OpenMind raises $20 million, Singapore scientists create cyborg insects, and more
Daily brief on news from the world autonomous mobile robots.
Regal Rexnord and ABB Robotics partner to launch certified 7th axis for cobot deployment
Regal Rexnord and ABB Robotics have collaborated to offer seamless integration of ABB’s GoFa cobots with Thomson’s Movotrak™ 7th Axis Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU). The Movotrak CTU is the first 7th axis solution certified for ABB’s partner ecosystem, enabling plug-and-play extended range up to 10 meters, flexible mounting, and collision detection. This pre-integrated system streamlines setup, reduces downtime, and boosts productivity for integrators and end-users.
OpenMind raises $20M to build ‘Android for robots’ platform and intelligence infrastructure
OpenMind, a Silicon Valley robotics and AI startup led by Stanford professor Jan Liphardt, has raised $20 million from Pantera Capital, Pi Network Ventures, and others to develop a universal, decentralized operating system for robots. Their OM1 platform aims to interconnect various robotic brands and applications—like an “Android for robots”—enabling collaborative autonomy. The funding will expand engineering and speed adoption across industries such as manufacturing, elder care, and logistics.
Interest in construction robotics rises, but industry-wide adoption slows, says BuiltWorlds
BuiltWorlds’ 2025 Equipment & Robotics Benchmarking Report finds improving attitudes toward construction robotics among industry players, with over 95 percent reporting “good” or better evaluations, up from 74 percent in 2024. However, reported actual use dipped from 65 percent to 46 percent, reflecting fewer pilots and more selective, repeated deployments. While broad adoption remains limited, growing commitment among select contractors signals a gradual transition of robotics from “future tech” to practical site solutions.
AI-powered robot factory enables mass production of cyborg insects for search and rescue
Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed the world’s first automated system to attach electronic control backpacks to Madagascar hissing cockroaches, turning them into cyborg insects. The robot factory reduces assembly time from over an hour to just over a minute per insect, enabling large-scale production. These cyborg insects, capable of precise remote control, were field-tested during earthquake rescue efforts in Myanmar and could transform disaster response by accessing areas unreachable by conventional robots.
Tolomatic appoints Manish Virmani as president and CEO, succeeding Paul Carlson
Tolomatic, a leader in electric linear actuator and motion control solutions, has named Manish Virmani as its new president and CEO. Virmani, who brings extensive experience from prior executive roles at Phillips & Temro Industries, Horton Inc., and Cummins Inc., will lead the company as Paul Carlson retires after over five years at the helm. Tolomatic’s owners praised both leaders, highlighting Virmani’s strong track record in manufacturing and global operations.
