AUTONOMOUS ROBOTS
AI is entering the boardroom, warehouse, and checkout. Are businesses ready?
The AI Business Transformation Masterclass & Awards 2026 at IIM Bangalore will focus on integrating AI into businesses on 19 November. The program features sessions on enterprise AI frameworks, real-world use cases, and discussions on Agentic AI in finance, physical AI applications, and contextual commerce, culminating in the ET Most Innovative AI Product Awards.
When AI starts operating machines, the network becomes industrial infrastructure
As manufacturing and automation expand together, networks built to serve billions of people will increasingly serve tens of billions of machines and AI agents as well. Treating those connections as industrial infrastructure, and planning them for that scale, will determine how well physical AI works once deployments move from individual use cases to whole industrial environments.
Human, all too human: More than whether Jensen Huang can survive the scandal, can Nvidia survive Jensen Huang?
Nvidia's co-founder Jensen Huang has acknowledged an extramarital affair which has raised security concerns. He reportedly engaged with a Chinese businesswoman who may have influenced his lobbying efforts. Nvidia has initiated an independent investigation regarding these allegations and their implications. Although personal scandals might impact reputation, Huang's leadership is currently deemed important for the company's future. Nvidia's board maintains confidence in Huang as they navigate this challenging situation.
China dismisses 'Chinese spy' narrative in Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang probe; calls it 'unsubstantiated'
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is being investigated for possible ties to a Chinese intelligence operation. China dismissed the claims as unsubstantiated during a recent foreign ministry briefing. The investigation follows allegations that Huang shared information with a suspected Chinese intelligence asset. Nvidia is working with an independent committee to assess the situation. The firm's board remains confident that national security and company secrets are not compromised.
Nvidia board probes whether CEO Jensen Huang was targeted in Chinese intelligence operation
Nvidia's board has launched an independent investigation into allegations that CEO Jensen Huang may have been targeted by a Chinese intelligence operation through former Megaspeed executive Alice Huang. The probe will assess potential exposure of confidential information and national security risks amid escalating US-China technology tensions. Nvidia says it has found no evidence of compromised secrets.
AI to boost industrial robotics growth, but manufacturers may benefit less than customers: S&P Global
Artificial intelligence is anticipated to significantly enhance the long-term prospects of industrial robotics and automation. Manufacturers may experience reduced benefits compared to their customers, as equipment utilization increases. Global industrial robot installations have increased markedly, driven by labour shortages and productivity needs. AI improvements are projected to further expand automation capabilities before achieving full autonomy. However, the overall impact on manufacturers' profits remains uncertain due to competitive market dynamics.
Tesla to add Cybertruck shift to clear orders before dismantling line next year
Tesla plans to add an additional production shift to fulfill outstanding Cybertruck orders by next year. CEO Elon Musk stated that production would then transition to the Cybercab, a new robotaxi model. Despite initial expectations, Cybertruck sales fell significantly, affecting its market performance. Quality concerns and recalls have also impacted the Cybertruck since its launch in late 2023.
ETtech Deals Digest: Eloelo leads as weekly funding rises to $142 million, down 35% on-year
Eloelo led deal activity with $80 million, followed by Peppermint Robotics at $10.6 million, altM at $10.3 million, Two Point O Capital at $10 million, and PowerUp Money at $10 million. Crane Venture Partners was among the most active investors, backing Peppermint Robotics and Armatrix. Omnivore invested in altM and Two Point O Capital, while Flourish Ventures backed PowerUp Money.
Was Michael Burry right about the AI bubble? Wall Street loses $2 trillion as AI and chip stocks plunge: Why are Tesla, Palantir, AMD, Broadcom and SanDisk crashing?
Michael Burry's warning about an AI bubble is back in focus as Wall Street loses more than $2 trillion in market value. On Thursday, November 5, AMD shares plunged around 12%, SanDisk fell 14%, Micron dropped 10%, while Nvidia lost nearly 7%. Tesla and Palantir also fell 9% and 8%, respectively. The sell-off spread across chipmakers, memory companies and AI infrastructure stocks. The Dow fell 2.36%, the S&P 500 dropped 3.11%, and the Nasdaq sank 4.20%, as investors questioned whether massive AI investments can deliver enough returns.
