In August 2026, large funding rounds, humanoid robot developments, and stories about the latest AI models for robotics got our readers’ attention.
Like other global automakers, XPeng Motors is branching into humanoid robots. The electric vehicle manufacturer said that its Dogotix robotics unit has raised more than $900 million, bringing its pre-money valuation to $5 billion and post-transaction valuation to more than $6.3 billion.Read more.
The construction industry has been slow to automate, but demand is growing for infrastructure repairs, AI data center buildouts, and U.S. reshoring and defense. SoftBank has invested in Gravis Robotics’ Series A round, which it claimed is the largest in construction robotics history.Read more.
AI is enabling robots to learn on the job, according to Reimagine Robotics. The startup is developing technology that it claimed anyone can train and use. Its CEO founded Google DeepMind’s AppliedRoboticsteam in London and led it for seven years.Read more.
Robotics developers need compact, energy-efficient computers built for edge AI, asserted NVIDIA. The company introduced a new entry-level computer for edge AI that it said enables developers worldwide to build systems for physical AI applications.Read more.
In August 2026, Unitree Robotics made its debut on Shanghai’s STAR Market, closing its first day 460% higher. The company raised 6.1 billion yuan, around $905 million U.S., with its initial public offering. Unitree claimed that it is the first major legged robotics company to go pubic.Read more.
While the tech industry thinks AI is the main barrier for robots joining the workforce, the real issue has more to do with robotic unit economics, says Plus One Robotics’ CTO. AI has come a long way, and the hardware has significantly improved. But for most manufacturers, the cost of automating using humanoids just isn’t feasible.Read more.
Huntington Ingalls Industries, or HII, has signed production agreements with two robotics providers. HII intends to award shipbuilding work to welding technology provider Path and robotic sanding provider GrayMatter across seven years.Read more.
Armed with feedback from more than half a million riders, autonomous vehicle pioneer Zoox has unveiled the final production design of its purpose-built robotaxi. The company said its latest vehicle will ready its custom, driverless fleet for mass production and immediate commercial expansion.Read more.
For years, robotic lawn mowers have been perceived as a niche technology, limited by complex installations, wired systems, and performance that was not always suitable for larger and more demanding lawns. Today, that phase is over.Read more.
Google DeepMind in August 2026 unveiled Gemini Robotics 2, the latest version of its vision-language-action, or VLA, model. The updated VLA includes intelligent whole-body control, advanced dexterity, and multi-robot collaboration,DeepMindsaid.Read more.
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