RoboPhil – Robotics, Physical AI & Service Robots

Author: Philip English

  • UK Unveils Lightning-Fast Humanoid: Rivalling China & Tesla

    UK Unveils Lightning-Fast Humanoid: Rivalling China & Tesla

    The UK is stepping into the humanoid robotics race with HMND 01—a general-purpose robot designed to take on industry giants from the US and China. With hands faster than humans, it’s built for real-world applications, from warehouses to retail, and maybe even your home.”


    “Developed by UK-based startup Humanoid, HMND 01 stands 175 cm tall, weighs 70 kg, and can carry up to 15 kg. It walks at 5.4 km/h and operates for around four hours on a single charge. But what really sets it apart is its modular design—allowing businesses to customize it with different components to suit their needs.”


    “Until now, the humanoid robot market has been dominated by companies like Boston Dynamics, Tesla, and Unitree. Humanoid aims to change that, with a focus on affordability and adaptability, making robots more accessible for mass commercialization.”


    “Beyond logistics and retail, HMND 01 is part of a bigger vision—one where humans and robots work together seamlessly. With global labor shortages and an aging population, the demand for intelligent automation is growing fast. Humanoid believes its robots can help bridge that gap, not by replacing jobs, but by assisting where human labor is scarce.”


    “The road ahead won’t be easy. The humanoid robotics space is fiercely competitive, with Tesla planning to deploy a thousand Optimus robots by the end of the year. But Humanoid is pushing forward, aiming to test both wheeled and bipedal prototypes in 2025, with pilot projects already in discussion.”


    “Will the UK make its mark in humanoid robotics? With HMND 01, it’s taking a bold step forward. The competition is heating up—let’s see what happens next.”

     

    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!

    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

     

    Robot Philosophy: – https://robophil.com/ – Robot Consultancy, Robot Advice, Robot Insights, Robot Ideas

     

     

  • RP – Manufacturing Midlands

    RP – Manufacturing Midlands

    Become one of the most highly Robot Resourced, Optimised, and Intelligent businesses in your industry.
    About This Event
    This workshop would aim to educate participants about the basics of robotics, highlight emerging trends, and provide actionable insights into integrating robotics into their businesses to drive efficiency and innovation.
    Discover robotics basics, latest trends, and how to integrate them into your business for innovation and efficiency in this online workshop.
    Frequently asked questions
  • Wandercraft’s Exoskeleton

    Wandercraft’s Exoskeleton

    Wandercraft has launched a clinical trial for its Personal Exoskeleton, a self-balancing device designed to help individuals with spinal cord injuries regain the ability to walk—hands-free, without crutches or walkers.

    The trial is underway at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in New York, with another set to start soon at the Kessler Institute in New Jersey. The goal? To assess how this advanced exoskeleton can improve mobility and independence for those with severe walking impairments.

    This technology is already making history. During the 2024 Olympics, a Wandercraft exoskeleton helped carry the Olympic torch—showing the world what’s possible when innovation meets determination.

    The trial is open to adults with spinal cord injuries, and Wandercraft is also setting up a volunteer network to support participants.

    A new era of mobility is here, and it’s taking confident steps forward.

     

     

    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!

     

    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

     

    Robot Philosophy: – https://robophil.com/ – Robot Consultancy, Robot Advice, Robot Insights, Robot Ideas

  • Figure AI Breaks from OpenAI | Promises Unseen Robot Intelligence

    Figure AI Breaks from OpenAI | Promises Unseen Robot Intelligence

    Big moves in the world of robotics—Figure AI has officially parted ways with OpenAI, claiming they no longer need their tech. Why? Because they say they’ve made a major breakthrough in robot intelligence.


    Figure AI was set to use OpenAI’s language models for its humanoid robots, but CEO Brett Adcock now says their in-house AI is advanced enough to go solo. According to him, language models like OpenAI’s are getting smarter—but also more common. So instead of relying on an external partner, Figure AI is betting on its own technology.


    He called external AI partnerships ‘cumbersome’ and ‘ultimately irrelevant’ to their success. A bold statement, considering just months ago, Figure and OpenAI were working together on the Figure 02 robot.


    But Figure AI isn’t slowing down. They’ve already secured a deal with BMW to use humanoid robots in automotive production—and have a second, undisclosed major U.S. client. With these partnerships, they’re aiming to deploy up to 100,000 robots in the next four years.


    Meanwhile, OpenAI has been quietly rebuilding its own robotics team, filing trademarks that hint at future humanoid projects. So while Figure AI is going its own way, the bigger question is—are we about to see an AI robotics showdown?


    Figure AI promises to reveal their ‘breakthrough’ within 30 days, calling it something ‘no one has ever seen on a humanoid.’ Whether this is the start of a new robotics era or just another big claim—well, we’ll find out soon enough.

     

    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!

    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

     

    Robot Philosophy: – https://robophil.com/ – Robot Consultancy, Robot Advice, Robot Insights, Robot Ideas

     

  • Physical Intelligence Open-Sources Pi0

    Physical Intelligence Open-Sources Pi0

    Physical Intelligence Open-Sources Pi0: The Robotic Revolution in Your Hands

    Physical Intelligence, the San Francisco-based robotics startup, has just open-sourced its Pi0 robotic foundation model, making it available to developers worldwide.

    Pi0 is designed to be fine-tuned for a variety of tasks, from folding laundry to cleaning tables and even scooping coffee beans—because precision matters, even in your morning routine.

    The company has released the code and model weights on GitHub’s openpi repository, along with sample code, pre-trained checkpoints, and tools to adapt Pi0 for different robots and environments. According to Physical Intelligence, just 1 to 20 hours of data is enough to train Pi0 for new tasks, making advanced robotic learning more accessible than ever.

