March 24–30, 2025
- China Announces $137 Billion Investment in Robotics and High-Tech Industries
China’s National People’s Congress unveiled plans for a trillion-yuan (≈$137B) venture fund to boost domestic robotics production and adoption, emphasizing strategic sectors like manufacturing and logistics. This move aims to counter global competition and secure technological sovereignty. - The Bot Company, Led by Cruise Co-Founder Kyle Vogt, Secures $150M in Funding
Despite no public prototype, the Seattle-based startup raised fresh capital at a $3B valuation, signaling investor confidence in its undisclosed humanoid robotics project. - Boston Dynamics Integrates NVIDIA’s Isaac GR00T N1 Model for Atlas Humanoid
The robotics pioneer announced a collaboration to enhance Atlas’ AI-driven dexterity and locomotion using NVIDIA’s open-source foundation model, which simulates human-like reasoning and reflexes. - Waymo Expands Robotaxi Services to Washington, D.C., Targeting 2026 Launch
Alphabet’s self-driving subsidiary plans to deploy autonomous vehicles in the U.S. capital, with additional expansions to Atlanta and Miami slated for late 2025. - Contoro Robotics Raises $12M to Scale Container-Unloading Robots
The Singapore-based startup, leveraging AI and mobile manipulators for logistics automation, will use the funds to ramp up manufacturing. - Johnson & Johnson Launches Dualto Generator for Surgical Robots
The medical giant unveiled a multi-functional power system compatible with its Ottava robotic surgery platform, enabling seamless integration of advanced surgical tools. - Teradyne Robotics and NVIDIA Demo AI Accelerator Toolkit at GTC 2025
The toolkit, designed for developing AI-powered robotic applications, highlights advancements in real-time decision-making for industrial automation. - Serve Robotics CEO Ali Kashani Discusses Future of Sidewalk Delivery Bots
In an interview, Kashani outlined plans to expand autonomous last-mile logistics, citing partnerships with Uber and DoorDash to deploy thousands of units globally. - Kollmorgen Releases SFD-M High-Resolution Encoder for Precision Robotics
The new encoder, compatible with industrial servo motors, enhances motion control accuracy for applications like semiconductor manufacturing and aerospace. - BlueHalo Wins $30M U.S. Navy Contract for Underwater Drone Systems
The defense contractor will supply AI-enabled unmanned vehicles for maritime surveillance and mine-countermeasure missions.
Analysis: Last week underscored two key trends: (1) humanoid robotics is accelerating with investments in foundational AI models (e.g., NVIDIA’s GR00T) and production scaling (e.g., Tesla’s Optimus), and (2) geopolitical competition in AI infrastructure intensified, exemplified by China’s massive funding push.
For extended coverage, visit the cited sources or explore dedicated sections in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.
