TechCapsules

What Amazon’s Astro Taught Me About Giving Robots a Soul

Amazon's Astro, a consumer home robot, was developed with a unique character direction, distinct from Alexa. The UX team, led by the UX Sound Designer, argued that a mobile robot required its own character to avoid being seen as just an appliance. User testing confirmed this decision, with users perceiving Astro as its own character. The robot's sound design language and voice were defined, with Alexa serving as a supporting character for spoken interactions. The development of Astro's character involved answering design questions about its emotional range, communication, and vulnerabilities. Astro's character was designed to be expressive, yet not annoying, with a focus on creating a cohesive user experience.

💡 By giving Astro its own character, Amazon created a more relatable and engaging user experience, setting a precedent for embodied AI development. Effective character design enables robots to communicate uncertainty and emotions without eroding trust.

Humanoid robots and smart homes put AI centre stage at VivaTech 2026…

Humanoid robots and smart homes took center stage at VivaTech 2026 in Paris, showcasing the practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors. Chinese company Unitree's AI-powered humanoid robots performed demonstrations, while robotic dogs navigated through exhibition halls. Companies like Samsung presented AI-driven products for everyday life, including a smart refrigerator that tracks food items and generates shopping lists. The event, which runs until 20 June, has attracted start-ups and industry leaders from around the world to discuss innovation, digital infrastructure, and the expanding role of AI.

💡 The growing interest in AI-powered machines designed to work alongside humans in warehouses, factories, and logistics centers signals a shift towards automation in industries. This trend may lead to increased productivity and efficiency, but also raises concerns about job displacement and the need for workers to adapt to new technologies.

Physical AI Market to Reach $82.8 Billion: How Japan Is Leading the…

The global physical AI market is projected to reach $82.8 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.8% from 2025 to 2034. Japan is leading the charge, with its physical AI market valued at $307.3 million in 2025, expected to reach $6.76 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 36.2%. The convergence of embodied intelligence, adaptive robotics, and real-world perception is transforming industries, with companies that treat physical AI as a present-day investment already gaining an edge over those who view it as a future investment.

💡 Japan's demographic imperative, with a shrinking population and aging workforce, makes physical AI an existential necessity, driving the country's focus on this technology. This focus is paying off, with Japan's physical AI market growing at a faster rate than the global market, positioning the country as a leader in this emerging industry.

Robots pour cocktails and run marathons, but still can’t multitask

Humanoid robots showcased at the Robotics Summit in Boston demonstrated capabilities such as mixing cocktails, running marathons, and folding laundry. However, despite marketing claims, these robots are often limited to performing a single task or require human control. Experts attribute this limitation to the complexity of multitasking and the need for more advanced artificial intelligence. Robots are making progress, with advancements in hand dexterity and AI-powered vision-language-action models. However, creating a general-purpose robot that can perform various tasks independently is still years away.

💡 The stakes are higher for robots than for chatbots, as their physical actions can cause harm. To bridge this gap, companies are gathering vast amounts of data on human movement to improve their robots' abilities.

Chang Robotics and Wheel.me Partner to Make Any Cart, Shelf, or Fixture…

Chang Robotics and Wheel.me have expanded their partnership to bring autonomous mobility to a wider range of industries and facility types. The collaboration enables Chang Robotics to serve clients with compact, flexible automation that works with their existing infrastructure. Wheel.me's Genius platform uses autonomous wheels with lidar and 3D vision to transform standard carts, shelves, and fixtures into self-driving units, operating in environments with limited space and flexibility. The partnership builds on a relationship that began in 2023 and will integrate Wheel.me's technology into client solutions.

Embodied AI Robotics Startup Astrall Dynamics Gains Investment from SAIC and Others

Astrall Dynamics, a Shenzhen-based embodied AI robotics startup, has secured investment from SAIC Motor and Dongfang Precision, increasing its registered capital to 67.33 million yuan. Founded in June 2024, the company specializes in R&D, manufacturing, and sales of smart robots and motor control systems. Astrall Dynamics has also partnered with China Life Property & Casualty Insurance to develop dedicated insurance products for quadruped robots, aiming to drive innovation in smart equipment and establish a new model for risk coverage.

💡 The investment and partnership signify a growing recognition of the potential for embodied AI in China's robotics industry, with Astrall Dynamics poised to play a key role in driving innovation and adoption.