Big Tech barely moved after the midterms, but Tesla and SpaceX fell up to 5%, and even Tesla missed the solar rally: Did Elon Musk’s big bet on Republicans just backfire?
Tesla and SpaceX shares fell in premarket trading on Wednesday, Nov. 4: Today’s US stock futures pointed to a strong Wall Street opening, with Dow futures up nearly 800 points and S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures also in the green. However, Tesla and SpaceX moved in the opposite direction, falling more than 5% and nearly 8%, respectively, in premarket trading after the Democratic midterm victory. Alphabet, Meta and Microsoft gained, while Nvidia slipped slightly.
Peppermint Robotics raises Rs 100 crore led by pi Ventures, Crane Venture Partners
The company was founded in 2019 by Runal Dahiwade, and has raised Rs 150 crore to date. It also develops autonomous robots for material transportation and operates in nine countries. The US is its largest market, followed by India and western Europe, Dahiwade, who’s also the CEO, told ET.
TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026: This wheelchair drives like a self-driving car, with sensors, voice commands, and collision avoidance
The Strutt ev¹ stands out as a revolutionary invention, featuring an intelligent co-pilot navigation system that empowers users with unmatched independence. This electric wheelchair operates autonomously and adapts to diverse settings. Equipped with state-of-the-art robotics, sensors, and voice-activated controls, it offers unparalleled accessibility. Priced at $7,499, the Strutt ev¹ is available online, complemented by a test drive option.
U.S. and Japanese Companies Struggle with Different Parts of AI Adoption—and Offer Different Lessons for Making It Work
Companies in both the U.S. and Japan are struggling to deploy AI, but often in very different ways. In the U.S., deployment is wide but shallow, meaning companies struggle to create real value with AI. In Japan, deployment has moved slowly, but where it has happened, it’s often deep and fruitful. Understanding what’s happening in both contexts offers important lessons for companies trying to develop an AI strategy and demonstrate ROI on their AI investments.
Premji Invest goes big on strategic output & tech
Premji Invest and Singularity AMC are likely to lead a $30-40 million round in Sanlayan at a valuation of about $200 million, according to the people. Separately, Premji Invest is in advanced talks to lead Hical’s first institutional funding round of $30-40 million, alongside TVS Capital.
Fintechs fortify cyber defences; Logistics cos in the speed lane
Happy Monday! Fintechs are stepping up security as AI-powered cyberattacks become more sophisticated. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Explainer | Why would Musk merge SpaceX and Tesla?
Elon Musk has expressed support for a potential merger between Tesla and SpaceX. This merger could create a technology and manufacturing powerhouse worth approximately $3.5 trillion. By combining their resources, both companies could streamline operations and enhance collaboration on projects like AI and robotics. However, there are challenges related to governance, regulatory scrutiny, and execution risks that need to be addressed.
Meet Amos Miller, man who lost his sight in his 20s, built an AI-powered robot to help blind people navigate easiliy
Miller has reportedly worked at Microsoft Research, where he led development of Soundscape, a spatial-audio navigation app designed to help blind and visually impaired people orient themselves. He had also served as chairman of the board at Guide Dogs for the Blind in the UK. His company's flagship device is called Glide.
UK government sets out $800 million for AI security funding
The biggest chunk of funding will go to a new biosecurity initiative, including £100 million for a laboratory using AI to detect biological threats and £65 million to develop countermeasures against pathogens.
Tesla drops as spending pullback clouds AI, robotics ambitions
Tesla shares took a hit after the company adjusted its capital spending forecast downward for 2026, raising eyebrows about the future of Elon Musk’s AI and robotics projects. Despite this, Tesla showed unexpected positive free cash flow due to lower-than-anticipated expenditures in Q3. Analysts foresee increased spending in upcoming years for major initiatives, yet investors tread carefully, particularly as they watch for developments in Tesla's relationship with SpaceX.
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