Not only is military robotics the testbed for cutting-edge applications, but it is also a growing market for technologies with civilian implications.

In this week’s global roundup, we look at how Australia is following China’s example in using facial recognition for internal security. Also, is Industry 4.0 dying in Germany?

Robotics startups can become successful without losing sight of social value, says Vecna Robotics’ Daniel Theobald. He describes his experiences and outlook.

The latest trade deals negotiated between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are just as important to competitiveness as the DARPA’s push for the “third wave” of AI. Plus, this week’s robotics roundup looks at workforce shortages.

While the jury is out on the effects of Chinese tariffs and South Korean AI investments on U.S. automation, robotics companies and customers must be ready for changes.

Robotics manufacturers and hardware engineers want to minimize weight, space, and heat while providing innovative motion and kinematics. Startups can benefit from established component providers such as Kollmorgen, which has a large product library and decades of engineering experience.

Swarm robotics can provide an agile way to gather large amounts of environmental data and coordinate operations of multiple devices. The U.S. military has been a key backer.

Daniel Patt, the new CEO of Vecna Robotics, has experience in robotics from DARPA’s Autonomy unit. He says that the logistics industry is on the edge of an “automation revolution.”

2018 is shaping up to be a massive year for automation. But first, here’s a look back at the most popular stories about AI and robotics in 2017.

Is artificial intelligence a risk to humanity? DARPA weighs in on what it AI can do, what it can’t do, and where it is headed.