🟩 Real-Life Transformer Robot Morphs in Mid-Air

Plus: Epson Developing Collaborative Robot for Clean-Room Use, Amazon Introduces Vulcan Robot with Force and Touch Sensing for Warehouse Material Handling

Author

Andrew Miller
June 05, 2025

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Top headlines

  • Real-Life Transformer Robot Morphs in Mid-Air

  • Epson Developing Collaborative Robot for Clean-Room Use

  • Amazon Introduces Vulcan Robot with Force and Touch Sensing for Warehouse Material Handling

  • ABB Introduces RoboMasters Training App to Enhance Robot Training Flexibility

  • Rainbow Robotics Unveils New Features for RB-Y1 Semi-Humanoid Robot

  • LimX Dynamics Developing TRON1 Robot for Research and AGI Applications

Engineers Develop Real-Life Transformer Robot That Can Morph in Mid-Air

Caltech engineers, led by Ioannis Mandralis and Mory Gharib, have created ATMO, a robot inspired by animal locomotion that transforms mid-air between flying and driving modes. ATMO uses four thrusters that convert into wheels upon landing, with a single motor facilitating the mode shift based on autonomous control, making it capable of unprecedented versatility in traversing complex environments. This breakthrough overcomes limitations of existing transforming robots that must land before reconfiguring, allowing it to navigate more challenging terrains.

Why it matters
ATMO promises a new era of robotics, where autonomous systems navigate the world with unparalleled dexterity and adaptability, and it’s not hard to imagine a fleet of these guys delivering your overpriced takeout. This tech has the potential to unlock new possibilities in everything from delivery services to planetary exploration, leaving clunky terrestrial bots collecting dust in the innovation graveyard.

Epson Developing Collaborative Robot for Clean-Room Use

Epson's first collaborative robot, the AX6-A901S, is designed for clean-room environments and will debut at Automatica 2025 in Munich, running June 24-27. Featuring a lightweight carbon design and compact controller, the robot targets applications in life sciences and pharmaceuticals. Initial sales are planned for Europe starting in the autumn of 2025 before expanding to other regions.

Why it matters
Epson’s move signals a serious play for the high-margin, high-stakes automation market within regulated industries. Expect pharma giants to salivate over anything promising to streamline operations and reduce contamination risks; this cobot could become a crucial component in future, fully-automated drug production facilities.

Amazon Introduces Vulcan Robot with Force and Touch Sensing for Warehouse Material Handling

Vulcan is Amazon's first robot equipped with touch sensors, able to handle roughly 75% of warehouse inventory. Currently deployed in Spokane, Washington, and Hamburg, Germany, the AI-driven bot aims to reduce worker strain and boost fulfillment speeds. Amazon plans to roll out Vulcan more broadly in the U.S. and Europe over the next few years.

Why it matters
Amazon's investment in advanced robotics like Vulcan isn't just about efficiency; it's a strategic move to insulate itself from rising labor costs and chronic shortages, potentially redefining the competitive landscape for warehouse operations. Competitors now face increased pressure to automate, or risk falling behind in both speed and profitability.

Quick Hits

ABB Introduces RoboMasters Training App to Enhance Robot Training Flexibility

ABB's new RoboMasters app offers personalized training for users of all skill levels to program and operate ABB robots remotely. The app includes modular courses, interactive lessons, simulations, and gamification, with certification upon completion. This move addresses the skills gap highlighted in a 2023 ABB Robotics survey, providing cost-effective training in over 50 languages.

RoboMasters isn't just an app; it's ABB's attempt to democratize robotics, leveling the playing field for smaller firms and individuals eager to tap into automation. Expect a surge in robot adoption as the barrier to entry crumbles, ultimately reshaping industries and forcing competitors to play catch-up.

Rainbow Robotics Unveils New Features for RB-Y1 Semi-Humanoid Robot at ICRA 2025

The RB-Y1's new features signal a leap forward in semi-humanoid robotics, potentially setting new benchmarks for functionality and design. Rainbow Robotics' presence at ICRA positions them as a serious contender in the increasingly competitive robotics landscape, capturing mindshare and perhaps even a few lucrative partnerships.

LimX Dynamics Developing TRON1 Robot for Research and AGI Applications

LimX Dynamics launched the TRON 1 in 2024, a multi-modal biped robot featuring Point-Foot, Sole, and Wheeled locomotion. Targeted toward researchers and developers, this globally available robot with an open SDK aims to advance research in humanoid robotics and AGI algorithm development.

The TRON 1's modular design and advanced locomotion could democratize robotics research, allowing smaller labs and independent developers to experiment with cutting-edge AGI concepts without building custom hardware. This influx of fresh perspectives may be the catalyst needed to finally bridge the gap between simulated AI and real-world embodied intelligence.

A few more for you…

  • DoorDash and Coco Robotics Launch Robot Food Delivery in Los Angeles and Chicago - source

  • UBTech to Mass-Produce Humanoid Robots by End of 2025 Amid Competition in China - source

  • Global Humanoid Robots Market to Surge from $2.98 Billion in 2025 to $243.4 Billion by 2035, driven by AI and Automation - source

  • Honeywell and Teradyne Robotics Collaborate to Improve Warehouse Efficiency Through Intelligent Automation - source

  • Xaba Raises $6 Million to Advance AI-Powered Robotics for Industrial Automation - source

  • Rockwell Automation partnered with Microsoft Azure to transform plants into connected smart factories and integrate AI - source

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- Andrew

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