI) Workshop: https://robophil.com/workshop

Sponsors:-

Robot Center: – https://robotcenter.co.uk/ – Buy Robot, Robot Buy, Robot consultancy, Robotics Consultancy

Robots of London: – https://robotsoflondon.co.uk/ – Robot Hire, Robot Rental, Rent Robot, Hire Robot, Robot Events

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Author: Philip English

SPROUT Robot – MIT’s Soft Robot for Search and Rescue

Unitree G1 Robot – Nails Side Flip After AI Upgrade

CNH Acquires Advanced Farm – Boosting Robotic Apple Picking

No Electronics, No Problem – This $20 3D-Printed Robot Walks With Air

UC Berkeley – Unveils Smallest Flying Robot

Real-Life Liquid Robot Unveiled – Shape-Shifting Tech Inspired by Terminator

WHERE-Bot – Wheel-less Soft Robot from Tsinghua University

Beihang University’s Tiny Robot – Dives Into the Mariana Trench

Schindler RISE Robot – Debuts in UK at 105 Victoria Street

Dexterity Unveils Mech – First Super-Humanoid Robot for Industrial AI Work

KUKA Launches iiQKA.OS2 – Including Virtual Controller & AI Readiness

Humanoid Robots Run – World’s First Half Marathon in Beijing

Autonomous Dairy Tractors – Monarch & DFA Team Up