The hottest Robotics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Import 355: Local LLMs; scaling laws for inference; free Mickey Mouse

Import AI • 1058 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. PowerInfer software allows $2k machines to perform at 82% of the performance of $20k machines, making it more economically sensible to sample from LLMs using consumer-grade GPUs.
  2. Surveys show that a significant number of AI researchers worry about extreme scenarios such as human extinction from advanced AI, indicating a greater level of concern and confusion in the AI development community than popular discourse suggests.
  3. Robots are becoming cheaper for research, like Mobile ALOHA that costs $32k, and with effective imitation learning, they can autonomously complete tasks, potentially leading to more robust robots in 2024.

China's Diverging AI Path

ChinaTalk • 948 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. The U.S. and China are developing different kinds of AI. While the U.S. focuses on abstract software, China is integrating AI into physical systems and infrastructure.
  2. China's strong infrastructure helps it use AI in real-world settings, especially in areas like transportation and urban management, giving it an edge in these fields.
  3. China faces a challenge in finding enough skilled AI engineers, which could slow down its advanced AI projects despite strong government support.

Goodreads, bleak spam and bad dating apps

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 758 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Some people experience real grief when a virtual relationship ends or changes, even with AI companions.
  2. AI companion apps like Replika, Kindroid, and Candy.ai allow users to form personalized relationships with customized bots, blurring the line between human and AI relationships.
  3. The concept of disenfranchised grief applies to loss experienced in virtual relationships, with individuals forming deep emotional connections to AI companions.

Robot Auras

Breaking Smart • 43 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Robot auras are a proposal for a machine-native visual affect language that communicates a robot’s internal state without trying to mimic human faces or emotions, making robot behavior more legible and expressive in a non‑biomorphic way.
  2. Mapping internal states to auras is straightforward for simple kinematic variables but modern robots have many stacked states (energy, sensors, learning, world models, planning, etc.), so aura design should triage and map the most useful dimensions into simple, learnable signals.
  3. Entangled auras could serve as a practical safety and coordination layer that complements rules‑based guardrails, allowing humans, animals, and other robots to learn and respond to visible signals, but this will need standards, AR/CAD tooling, and careful color/behavior choices.
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Welcome to Asimov's Addendum

Asimov’s Addendum • 79 implied HN points • 31 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics were a starting point for thinking about how robots should behave. They aimed to ensure robots protect humans, obey commands, and keep themselves safe.
  2. A new approach by Stuart Russell suggests that robots should focus on understanding and promoting human values, but they must be humble and recognize that they don’t know everything about our values.
  3. The development of AI must consider not just how well machines achieve goals, but also how corporate interests can affect their design and use. Proper regulation and transparency are needed to ensure AI is safe and beneficial for everyone.

Revenge of the Dilettantes

Breaking Smart • 98 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. AI makes bespoke, one-off publishing and media workflows cheap and practical, so creators can publish essays, books, and artworks in custom formats instead of forcing them into standard platforms.
  2. AI tools empower dilettantes to be full‑stack creators, letting casual generalists produce art, code, and even robotics projects without needing deep craft mastery.
  3. AI transforms reading and learning by supercharging book clubs and study groups, enabling faster, deeper exploration, translation, and research that turns casual reading into sustained study.

A Brief History of SaaS and What's Next

Ulysses • 619 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. The relationship between return-seeking capital and new technology development creates cycles that go from early adoption to commodity status, setting the stage for the next wave of technological innovation.
  2. Software in the SaaS sector is moving towards commodification, freeing up resources for progressing technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, biotech, and space innovations.
  3. Advancements in robotics, biotech, accelerated design and manufacturing, and space technology are being driven by the commodification of software intelligence, leading to a new Golden Age of innovation in various industries.

Beyond Earth Technologies: Call to Action

Space Ambition • 799 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Beyond Earth Technologies is looking for innovative projects that can help with living on other planets and also have real opportunities for business now.
  2. If you're a scientist or inventor working on things like energy, robots, or habitats, you can apply to join their program by January 31st.
  3. You can share this opportunity with friends who have great ideas, and it only takes a few minutes to apply.

🚘 Tesla: AI & Robotics

How They Make Money • 628 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Elon Musk envisions Tesla becoming the most valuable company in the world, emphasizing the need for flawless execution.
  2. Elon Musk wants to increase his voting control at Tesla to focus on expanding AI and robotics initiatives.
  3. Tesla's recent earnings report highlights challenges such as missed expectations in Q4 FY23 and a slowdown in vehicle sales, along with key financial metrics like revenue growth and margin trends.

