Already a major robotics/automation adopter, Finland plans to become a leading developer, too.

Vehicle insurers have joined regulators, consumers, and truck drivers in warily watching the developments around autonomous vehicles.

Can Taiwan become the Asian Silicon Valley? The country is spending millions on robotics R&D and encouraging partnerships between government, academia, and industry.

Renowned for its semiconductor prowess, Taiwan is now looking to local businesses and academia to build the foundation for a robotics future.

The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute has transformed Pittsburgh into a hub for robotics research.

Despite its small size, Denmark is working hard to make itself indispensable for European robotics, with world-class R&D and commercial support.

In addition to government support, South Korean robotics companies are moving quickly to secure positions in the healthcare, service, and military markets.

South Korea robots are getting government funding and research support for a number of applications, as the country tries to maintain its robotics leadership.

Robot hands are key to the supply chain and undersea exploration, among other uses. Soft robotics research is exploring different ways to make robotic grippers more responsive.

Gentle touch is a capability that Harvard University researchers are developing for undersea exploration, but it could be useful for numerous other applications.

New Zealand farming and elder care are among the beneficiaries of robotics research and commercialization, as well as international partnerships.

New Zealand robotics could be one way for the South Pacific nation to develop its economy beyond agriculture and tourism.

As the Olympic games wind down, Brazilian automation could help the country become an active player in the global robotics community.

With a quarter of Canada’s population to be older than 65 by 2051, the clock is ticking for researchers working on assistive robots and “visual teach and repeat” systems.

Famous for its pioneering Space Shuttle arm, Canadian robotics is still reaching out in new directions. Ontario firms help lead the way.

The use of surgical robotics in India is growing rapidly, but there are still major obstacles to overcome, including cost, awareness, and expertise.

Machine vision has been expensive and difficult to accomplish, but researchers in Switzerland, Australia, and the U.S. are working on different methods to enable robots to see for themselves.

To be the “food bowl” for Asia, Australian agriculture will have to improve its efficiency. Fortunately, several agricultural robot projects are working to apply technology to challenges on the ground and in the air.

Recent breakthroughs promise robots that are more mobile, configurable, agile, and adaptable.

Robotics researchers and automation companies are building to a critical mass to help the sector position India as an industry leader.

ULC Robotics has developed and tested its pipeline-inspecting robots in the U.K., and it is now bringing its latest models to the Northeast U.S. The company is also working on an unmanned aerial inspection service.

Doctors and researchers customize wearable devices to help children and other patients walk.

Researchers in Canada, Texas, and Singapore are among the pioneers helping patients overcome traumatic brain injuries with exoskeletons.

Researchers, companies heed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s call for a robotics revolution, but “Galapagos Syndrome” is still a risk.

University of Washington researchers hack an open-source robot, demonstrating vulnerability in all tele-operated robots.