Japan’s robot boom 🤖, spider web-weaving robots 🕸️, Shield AI’s $250M raise 💰
Machina Digest 2025-03-10
Japan’s service robot market projected to triple in five years (1 minute read)
With an aging population and a looming labor shortage, Japan is leaning on service robots to fill the workforce gap. Research firm Fuji Keizai projects that the market for these robots will nearly triple by 2030, reaching $2.7 billion. Major drivers include the country’s expected shortfall of 11 million workers by 2040 and a population where nearly 40% will be 65 or older by 2065. Companies are already deploying robots at scale—like Skylark, a restaurant chain using 3,000 cat-eared robots for food delivery. At one location, a 71-year-old employee noted that robots now handle half of her job. As Japan automates more service roles, human-robot collaboration is becoming the new normal.
New robotic concept weaves its body like spiders spin their webs (1 minute read)
Researchers have developed a robot that spins its own body structures like a spider weaving silk. Using a heated polymer, the robot extrudes liquid strands that solidify into strong, flexible fibers, allowing it to construct custom support structures in real time. This self-building capability could enable robots to adapt dynamically to their environment—creating bridges, scaffolding, or reinforcement on demand. The innovation paves the way for robots that can repair themselves or assemble new components without external intervention.
Shield AI raises $250M to scale Hivemind Enterprise autonomy developer platform (2 minute read)
Defense autonomy startup Shield AI just secured $250 million in funding, bringing its valuation to $5.3 billion. The company is expanding its Hivemind Enterprise platform, a suite of AI-powered tools designed to accelerate autonomy for drones, aircraft, and robotic systems. Hivemind has already powered autonomous flights of F-16s and quadcopters in complex environments. Investors, including L3Harris and Hanwha Aerospace, see this as a major step toward scalable, high-performance autonomy across industries. With military and commercial applications in mind, Shield AI envisions a future where millions of autonomous systems operate seamlessly.
Robotic helper making mistakes? Just nudge it in the right direction (3 minute read)
MIT and NVIDIA researchers have developed a new way for humans to correct robot mistakes on the fly—no retraining required. Instead of reprogramming, users can simply point to an object, trace a trajectory, or even physically nudge the robot’s arm to guide it. This method significantly improves success rates, aligning robot actions with human intent in real time. Future home and factory robots could benefit from this intuitive, interactive approach, making them far more adaptable to new environments.
Early study shows promise for retinal-surgery robot (2 minute read)
A robotic surgery device developed at the University of Utah could give eye surgeons "superhuman" precision. Mounted on a patient’s head, the robot compensates for head movements while executing microscale surgical motions. It’s designed to aid in delicate procedures like gene therapy injections for retinal diseases. In tests using pig eyes, the robot improved accuracy and reduced surgical complications. If approved for human trials, this technology could revolutionize ophthalmic surgery by reducing risk and enhancing patient outcomes.
Smart, energy-efficient robot grippers cut production costs (4 minute read)
Researchers at Saarland University have developed robotic grippers that reduce energy consumption by 90% compared to conventional pneumatic systems. Using shape-memory alloys, these grippers operate without continuous power, requiring only short electrical pulses to activate. This innovation could significantly lower costs and improve efficiency in industrial automation. The technology will be showcased at Hannover Messe, where its self-sensing and adaptable capabilities will be demonstrated.
South Korean tech giants accelerate development of AI-powered humanoids (3 minute read)
Hyundai, Samsung, and LG are ramping up their investments in humanoid robots, aiming to compete with U.S. and Chinese tech giants. Hyundai’s Boston Dynamics subsidiary recently showcased a bipedal robot that can transport parts in a factory, adjusting its grip and stance dynamically. Samsung has consolidated its robotics teams and acquired Rainbow Robotics to advance its humanoid research. LG is integrating AI into home assistant robots. With AI-powered physical automation becoming a major industry focus, South Korea is positioning itself as a key player.
China’s Amiao Robotics secures $14M from Anker (1 minute read)
Anker Innovations has invested $14 million in Chinese startup Amiao Robotics, which specializes in intelligent automation for industrial and commercial applications. Amiao plans to leverage Anker’s industry connections to expand its presence in the global smart manufacturing sector. With China’s growing emphasis on automation, this funding signals continued momentum in the robotics space.
Artificial muscles for tremor suppression (4 minute read)
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute have developed wearable artificial muscles designed to suppress hand tremors in people with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders. Using electro-hydraulic actuators, these soft robotic devices counteract involuntary movements, allowing for smoother motor control. The technology is still in early stages but shows promise as a discreet, non-invasive solution for improving quality of life for millions worldwide.