Import AI 365: WMD benchmark; Amazon sees $1bn training runs; DeepMind gets closer to its game-playing dream

Import AI • 399 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Alliance for the Future (AFTF) was founded in response to concerns about overreach in AI safety regulation, highlighting the importance of well-intentioned policies leading to counter-reactions.
  2. Covariant's RFM-1 shows how generative AI can be applied to industrial robots, allowing easy robot operation through human-like instructions, reflecting a shift towards faster-moving robotics facilitated by AI.
  3. DeepMind's SIMA represents a significant advancement towards a general AI agent by fusing recent AI advancements, showcasing the potential of scaling up diverse AI functions in new environments, opening possibilities for further development and complexity.

MakerNews - January 2026

Maker News • 22 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Investing in the right bench tools and setups makes everyday electronics work faster, safer, and more reliable.
  2. Creative hardware hacking and reverse engineering often reveal far more capability than expected, from PID‑controlled glue guns to running DOOM on a smart pressure cooker.
  3. Open source projects and detailed writeups turn experiments into shared learning, helping others reproduce fixes, learn tapeout and PCB tricks, and build fun projects like 1D Pong or a lock‑picking robot.

AI #105: Hey There Alexa

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1120 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. A new version of Alexa, called Alexa+, is coming soon. It will be much smarter and can help with more tasks than before.
  2. AI tools can help improve coding and other work tasks, giving users more productivity but not always guaranteeing quality.
  3. There's a lot of excitement about how AI is changing jobs and tasks, but it also raises concerns about safety and job replacement.

My Predictions For 2026

Teaching computers how to talk • 57 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Generative AI went mainstream in 2025, powering images, video, code and daily tools, but its widespread use has also produced clear harms, controversies, and ethical risks.
  2. Current models are very capable yet lack true understanding and real-world experience; alignment is mostly shallow, so continual learning and richer world models are emerging as crucial next steps.
  3. AI is forcing big social changes—education must reinvent itself because students can use AI to shortcut learning, and people risk emotional dependence on chatbots that can be addictive, so society needs to protect critical thinking and human connection.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #32

Faster, Please! • 1279 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. China has introduced a new AI model, DeepSeek, which could challenge the U.S.'s lead in AI technology. It's created with fewer resources and is making waves in the AI landscape.
  2. The U.S. is launching a major AI project called Stargate, promising to build advanced data centers to enhance tech development. This move aims to keep the U.S. at the forefront of AI innovations.
  3. Researchers are developing robots for farming and pollination that could change agriculture. These robots could help increase crop yields and make farming more sustainable.

Complex, real-world tasks

In My Tribe • 455 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Computers are getting better at tasks, but we aren't close to them being able to do everything humans can do. Some complex tasks will take a long time to automate.
  2. Many complex tasks, especially those involving physical skills, are still very challenging for machines. Humans excel in manipulating objects while computers struggle with that.
  3. Social challenges are complicated and using computers won't simply solve them. There are always trade-offs to consider when applying tech in real-life situations.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #50

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Truck unloading is getting faster and safer with robots that can move packages quickly and reduce physical strain on workers.
  2. Google's new offline robot can perform complex tasks, showing how adaptable and capable modern AI technology has become.
  3. New York is building a nuclear power plant to provide clean energy, reflecting a push for faster and more reliable energy solutions.

Betting on fake humans

Alex's Personal Blog • 131 implied HN points • 13 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Investing in humanoid robots is gaining interest, but most investment opportunities are limited to big companies like Tesla or Xpeng, whose share prices are rising as they show progress in robotics.
  2. The space economy is booming, with startups getting more support from the government. This is leading to innovations and competition among companies like Firefly and SpaceX in launching rockets.
  3. Startups are increasingly using viral marketing to attract attention and drive early revenue growth, but some experts warn that relying too much on hype can backfire if the product doesn't deliver.

Xiaomi

ChinaTalk • 474 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Xiaomi is moving from budget phones to more advanced technology like chips and electric cars. They believe this shift is necessary to compete with big brands like Apple and Samsung.
  2. Lei Jun, Xiaomi's founder, emphasizes the importance of hard tech, which includes advanced manufacturing and robotics. He thinks focusing on these areas will help build a stronger company.
  3. Xiaomi faced challenges when a fatal accident involving one of their electric cars raised safety concerns. This event highlighted their need to improve quality and public trust in their products.

