Ready For Tomorrow #62

Grab a mug with your favourite coffee and catch up on what happened in the world of robotics last week.

From clever bots learning new tricks to machines throwing punches (yes, really), the robot world isn’t slowing down — and neither should you. Let’s dive into the highlights, one sip at a time.

Roboforce introduces Titan, a robot that’s built like a tank and works like a champ

Roboforce has just introduced Titan, a mobile manipulator that looks like it could bench press your toolbox and still have the finesse to screw in a lightbulb. Designed to handle the 3D jobs (dirty, dull and dangerous), Titan is here to save your spine and your patience.

With a reach of 1100 mm, a 40 kg payload and an accuracy of 1 mm, Titan is ready to take on some serious industrial tasks. It can press, place, twist and connect. Basically everything except make you coffee. Its mobility means it can roam the shop floor like a robot on a mission because it is.

While Titan was flexing its mechanical muscles, Roboforce was also busy flexing its fundraising game. The company pulled in another 5 million dollars, bringing their total to 15 million. That money will help them grow the team and build a new headquarters in Silicon Valley.

According to CEO Leo Ma, Titan is just the beginning. So if you are in manufacturing, mining or solar and tired of people ghosting your job ads, Titan might just be your new MVP.

Just do not challenge it to an arm wrestling contest. You will lose.

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Astrobotic and WiBotic are testing wireless charging on the moon, because plugs are so last planet

No more tangled cables on the moon. Astrobotic and WiBotic teamed up to test a wireless charging system that might just power up future lunar rovers and gear without a single plug. Because let’s be honest, plugging something in while wearing a spacesuit sounds like a bad day.

The duo put their system through a serious workout in lunar-like conditions. We’re talking freezing temperatures, moon dust everywhere and the kind of darkness only a two-week lunar night can offer. Despite that, the system managed to transfer power with 80 to 85 percent efficiency. Not bad for something zapped through space.

The idea is simple. No contacts means fewer things to break and less risk of moon dust jamming things up. Instead of robots docking like they’re in a sci-fi movie, they can just roll near a charging pad and juice up. It’s like wireless phone charging, but for robots on the moon.

This could be a game-changer for NASA’s Artemis missions and any future lunar base setups. If it works long term, imagine a whole network of these wireless chargers scattered across the moon like lunar gas stations…

Mbodi AI joins Y Combinator to teach robots with words, not wires

Mbodi AI just joined the Y Combinator spring 2025 batch and they are not here to teach robots the old-school way. Their mission is to make industrial robots learn like humans - by listening and watching.

Imagine walking up to a robot and saying "stack those boxes" and it simply gets to work. No complicated programming. No endless configuration. Just natural language and a few demos. That is what Mbodi AI is building.

The best part is that you do not need to be a programmer to use it. Anyone on the factory floor can teach the robot new tasks using everyday language. This means faster changes. Fewer delays. A lot less stress when production shifts.

Mbodi AI has already caught the attention of big players. After winning ABB’s AI Startup Challenge, they are now partnering with ABB Robotics to bring their tech into real industrial environments.

The team behind Mbodi AI includes Xavier Chi and Sebastian Peralta, both former Google engineers. Their goal is bold but clear. They want to make robots as easy to update as apps on your phone.

If they succeed, we might finally have robots that understand us without the need for manuals or meetings. And honestly, who would not want a coworker like that?

Rainbow Robotics unveils RB-Y1: a dual-arm robot with omnidirectional wheels and a new development kit

Rainbow Robotics has introduced the RB-Y1, a mobile robot equipped with two arms and omnidirectional wheels. Each arm offers seven degrees of freedom, allowing for complex and flexible movements. The robot also features a six-degree-of-freedom leg and a wheel-based platform, enhancing its mobility and adaptability in various environments.

Alongside the RB-Y1, Rainbow Robotics has released a development kit designed to support researchers and developers in customizing and expanding the robot's capabilities. This kit provides tools and resources to facilitate the integration of the RB-Y1 into diverse applications, from industrial automation to research projects.

The combination of advanced mobility, dexterous manipulation, and a supportive development kit positions the RB-Y1 as a versatile platform for exploring new frontiers in robotics.

LimX Dynamics gives Tron 1 a helping hand with a new optional arm

LimX Dynamics has upgraded its Tron 1 bipedal robot with an optional robotic arm, turning this already impressive machine into a multitasking marvel. Previously known for its interchangeable feet and agile movement, Tron 1 can now pick up, carry, and interact with objects, making it a more versatile tool for researchers and developers.

The new arm is designed for easy integration, allowing users to attach it as needed. This flexibility means Tron 1 can switch between tasks like navigating complex terrains and performing precise manipulations without missing a beat. It's like giving your robot a Swiss Army knife - ready for any challenge.

With this enhancement, LimX Dynamics continues to push the boundaries of humanoid robotics, offering a platform that combines mobility and manipulation in one sleek package.

China hosts the world's first humanoid robot boxing match

On May 25, 2025, Hangzhou, China, became the arena for the world's first humanoid robot boxing tournament. Organized by China Media Group as part of the World Robot Competition – Mecha Fighting Series, the event showcased advanced robotics technology developed by Chinese firms.

Robots from companies like Unitree Robotics participated in both demonstration and competitive matches. Controlled by human operators in real-time, these humanoid robots exhibited a range of combat techniques, including straight punches, hook punches, sidekicks, and aerial spin kicks. Notably, the robots demonstrated the ability to recover after falls, highlighting their agility and balance.

Unitree's flagship humanoid robot, the G1, stood out during the event. Standing at 1.32 meters tall and weighing 35 kilograms, the G1 is equipped with advanced computing capabilities and smooth motion control, designed to operate in environments challenging for humans.

Industry experts view such competitions as valuable platforms for testing robotic structures, motion control, and AI decision-making under high-pressure scenarios. These events are expected to drive innovation in robotics and AI, contributing to the development of more advanced and adaptable humanoid robots.

Looking ahead, a full-sized humanoid robot combat tournament is scheduled to take place in Shenzhen, China, in December 2025. Organized by Shenzhen-based robotics company EngineAI, the upcoming event aims to further showcase breakthroughs in AI and robotics through competitive and visually engaging battles.

That’s a wrap for this week — stay curious, stay caffeinated, and let the robots do the heavy lifting