Global Scans · Robotics · Weekly Summary

• [New] In work that could impact human-machine interfaces, biocompatible devices, soft robotics, and more, MIT engineers and colleagues have developed a soft, flexible gel that dramatically changes its conductivity upon the application of light. MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• [New] Volume production is not expected until mid-2027, but the milestone signals progress on autonomous driving and Optimus robotics. Gotrade
• [New] The ongoing growth of smart city projects and connected vehicle systems is expected to sustain China's leadership in intelligent vehicle robotics. Precedence Research
• [New] Building on the achievements of innovation across all areas over the past five years - including brand, EVs, PBVs, and ESG - EVs, HEVs, autonomous driving, and robotics will serve as key drivers for Kia's fastest growth to date. Hyundai Motor Group
• [New] Tesla CEO Elon Musk says he will convert part of a factory in Fremont, Calif., to produce its Optimus robots. Scientific American
• [New] By the end of 2026, home-based robots capable of completing long-horizon, complex tasks in unseen environments will be technologically viable. The Daily Note
• [New] By 2027, humanoid robots will transition from experimental lab prototypes to mass-produced industrial and consumer assets. The Daily Note
• [New] AI-enabled robotics and autonomous systems could become a major Chinese export category within the plan period. Digital in Asia
• [New] General-purpose humanoid robots will scale in 2026: Specialized physical AI will thrive. Design News
• [New] The robotics shakeout will arrive in 2026: With applied physical AI outshining proof-of-concept robotics, a great demo video might generate buzz, but it will not be enough to sustain growth, interest, and investments anymore. Design News
• [New] The material costs of a humanoid robot could fall from $35,000 in 2025 to between $13,000 and $17,000 by 2035. Fortune
• The third-generation Optimus robot, acting as a long-term call option, is expected to enter mass production in the second half of 2026; although its short-term contribution to revenue is limited, it determines the upper limit of Tesla's valuation. tradingkey.com
• Fastest-growing Technology: Robotics & automation is set to be the fastest-growing technology from 2025 to 2032. Persistence Market Research
• Optimus Scaling: If Tesla can achieve its target production rate of 1,000 Optimus units per week by the end of 2026, it could create an entirely new multi-billion dollar robotics segment. FinancialContent
• Other plans include scaling Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot toward 30,000 units of annual production capacity by 2028, and maintaining partnerships across autonomous driving via 42 dot, Motional, and Waymo. Automotive World
• Robots could give ultrasounds to women and touted how AI avatars could help. KFF Health News
• By 2036, humanoid robots will be genuinely common in warehouses, hospitals, and manufacturing settings, and will be beginning to appear in homes. Futurist Speaker
• Humanoid robots are expected to work in close proximity to humans and navigate complex, often unpredictable environments. Loginfo24
• By 2026, we expect to see the first widespread general-purpose robots. Craigmc Gregor

Last updated: 20 April 2026