We're Finding Out What Humans are Bad At

Am I Stronger Yet? • 799 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Humans are not great at some tasks, especially ones like multiplication or certain physical jobs where machines excel. Evolution didn't prepare us for everything, so machines often outperform us in those areas.
  2. In tasks like chess, humans can still compete because strategy and judgment play a big role, even though computers are getting better. The game requires thinking skills that humans are good at, though computers can calculate much faster.
  3. AI is advancing quickly and becoming better at tasks we once thought were uniquely human, but there are still challenges. Some complex problems might always be easier for humans due to our unique brain abilities.

Why China might lead the Robot Revolution

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. China is likely to take the lead in humanoid robots because of its strong manufacturing skills. This makes it easier for them to produce these robots in large numbers.
  2. Humanoid robots could help fill job shortages in various industries like healthcare and logistics. As many people are retiring, robots might take on tasks that are hard to fill.
  3. While the US may not lead in making physical robots, it has a lot of smart technology for AI that powers these robots. The real competition will be between making the robots themselves and the technology that controls them.

First Contact!

Technohumanism • 39 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. CETI is using advanced technology to understand sperm whales' communication. This shows how AI can help us connect with other species.
  2. There's a humorous aspect to this first contact, highlighting the unexpected ways we might communicate with animals.
  3. The idea raises questions about the limits and responsibilities of using AI in understanding and interacting with wildlife.

Da fuq is an “LLM?”

Sex and the State • 26 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. An LLM (large language model) is an AI system that mainly reads and writes natural language and powers modern chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.
  2. AI is a big umbrella with many types of tools — image generators, detectors, chat interfaces, and world models — and LLMs are just the language-focused slice, not the same as models that work with images or spatial data.
  3. Many leading researchers argue LLMs alone probably won’t produce human-level or general intelligence, because language only points to thought; building AGI likely requires spatial or "world" models that learn from videos, perception, and interaction.

AI Company List (1300 companies), Top 50 companies by valuation and my preferences - July 2023

Martin’s Newsletter • 569 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. The post includes a list of 1300 AI companies and 900 AI investors along with the top 50 companies by valuation.
  2. The author shares their personal 'Top 50' AI companies that reflect their personal interests and preferences.
  3. OpenAI is highlighted as a company with the potential to become a $1 trillion company due to talent, management, and the ability to put out better products faster than the competition.

IT'S HAPPENING

How the Hell • 792 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Researchers have created a new simulation engine called Genesis, which could enable the development of general-purpose robots. This means robots might soon be able to perform a wide range of tasks like humans.
  2. Recent advancements in AI, particularly in reasoning models from companies like OpenAI and Google, are pushing us closer to achieving advanced AI capabilities. This includes AI that can think logically and solve complex problems effectively.
  3. The rapid progress in AI, especially with the latest models, has led to a genuine feeling of hope for the future. People believe we could soon see robots, AI scientists, and even ambitious projects like colonizing Mars becoming a reality.

Robotics, Automation and AI Conferences

Robots & Startups • 299 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. There are numerous robotics, automation, and AI conferences available, with a mix of academic and industry events.
  2. Consider factors such as the conference's impact factor, size, specialization, attendees, and topics to decide which events are worth attending.
  3. The post provides shortlists of academic conferences and hints at upcoming coverage of tradeshows and industry events.

What lies ahead for robotics and AI in 2024?

Robots & Startups • 319 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. The top three technological, social, and economic trends in robotics and AI in 2024 are worth exploring.
  2. Exciting advancements may surprise us in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence.
  3. Robotic and AI developments are anticipated to shape the future in diverse and impactful ways.

Import AI 346: Human-like meta-learning; a 3 trillion token dataset; spies VS AI

Import AI • 459 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. UK's intelligence services are slightly worried about the safety implications of generative AI technologies, particularly in amplifying existing risks like cyber-attacks and digital vulnerabilities
  2. Research shows that a basic Transformer neural net architecture can meta-learn and match human performance in inferring complex rules from small data, hinting at AI systems increasingly displaying human-like qualities
  3. Facebook's Habitat 3.0 software enables training and testing agents to collaborate with humans by simulating realistic 3D environments with humanoid avatars, human-in-the-loop interactions, and benchmark tasks for human-robot interaction

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #33

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Boom Supersonic is working on a new jet that can fly really fast, like the Concorde. They aim to take people from London to Miami in under five hours, but they have some challenges to overcome.
  2. A new project by DARPA shows that one person can control many robots at once. This could change how we do things in the military and other industries by making robot teamwork easier.
  3. The Duane Arnold nuclear plant in Iowa might reopen by 2028. This is part of a trend to bring back nuclear energy as it can provide clean and reliable power, especially with rising energy needs.

