Category Robots Podcast

Researchers have developed a new algorithm that combines two processes for personalizing robotic prosthetic devices to both optimize the movement of the prosthetic limb and—for the first time—also help a human user's body engage in a more natural walking pattern. The new approach can be used to help restore and maintain various aspects of user movement, with the goal of addressing health challenges associated with an amputation.

In this new era of human-centric automation, robotics and intelligent systems are being designed to elevate the supply chain, creating supply chains that are not only faster and more resilient but also safer, more inclusive, and deeply human.

Georgia Tech researchers are using AI to quickly train exoskeleton devices, making it much more practical to develop, improve, and ultimately deploy wearable robots for people with impaired mobility.

Microrobots—tiny robots less than a millimeter in size—are useful in a variety of applications that require tasks to be completed at scales far too small for other tools, such as targeted drug-delivery or micro-manufacturing. However, the researchers and engineers designing these robots have run into some limitations when it comes to navigation. A new study, published in Nature, details a novel solution to these limitations—and the results are promising.

Imagine a world in which a humanoid robot cares for you when you need help and support with daily activities.

The collaboration between Roboprint, Shibaura Machine and TM Robotics illustrates how partnerships between emerging innovators and established suppliers can help the plastics industry adapt to new demands.

Nominations are solicited for the 2026 ACM SIGAI Autonomous Agents Research Award. This award is made for excellence in research in the area of autonomous agents. It is intended to recognize researchers in autonomous agents whose current work is an important influence on the field. The award is an official ACM award, funded by an endowment created by ACM SIGAI from the proceeds of previous Autonomous Agents conferences. The recipient of the award will receive a monetary prize and a certificate, and will be invited to present a plenary talk at the AAMAS 2026 conference.

How to nominate

Anyone can make a nomination. Nominations should be made by filling out this google form, and should consist of a short (< 1 page) statement that emphasizes not only the research contributions that the individual has made that merit the award but also how the individual’s current work is an important influence on the field.

Note: a candidate can only be considered for the award if they are explicitly nominated. If you believe that someone deserves the award, then nominate them – don’t assume that somebody else will!

Nomination link is here.

Important Dates

15 December 2025 – Deadline for nominations
1 February 2026 – Announcement of winner
25-29 May 2026 – AAMAS-2026 conference in Paphos, Cyprus

For any questions please contact Edith Elkind (Award Chair) or Louise Dennis (SIGAI Vice Chair).

Touch is the sense that brings us into direct contact with reality, revealing shape, texture, and resistance. Designing soft sensors to mimic biological fingertips facilitates natural haptic communications in telerobotics and prostheses, but suffers from inaccurate tactile decoding.

Bipedal (two-legged) robots are sophisticated machines, but they are not the most graceful when things go wrong. A simple push, fall or an obstacle can send them crashing to the ground, often resulting in expensive damage to sensitive components such as cameras.

By combining our manufacturing-grade measurement systems with Dusty’s robotics expertise, we created a solution that delivers 10× faster layouts and sub-millimeter accuracy, reshaping what’s possible on construction sites.

Generations in Dialogue: Bridging Perspectives in AI is a new podcast from AAAI featuring thought-provoking discussions between AI experts, practitioners, and enthusiasts from different age groups and backgrounds. Each episode delves into how generational experiences shape views on AI, exploring the challenges, opportunities, and ethical considerations that come with the advancement of this transformative technology.

Multi-agent systems and human-AI interaction with Professor Manuela Veloso

In the first episode of this new series from AAAI, host Ella Lan chats to Professor Manuela Veloso about her research journey and path into AI, the history and evolution of AI research, inter-generational collaborations, teamwork, AI to assist humans, AI in finance, advice for early-career researchers, and her excitement about connecting human knowledge with computers.

About Professor Manuela Veloso

Manuela Veloso is a renowned computer scientist and a pioneer in artificial intelligence, with influential work in multi-agent systems, robotics, and human-AI collaboration. She is currently the Head of AI Research at JPMorgan Chase, where she leads efforts to integrate AI into financial services. Previously, she was the Herbert A. Simon University Professor at Carnegie Mellon University and Head of its Machine Learning Department. Her research spans autonomous robotics, planning, machine learning, and AI systems that collaborate seamlessly with humans. A Fellow of the AAAI, IEEE, and AAAS, Professor Veloso has received numerous awards for her contributions to AI and remains a leading voice in advancing responsible and interactive AI systems.

About the host

Ella Lan, a member of the AAAI Student Committee, is the host of “Generations in Dialogue: Bridging Perspectives in AI.” She is passionate about bringing together voices across career stages to explore the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Ella is a student at Stanford University tentatively studying Computer Science and Psychology, and she enjoys creating spaces where technical innovation intersects with ethical reflection, human values, and societal impact. Her interests span education, healthcare, and AI ethics, with a focus on building inclusive, interdisciplinary conversations that shape the future of responsible AI.

A research team led by Professor Wang Qining from the School of Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics, Peking University, has developed the world's first portable underwater exoskeleton system that assists divers' knee movement, significantly reducing air consumption and muscle effort during dives.

Using common kitchen ingredients such as citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, scientists have created an edible pneumatic battery and valve system to power soft robots.

Due to the increasing use of robots in every field, the demand for robot programmers is also rising. Robot programming software company RoboDK, has launched a free online platform called RoboDK Academy, to help learners from any capacity, such as engineers, professionals, students and educators master industrial robot programming skills. The users can sign up […]

A rural primary school in Maharashtra has stepped into the future of STEM education with the launch of a Robotics and Industry 4.0 lab powered by RoboDK and SimuSoft Technologies (Pune). Supported by Bharat Forge Ltd. through its CSR initiative, the lab at Zilla Parishad School, Jalindarnagar is the first of its kind in a […]