Autonomous systems are machines and software-driven platforms capable of operating independently in dynamic environments with minimal human intervention. This topic covers autonomous robots, vehicles, drones, and industrial systems that rely on perception, planning, and decision-making to navigate the physical world. It explores how AI, sensors, and control systems are combined to enable autonomy across sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, transportation, and infrastructure. The topic also addresses safety, reliability, regulatory considerations, and the technical limits of full autonomy. As autonomy moves from controlled settings to open environments, autonomous systems are becoming a key pillar of scalable automation.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed modular “legged metamachines” that can flip, jump, and continue operating even after being split into pieces, offering a new approach to resilient robotics.
Texas Instruments and NVIDIA are expanding their collaboration to accelerate robots and other physical AI systems by combining advanced sensing, power electronics, and AI computing platforms.
Unitree Robotics has introduced the AS2 quadruped robot, combining high-speed mobility, heavy payload capacity, and LiDAR-enabled autonomy for industrial and field applications.
Hefei’s metro system has deployed robot dogs, drones, and humanoid robots to automate inspections, improve safety, and modernize urban rail operations.
ZaiNar has raised more than $100 million and unveiled a physical AI platform that turns wireless networks into precise positioning systems for robots, devices, and autonomous systems.
Hyundai Motor Group has deployed unmanned firefighting robots with South Korea’s National Fire Agency, signaling robotics’ growing role in safety-critical infrastructure.
Just Eat Takeaway.com has launched ground robot delivery trials in Bristol and Milton Keynes, following Uber Eats’ recent rollout in Leeds, as UK platforms test physical AI for last-mile logistics.
China’s Li Auto is expanding beyond electric vehicles, positioning artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics as core pillars of its long-term strategy.
Electric vehicle startup Faraday Future is shifting its strategy toward humanoid robots and embodied AI, joining a growing list of automakers betting on robotics to redefine their future beyond cars.
Skild AI raised nearly $1.4 billion in a funding round led by SoftBank, valuing the robotics AI company at more than $14 billion as it scales a unified foundation model for robots.