Why We Must Build World Models

Reasons to Be Optimistic • 6 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Text-only models are powerful but incomplete because language misses how the world actually looks, moves, and feels; video offers a far richer, high-volume source of physics, sound, and human behavior.
  2. True world models must be causal and action-conditioned, predicting the next state step-by-step under intervention; autoregressive diffusion transformer architectures trained on multimodal video and actions are a promising path.
  3. General world models will turn naive software into systems that understand and interact with the real world, enabling adaptive robots, immersive simulations, new learning tools, and large-scale scientific discovery.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #26

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. A robotics startup called Physical Intelligence is worth over $2 billion for creating AI-controlled robots that can do complex tasks like folding clothes. They use advanced technology that makes robots smarter and more capable.
  2. Trump is working with a startup called Anduril to improve the US military by adopting new technologies and cutting unnecessary costs. This shows a shift towards more innovative approaches in defense.
  3. Scientists have made tomatoes sweeter and bigger using a method called CRISPR. This could lead to tastier fruits in stores and lower production costs for things like tomato paste.

✨🤖 Age of AI, meet the Robot Revolution

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. AI robots are becoming much more common and can do many tasks themselves, like moving and sorting packages. This technology is quickly transforming how we work in places like warehouses.
  2. By 2035, there might be about 1.3 billion AI robots in use. This will grow to around 4 billion by 2050, showing a huge increase in robot presence in daily life.
  3. The combination of AI and robots is expected to change many aspects of our lives and job environments in the near future, making them an important part of our technological landscape.

Import AI 343: Humanlike AI; LLaMa 2 protests; the NSA's new AI center

Import AI • 439 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Google DeepMind and 33 labs created a large dataset for training robots, showing that using heterogeneous data and high-capacity models improves robot performance.
  2. Protests have begun against Facebook for releasing AI models that can be easily modified, raising concerns about AI safety becoming a political issue.
  3. Generative image models are displaying human-like qualities in tasks, like shape bias and understanding perceptual illusions, suggesting a convergence between AI systems and humans.

The Sequence Knowledge #784: The Convergence of Synthetic Data and World Models Models Are Unlocking Embodied AI

TheSequence • 28 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Collecting high-quality, perfectly labeled 3D data from the real world is slow, expensive, and misses rare edge cases, so 'reality' is the main bottleneck for embodied AI.
  2. Pairing synthetic data generation with world models lets teams create rich, diverse, and labeled simulated environments, so agents can be trained and tested without costly real-world collection.
  3. New world models like Google DeepMind's Genie show this approach in action by enabling interactive, dynamic 3D simulations where robots and autonomous vehicles can learn more robust behaviors.

Kroger’s Retreat from Robotic Warehouses Reveals the Limits of Grocery Automation

Gad’s Newsletter • 47 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
💼 Business Robotics
  1. Kroger’s closure of big robotic fulfillment centers shows that centralized, capital-heavy automation often doesn’t fit grocery economics because thin margins, low and uneven online demand, long delivery distances, and volatile order patterns drove per-order costs too high.
  2. Faster, cheaper grocery fulfillment is more likely from local and flexible options — store-based picking, micro-fulfillment, and gig delivery cut last-mile costs and handle spiky demand better.
  3. Automation still has a role, but the future looks modular and collaborative: smaller, flexible robots, AI routing, and cobots that work with human pickers are more promising than giant, purpose-built robot warehouses.

Bootstrapping Stretch: 'from robot to revenue to many robots'

Robots & Startups • 59 implied HN points • 09 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Robotics
  1. Hello Robot has successfully grown their Stretch robot platform through bootstrapping, highlighting the benefits of incorporating customer feedback in design iterations.
  2. Hello Robot's Stretch robot has won the IEEE Award for Technology in the Service of Society, recognizing its potential to benefit humankind.
  3. The development of Stretch 3 by Hello Robot signifies a milestone in incorporating three years of customer feedback to create an improved robot for researchers, educators, and explorers.