Palm-sized robot makes controlled jumps using a tiny electric motor

us.headtopics.com Sep 27, 2026

Palm-sized robot makes controlled jumps using a tiny electric motor

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 27, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Engineers at the University of Washington unveiled DirectHop, a palm‑sized robot that hops without springs, clearing a standard stair step and righting itself after landing. The prototype uses a tiny electric motor and three folding legs, allowing jump height to be set with single‑centimeter precision by adjusting motor current. A roll cage inspired by a box turtle keeps the robot upright, enabling a 90% self‑righting rate. DirectHop is powered by wired electricity and lacks autonomous navigation, but future versions aim for solar power, onboard batteries, and autonomous stair‑climbing.

💡 Why It Matters

· DirectHop demonstrates that miniature robots can use controlled hopping to navigate obstacles, offering a low‑cost alternative for inspection and exploration tasks where traditional wheeled or flying robots struggle.

Capsules Robotics

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Strider Robotics’ M3 Quadruped Robot Tows Honda Amaze In Landmark Heavy-Payload Demonstration

Bangalore‑based Strider Robotics demonstrated its M3 autonomous quadruped by towing a de‑engineered Honda Amaze, showcasing traction, balance and controlled force under a heavy real‑world load. The vehicle’s engine was off and no driver sat in the seat; two occupants remained inside while a passenger applied the handbrake for safety. The M3, a TRL‑6 prototype, can carry 20 kg payloads and has proven stability with loads up to 40 kg. More than 80 % of its components are sourced locally, supporting domestic robotics manufacturing. The company is now piloting the robot with oil‑and‑gas and automotive clients.

💡 The demonstration proves that a legged robot can reliably tow a full‑size car, a capability that could transform logistics and maintenance in hard‑to‑reach industrial sites.

kyivindependent.com · Sep 27

Ex-defense minister Fedorov announces new ‘Army of Robots’ initiative in latest move…

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced the “Army of Robots” initiative on September 26, 2026, during a presentation at IT Arena in Lviv and via social media. The program aims to replace human soldiers with autonomous systems, building an ecosystem of defense‑tech companies, R&D projects, and joint military testing. Fedorov, dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, previously launched the “Army of Drones” in 2022 and has since focused on tech innovation, including a fund and a new defense‑tech firm backed by Palantir CEO Alex Karp. The initiative seeks rapid scaling of battlefield‑effective solutions.

💡 By institutionalizing autonomous warfare, Fedorov could reshape Ukraine’s combat strategy and influence global military procurement trends. The move signals a shift toward private‑sector‑driven defense innovation amid ongoing conflict.

edexlive.com · Sep 27

Battle for robotic artificial intelligence standards triggers fresh US restrictions on China

The United States has added Chinese‑made advanced industrial robots to the Federal Communications Commission’s “Covered” List, citing risks of espionage, cyber‑attack, supply‑chain disruption and remote compromise. The move, reported by Eurasia Review, aims to prevent Chinese robotics from entering U.S. factories and ports, reflecting a broader strategy to control AI‑linked standards and supply chains. Washington views the restriction as a pre‑emptive denial of strategic advantage, likening the threat to a “Trojan horse” similar to past concerns over TikTok and Huawei. In 2024 China produced roughly 300,000 industrial robots, far outpacing the United States’ 34,000 installations, though the U.S. leads in models, chips and cloud services. The policy seeks to curtail Chinese dominance in robotic and AI infrastructure while fostering a allied ecosystem.

💡 By blocking Chinese robots before they embed in critical U.S. operations, Washington aims to safeguard national security and preserve technological sovereignty.

ibtimes.co.in · Sep 26

US moves to restrict Chinese robots to safeguard national security and boost…

The United States has placed Chinese‑made advanced industrial robots on the Federal Communications Commission’s “Covered” list, effectively barring them from U.S. factories and ports. Officials cite national‑security risks such as espionage, cyber‑attacks, supply‑chain disruption and the possibility of remote compromise. The move reflects a broader strategy to prevent dependence on foreign robotics and AI infrastructure before such technologies become entrenched in critical systems. In 2024 China produced roughly 300,000 industrial robots compared with about 34,000 installed in the United States, giving Beijing a clear deployment advantage despite America’s lead in chip and cloud technologies. Washington aims to curtail China’s dominance in robotics while fostering a domestic and allied ecosystem for secure AI‑enabled automation.

💡 Limiting Chinese robots blocks a potential conduit for covert data collection and sabotage within America’s manufacturing backbone, preserving strategic technological autonomy.

analyticsinsight.net · Sep 26

Tesla Optimus Production Hits Hundreds Weekly, Hands Remain Challenge

Tesla has increased Optimus humanoid robot production roughly tenfold, now delivering several hundred units weekly, up from a few dozen in Q2 2026. The company aims to exceed 1,000 units per week by year‑end 2026 and ultimately target 20,000 units weekly. Key obstacles remain the robot’s intricate hand mechanism, automated assembly equipment, and supplier constraints. Tesla continues refining the hand design for mass‑production readiness while developing Optimus Gen 3, which is intended to streamline manufacturing. The company’s focus is on establishing a reliable, scalable production line to meet ambitious output goals.

💡 Scaling Optimus production tests Tesla’s ability to transition from prototype to mass‑manufactured robotics, potentially reshaping automation and manufacturing standards.

therobotreport.com · Sep 26

Farmers are facing more pressure; CNH says robotics can help

CNH Industrial unveiled its R4 robot, targeting vineyard, orchard, and specialty crop growers grappling with rising input costs, falling crop prices, and unpredictable weather. Senior robotics manager Luca Ferrari highlighted labor shortages and the need for higher productivity as drivers for adoption. The robot, part of CNH’s broader FieldOps platform, uses advanced AI, machine vision, and sensor data to perform autonomous tasks such as planting, spraying, and harvesting. CNH stresses interoperability, data integration, and soil health preservation as key benefits of the system.

💡 By automating critical operations, the R4 robot could reduce labor dependency and lower operating costs, directly addressing the most pressing challenges faced by U.S. farmers today.