Robotics & Automation (opens original source in a new tab)Robotics & Automation NewsHow certified systems integrators reduce commissioning risk in robotic production cellsCommissioning a robotic production cell requires coordinated testing across robot controls, drives, safety functions, field devices, and plant networks. A robotic cell can run cleanly during a shop demonstration and still lose hours when it reaches the plant. The robot may be ready while a drive uses the wrong parameter set. A sensor can change […] (opens original source in a new tab)
(opens original source in a new tab)South China Morning PostIran war could still alter Beijing’s policy calculus: economistWith the US-Israel war on Iran entering its sixth month, Chinese policymakers have a multitude of questions weighing on their minds, with two proving particularly thorny according to a prominent economist: how much longer the conflict might last, and whether it will necessitate adjustments to previous plans. While the continuing impact on China might remain “small”, said Mao Zhenhua – co-director of Renmin University’s Institute of Economic Research and a professor at the University of Hong... (opens original source in a new tab)Frank Chen·3 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)STAT NewsNew York’s assisted-dying law moves forwardMedicaid work requirements in effect in Nebraska, AI scribes in med school, and more health news from Morning Rounds (opens original source in a new tab)Theresa Gaffney·3 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)CoinDeskTom Lee's Bitmine bought more ether, added to stock buyback last weekChairman Tom Lee said ether's outperformance versus the Nasdaq in July signals strengthening crypto fundamentals. (opens original source in a new tab)Krisztian Sandor·3 August 2026
Industry News (opens original source in a new tab)ScienceDailyMoonquakes could reveal hidden water beneath the lunar surfaceHidden moon ice may reveal itself through the way it bends and reflects vibrations from moonquakes. The technique could help astronauts locate vital water supplies and uncover clues about the origins of Earth’s oceans. (opens original source in a new tab)3 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)South China Morning PostAnt Group’s embodied AI arm Robbyant kicks off external fundingRobbyant, the embodied artificial intelligence division of Ant Group, has begun seeking external funding, becoming the fourth unit of the fintech giant to step up capital-raising efforts. The unit said it was in talks with investors on Monday. As Ant Group’s “core initiative in embodied intelligence”, a Robbyant spokesperson said it would remain focused on developing a general-purpose “robot brain”, investing in technologies designed specifically for embodied AI and accelerating commercial... (opens original source in a new tab)Wency Chen·3 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)South China Morning PostAnt Group’s embodied AI arm Robbyant kicks off external fundingRobbyant, the embodied artificial intelligence division of Ant Group, has begun seeking external funding, becoming the fourth unit of the fintech giant to step up capital-raising efforts. The unit said it was in talks with investors on Monday. As Ant Group’s “core initiative in embodied intelligence”, a Robbyant spokesperson said it would remain focused on developing a general-purpose “robot brain”, investing in technologies designed specifically for embodied AI and accelerating commercial... (opens original source in a new tab)Wency Chen·3 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)South China Morning PostChinese biotech giant WuXi AppTec sees first-half earnings surge amid US scrutinyWuXi AppTec, Asia’s largest provider of contract pharmaceutical research, posted net income that smashed market expectations in the first half of the year amid strong demand tied to weight-loss and diabetes drugs, as well as gains in its US business. Interim net profit attributable to the owners of the Shanghai-based drug contractor advanced 33.7 per cent to 11.08 billion yuan (US$1.64 billion) from a year earlier, surpassing a Bloomberg mean consensus estimate – drawn from a pool of 25 analysts (opens original source in a new tab)Julie Zhang·3 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)South China Morning PostChina tightens chip-design protection and clarifies rights to spur innovationChina has revised regulations on the protection of chip design, a critical move to push for tech self-sufficiency amid US export controls. Premier Li Qiang signed a State Council decree to promulgate the revised rules on the protection of layout designs of integrated circuits, Xinhua reported on Monday. The new rules will take effect on October 15. The revision clarified financial penalties for infringement as well as licensing, transfer and co-ownership rights, aiming to accelerate the... (opens original source in a new tab)Ann Cao·3 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)South China Morning PostChina tightens chip-design protection and clarifies rights to spur innovationChina has revised regulations on the protection of chip design, a critical move to push for tech self-sufficiency amid US export controls. Premier Li Qiang signed a State Council decree to promulgate the revised rules on the protection of layout designs of integrated circuits, Xinhua reported on Monday. The new rules will take effect on October 15. The revision clarified financial penalties for infringement as well as licensing, transfer and co-ownership rights, aiming to accelerate the... (opens original source in a new tab)Ann Cao·3 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)Breaking DefenseNorthrop gets $3B framework deal to increase motor production for PAC-3, THAADThe deal will allow Northrop to stand up production as a second supplier of solid rocket motors for the PAC-3 interceptor. (opens original source in a new tab)Valerie Insinna·3 August 2026
Robotics & Automation (opens original source in a new tab)Robotics & Automation NewsDesigning Companion Mobile Apps for Robotics and Automation SystemsRobots no longer stop at the edge of the factory floor. Increasingly, they extend into a phone or tablet in an operator’s hand. A companion app has become as important as the hardware it controls. Fleet managers check machine health from a warehouse aisle. Maintenance technicians pull diagnostics before they even reach the unit. Operations […] (opens original source in a new tab)David Edwards·3 August 2026