    For developers who prefer PyTorch over JAX, HuggingFace has provided a PyTorch port, ensuring flexibility across platforms.

    Looking ahead, the Robotics Summit & Expo in April will feature MIT’s Daniela Rus, discussing the future of physical intelligence and foundational AI models. With Pi0 now open-source, the robotics community has an opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and push the boundaries of AI-driven automation.

    The next generation of robots is taking shape—and now, anyone can help build it.

    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!

     

    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

     

    Robot Philosophy: – https://robophil.com/ – Robot Consultancy, Robot Advice, Robot Insights, Robot Ideas

  • Apple’s Robotic Lamp: A Glimpse into the Future for the home

    Apple’s Robotic Lamp: A Glimpse into the Future for the home

    Apple just unveiled a robotic lamp, and it’s hard not to see the Pixar inspiration. Think Luxo Jr., but with Apple’s signature sleekness.

    This isn’t just any lamp—it moves, reacts, and even interacts with gestures. In Apple’s research demo, it nudges a water glass as a reminder to stay hydrated, follows instructions with subtle movements, and even wobbles with a bit of personality. It’s all part of Apple’s approach to making robots feel more natural and expressive.

    Of course, this is just a research prototype, so don’t expect to see it on store shelves anytime soon. But it does hint at Apple’s growing interest in robotics—one that prioritizes interaction over cold, mechanical design.

    A future Apple home robot? Maybe. But for now, it’s just an intriguing first look at what’s to come.

    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!

    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

    Robot Philosophy: – https://robophil.com/ – Robot Consultancy, Robot Advice, Robot Insights, Robot Ideas

  • Brightpick Giraffe: The Future of Warehouse Picking!

    Brightpick Giraffe: The Future of Warehouse Picking!

    Warehouse picking just got a serious upgrade! Meet the Brightpick Giraffe, the latest robot reaching new heights—literally! This AI-powered picker can extend up to 20 feet high, helping warehouses triple their storage density without adding expensive infrastructure.

    Think of it as the ultimate tag-team partner for the Brightpick Autopicker. Giraffe grabs totes from high shelves, brings them down, and Autopicker takes it from there—like a well-oiled machine. Because it is one.

    CEO Jan Zizka says warehouses can now optimize space, speed, and savings with just one Giraffe supporting five Autopickers. That means more efficiency, less manual labor, and way fewer lost items stuck on the top shelf.

    And the best part? No ladders. No forklifts. No climbing involved. Just seamless automation at its finest.

    🚨 It’s already rolling out in U.S. warehouses this year and making its big debut at LogiMAT in Germany. Want to see it in action? Stay tuned!

    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!

    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

    Robot Philosophy: – https://robophil.com/ – Robot Consultancy, Robot Advice, Robot Insights, Robot Ideas

  • China’s Flying Robot: Hunting for Water on the Dark Side of the Moon

    China’s Flying Robot: Hunting for Water on the Dark Side of the Moon

     

    China is preparing to send a flying robot to the far side of the Moon—not for sightseeing, but for something far more important: the search for frozen water.
    Part of the Chang’e-7 mission, this robotic explorer will venture into the deep, permanently shadowed craters at the lunar south pole, where scientists believe ice may be hiding. If confirmed, this could be a major breakthrough, providing a crucial resource for future lunar missions—reducing the need to haul water from Earth.
    What makes this mission unique? Unlike traditional rovers, this robot won’t just roll—it will jump from sunlit areas into dark craters, conducting detailed scans. Designed to handle extreme conditions, it could be key in mapping out potential water sources for future astronauts.
    With China aiming for a crewed lunar landing by 2030, this mission is another step toward a long-term presence on the Moon. If successful, the discovery of ice could support space exploration for decades to come.

    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!

    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

     

    Robot Philosophy: – https://robophil.com/ – Robot Consultancy, Robot Advice, Robot Insights, Robot Ideas

     

  • Manufacture for Foods Products South East

    Manufacture for Foods Products South East

    Become one of the most highly Robot Resourced, Optimised, and Intelligent businesses in your industry.
    About This Event
    This workshop would aim to educate participants about the basics of robotics, highlight emerging trends, and provide actionable insights into integrating robotics into their businesses to drive efficiency and innovation.
    Discover robotics basics, latest trends, and how to integrate them into your business for innovation and efficiency in this online workshop.
    Frequently asked questions
  • Bonsai Robotics Raises $15M:- AI Farming Gets Smarter

    Bonsai Robotics Raises $15M:- AI Farming Gets Smarter

    The future of farming is getting smarter—Bonsai Robotics just raised $15 million in Series A funding to take agricultural autonomy to the next level.

    CEO Tyler Niday says this investment is a strong validation of their progress in AI-driven orchard management—in other words, investors see a future where robots do more of the heavy lifting on farms.

    Their flagship product, Visionsteer, is designed to navigate without GPS or internet, handling dust, darkness, and uneven terrain with ease. Already deployed in over 40 orchards across the U.S. and Australia, it’s helping growers cut costs and increase yields.

    Leading the funding round is Bison Ventures, with support from Cibus Capital and other investors who see the potential in AI-powered agriculture. Their backing could mean a big shift in how we manage specialty crops, tackling labor shortages, efficiency challenges, and sustainability concerns.

    So, while the industry works to feed the world, Bonsai Robotics is making sure that even in the toughest farm conditions, the robots can still find their way.

    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!

    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 Consultnacy

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

    Robot Philosophy:- https://robophil.com – Robot Events, Robot Consultancy, Robot Advice, Robot Insights, Robot Ideas