Pony.ai Deploys 1,000 Robotaxis in Shenzhen; WeRide Expands Autonomous Vehicle Reach with Uber Investment
Key Takeaways
- Pony.ai partners with Shenzhen Xihu to deploy 1,000+ robotaxis in Shenzhen.
- WeRide expands AV reach with $100M from Uber, launching in 15 more cities.
- Chef Robotics' module C-001748 receives NSF certification for food safety.
- Robotnik unveils user-centered HMI for RB-WATCHER surveillance robot.
- Cybernetix Ventures raises a $100M fund for Robotics and Physical AI.
Top Stories
Pony.ai partners with Shenzhen Xihu for robotaxi deployment
On June 2, 2025, Pony.ai Inc. announced a strategic partnership with Shenzhen Xihu Corp. to deploy over 1,000 seventh-generation robotaxis in Shenzhen, aiming to accelerate large-scale deployments using an "asset-light and AI-empowered model." Xihu will handle fleet operations, while Pony.ai focuses on technology innovations.
WeRide expands AV reach with Uber investment
Reported on June 3, 2025, WeRide is expanding its autonomous vehicle (AV) technology with an additional $100 million investment from Uber, planning to launch in 15 more cities over the next five years, following its recent launch in Abu Dhabi and upcoming launch in Dubai, with European cities to follow.
Chef Robotics' module C-001748 receives NSF certification
On June 3, 2025, Chef Robotics announced that its robotic module C-001748 is NSF-certified, adhering to strict food safety and cleanability standards, following the milestone of Chef's robots completing over 50 million food servings in production at customer sites.
Robotnik unveils user-centered HMI for RB-WATCHER
On June 3, 2025, Robotnik announced a new user-centered Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for the RB-WATCHER surveillance robot, simplifying tasks like route configuration, mission management, and remote teleoperation, while also providing alerts via email or Telegram for anomalies.
Cybernetix Ventures raises $100M fund for Robotics/AI
On June 3, 2025, Cybernetix Ventures announced it is raising a $100M fund to scale breakthroughs in Robotics and Physical AI.
Robotics In Action
Humanoid teases humanoid robots for everyday environments
On June 3, 2025, Humanoid, a UK-based robotics and AI company, released a teaser video showcasing its vision for humanoid robots in everyday environments and is set to debut its alpha prototype later this year, focusing on wheeled and bipedal platforms for logistics, retail, and manufacturing.
maxon drives pipe-based robots for maintenance
On June 3, 2025, maxon group published an article about multi-axis motion control drives pipe-based robots for surveying and maintaining underground pipes, integrating sensors like high-resolution cameras and acoustic sensors, enabling maintenance tasks and highlighting the importance of compact and reliable multi-axis motion systems.
Future Outlook
Robots seen as key to German competitiveness
The automatica Trend Report 2025, revealed on June 3, 2025, indicates that 77% of German employees believe robot deployment will ensure the country's competitiveness, and 75% think robotics can alleviate skills shortages, with around 80% wanting robots to handle dangerous, unhealthy, or repetitive tasks.
Robot Perception
Study: Cursing robots have no negative impact
A study by Naomi Fitter from Oregon State University, reported on June 3, 2025, found that cursing by robots had no negative impact and even some positive impacts among college students, suggesting robot designers should consider the use of cursing in certain contexts while being mindful of the setting and audience.