What if AI could imagine and plan a complex design before building it? Skyfall AI, founded by deep learning pioneers behind Maluuba, is introducing SKY-001, the first engineering world model designed to turn text prompts or 2D sketches into structured CAD designs. Most world models research show applications in robotics and Physical AI domains but SKY-001 shows a novel approach of how useful and effective world models can be in tackling long-horizon tasks in real-world software applications. It delivers results up to 100× faster and 150× cheaper than GPT Astra for CAD and BIM tasks, offering a different approach to complex engineering design. This is just the beginning of Skyfall AI’s vision of “Dreaming as a Service,” the neo lab is looking to reimagine manufacturing firms with the model and sets a new standard for autonomous manufacturing.

Mantis is an autonomous construction robot developed by London-based All3 to perform tasks on real building sites. It uses AI to place, fasten, finish, and inspect components without human help. Mantis can carry up to 100 kg, switch tools, and work using real building data.

Google DeepMind tested Gemini 4 Argon by having it watch a human play cornhole and simulate the movements for Apptronik’s Apollo humanoid robot. Using MuJoCo simulations, Apollo successfully made seven consecutive shots in the real world. Google says this video-to-simulation-to-real-world approach could cut simulation development time from weeks to hours.

Chinese robotics company Ahead Form has unveiled its Elf-Xuan 2.0 humanoid robot styled after the Skyborne elf race from World of Warcraft: Forever. The robot features expressive facial movements and natural eye movements, bringing the fantasy character closer to reality. It is being showcased at the World of Warcraft Infinite Party in Shanghai, China.

Unitree showcases a new humanoid robot with superhero-like strength and the potential to save lives in emergencies.

South Korean company Sungho SI has developed Eve Clever, an AI-powered agricultural robot for automated crop monitoring and harvesting. Using RGB-D cameras, AI vision, and a robotic arm, it identifies ripe produce and harvests strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Its cloud-connected platform enables farmers to monitor crop conditions and manage agricultural data remotely.

Elon Musk says his family’s wealth could shrink significantly over generations and predicts that money may eventually lose its importance.

Researchers in China have developed SpiRobs, soft robots inspired by octopus arms and elephant trunks. They can grasp objects of different sizes and shapes, even weighing up to 260 times their own weight. 3D printing enables fast, low-cost production in various sizes.

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed TwinX, a reconfigurable robot system made of two wheeled-legged robots connected by a wire. By winding the wire, the robots can connect and transform into different configurations for walking, sideways driving, and object manipulation. When separated, they can use the wire to hook or surround objects and transfer forces between the robots.

Chinese robotics company Ahead Form has unveiled Elf Xuan 2.0, an upgraded humanoid robot with more natural waist and arm movements. Its lifelike silicone face features over 30 degrees of freedom to recreate realistic human expressions. Designed for performances, exhibitions, and interactive experiences, Elf Xuan 2.0 brings artificial characters closer to human realism.

NASA is testing a solar sail spacecraft that uses sunlight for propulsion, without conventional fuel. Launched aboard a Rocket Lab rocket, it demonstrates a new way to travel through space. Future solar sail technology could help spacecraft reach Mars in as little as 26 days.

Researchers at Purdue University developed a drone system that replaces depleted batteries mid-air using a supplier drone carrying a fresh battery. The system uses RTK-GPS for precise positioning and a motor-driven belt mechanism to complete the exchange. Outdoor tests achieved 11 successful dockings out of 12 attempts, extending the receiver drone’s flight missions.

The UK-based Purser Industries has developed ICARUS-2, a full-scale electric replica of the Shahed-136 / Geran-2 attack drone. At around 12 feet long, it replicates the drone’s size, speed and flight profile for military training and sensor testing. The drone was recently tested through pneumatic rail launch, flight and recovery, with a petrol-powered variant available for extended endurance.

EPFL researchers developed GOAT, a shape-shifting robot that adapts to different terrains. It can transform into a rover or sphere to drive, roll downhill, and swim. Its versatile design helps it navigate challenging environments while conserving energy.