Machines, Markets, Milestones:
Industrial automation continues to surge ahead at a remarkable pace in 2025, transforming how goods are produced, moved, and managed. From advanced AI robotics and factory automation to machine vision systems and autonomous logistics, the latest developments signal a bold new era of intelligent manufacturing.
Here’s a detailed look at the recent important automation news and innovations.
Amazon Hits One Million Robots with AI Foundation Model at the Core
Amazon has crossed a monumental milestone—its operational fleet now includes over one million robots. But that’s not the only headline. What truly sets this development apart is the introduction of a foundation AI model, specifically trained to power its growing robotics ecosystem.
This model enhances the intelligence of mobile robots like Proteus and Cardinal by enabling better perception, navigation, and decision-making across fulfillment centers. The result is a more efficient, adaptive, and collaborative system between robots and human workers, redefining the future of warehouse automation.
Japan’s Industrial Wireless Market Gathers Momentum
A new analysis of Japan’s factory automation sector highlights a powerful trend: wireless automation is gaining serious traction. With pressures from an aging workforce and the need to remain globally competitive, Japanese manufacturers are accelerating the adoption of wireless technologies—especially those powered by 5G and edge IoT systems.
Use cases range from wireless sensor networks in smart factories to mobile robotic units relying on real-time data processing and minimal latency. This shift is not only modernizing legacy infrastructure but also setting benchmarks for global manufacturers.
Mitsubishi Electric Group Orders 100+ Autonomous Haulers from Cartken
The drive toward autonomy in industrial logistics took another major step forward. Cartken, a robotics company known for its small autonomous delivery vehicles, announced that a Mitsubishi Electric Group subsidiary has significantly expanded its partnership by ordering nearly 100 autonomous hauler robots.
These compact, AI-driven machines are designed to navigate complex industrial sites without human intervention, streamlining material handling and reducing downtime. The deal signals growing trust in autonomous systems in traditionally manual workflows.
Teledyne DALSA’s Linea HS2 Wins Gold in Control Engineering Awards
Machine vision plays a crucial role in quality control, inspection, and robotic guidance—and Teledyne DALSA continues to lead in this space. Their Linea HS2 line scan camera was awarded Gold in the 2025 Control Engineering Product of the Year Awards.
Offering unmatched speed, resolution, and image quality, the HS2 enables high-precision imaging in sectors like semiconductors, electronics, and printed packaging. It supports real-time defect detection, reducing waste and improving production accuracy.
SEW-EURODRIVE Localizes Assembly for P2E Gear Units in the USA
SEW-EURODRIVE has announced that its P2E planetary gear units are now being assembled domestically in the U.S., allowing for faster delivery and greater configuration flexibility for customers.
These P2E gearboxes are critical for energy-efficient drive applications in material handling, logistics, and industrial automation. Local assembly also reduces lead times and strengthens SEW’s service footprint in North America, aligning with broader reshoring trends in industrial supply chains.
Galbot Raises $151M to Scale Humanoid Robots, Backed by Bosch
AI-powered robotics startup Galbot has closed a massive $151 million funding round, supported by Bosch’s investment division. Their focus? Embodied AI humanoid robots that can perform a wide range of tasks across industries—from logistics and eldercare to advanced manufacturing.
The capital will be used to scale production capabilities and advance R&D in AI mobility, manipulation, and interaction. Galbot’s vision places it in direct competition with other emerging humanoid platforms aiming to augment or replace certain human labor functions.