The Innovation Report
UPS In Talks With Startup Figure AI To Deploy Humanoid Robots
United Parcel Service Inc. is in talks with robotics startup Figure AI Inc. to use humanoid robots for some tasks in the logistics giant’s network, according to people familiar with the matter. UPS and Figure began having discussions about a partnership last year and...
Robot Swarm Can Flow Like Water, Harden Up To Support Weight Of A Person
Swarms of hive mind-like robots can be induced to behave more like a material, new research has shown. The robots in question are (mostly) cylindrical, with a diameter of just 2.75 inches (70 millimeters). The researchers at UC Santa Barbara and TU Dresden used 3D...
Smarter Transit, Better Service: How Data Is Shaping Daily Operations
When transit agencies develop data-informed cultures of innovation using new technology, they can uncover patterns in ridership, economic activity and land use/development, helping to anticipate demand and optimize service delivery. For instance, AI could recognize...
Republican Chair Unveils $15B Plan To Modernize Air Traffic Control
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) released a budget reconciliation proposal Tuesday that would allocate $15 billion for the modernization of air traffic control technology. The funds would go to the Federal Aviation...
Fontaine Modification Leads Supplier Consortium to Develop and Deploy Fuel-Cell-Electric Class 6 Truck
Fontaine Modification is leading a consortium of companies working together to develop a Class 6 fuel-cell-electric truck to meet the demands of “middle mile” delivery logistics. The consortium includes Ballard Power Systems, Forsee Power and Linamar...
Heart Aerospace Relocates To California, Winds Down Swedish Operation
Heart Aerospace, one of the most prominent startups working on the development of a hybrid-electric clean-sheet airliner, announced on April 30, 2025, that it is moving its corporate headquarters from Gothenburg, in Western Sweden, to Los Angeles, California. In...
Toyota, Waymo Collaborate To Boost Autonomous Driving
Toyota Motor Corporation said on Wednesday that it has reached a preliminary agreement with Waymo to explore a collaboration focused on increasing the development and deployment of autonomous driving technologies. Woven by Toyota will also join the potential...
Siemens Mobility Begins Manufacturing Hydrogen Trains For Bavaria
Siemens Mobility has commenced the manufacturing of hydrogen-powered trains intended for the Sudostbayernbahn network in Bavaria, Germany, with operations set to begin in late 2026. The Bavarian state placed an order for three two-car Mireo Plus H trains, which will...
Smart Mobility Today: 28 April 2025
There are lots of interesting stories in this week's Smart Mobility Today Podcast and at Global Auto Mobility. Bee-inspired robots from MIT, the world's first 10G broadband network, Hubble's 35th birthday, and a conversation with Yazaki North America about innovations...
San Diego Unveils Sweeping Mobility Plan To Transform City Transit
San Diego is rolling out a comprehensive Mobility Master Plan, laying the groundwork for a safer, greener and more efficient transportation network throughout the city. After three years of development, this first-of-its-kind plan for San Diego highlights...
