HomeMODEX 2026: Key Takeaways and Industry Insights
The show floor on the first day of MODEX 2026. Credit: Eugene Demaitre
News of the week
Skild acquires Fetch Robotics assets from Zebra
Skild AI has purchased the robotics division of Zebra Technologies, previously known as Fetch Robotics. According to Skild, this acquisition will enable the deployment of its hardware-agnostic "omni-bodied" intelligence layer throughout the global logistics industry.
By combining its AI "brain" with Zebra's proven Symmetry warehouse orchestration platform, the company aims to evolve task-specific automation into a cohesive, autonomous fulfillment ecosystem, while simultaneously enhancing its proprietary data feedback loop.
Deepak Pathak, co-founder and CEO of Skild AI, informed The Robot Report that "the Fetch team's extensive deployment experience was a primary driver for the acquisition." Skild added that it plans to continue supporting the existing Fetch/Zebra customer base, address fulfillment bottlenecks, and develop new warehouse solutions.
Boston Dynamics and Google DeepMind use Gemini to enhance Spot
Boston Dynamics announced a partnership with Google Cloud and Google DeepMind this week to integrate the Gemini and Gemini Robotics ER 1.6 models into its Orbit AIVI-Learning system. The robotics company stated this integration will provide a more advanced, intuitive, and capable AI experience.
Boston Dynamics explained that Spot and Orbit robots can now engage in continuous learning within their operational environments, enabling more sophisticated reasoning and complex visual analysis. DeepMind's Gemini Robotics-ER 1.6 model offers specialized capabilities in robotic reasoning, including visual and spatial comprehension, task planning, and success verification.
Register now for the 2026 Robotics Summit & Expo
Registration is now open for the Robotics Summit & Expo, the premier global technical conference for commercial robotics developers. The event is organized by The Robot Report and WTWH Media.
Listen to the podcast episode for a discount code to register!
The conference will feature over 50 sessions across tracks covering artificial intelligence, design and development, enabling technologies, healthcare, and logistics. An Engineering Theater on the exhibition floor will also host presentations by industry specialists.
More than 70 speakers from leading companies are confirmed, including AWS, Brain Corp, Fictiv, Harmonic Drive, maxon, PickNik Robotics, RealSense, the Robotics and AI Institute, Robust AI, Tesla, the Toyota Research Institute, and others.
The Robotics Summit will offer multiple networking opportunities, such as a Mix & Mingle Networking Reception following the first day and a ticketed RBR50 Awards Dinner.
The Robotics Summit & Expo is co-located with DeviceTalks Boston, an event focused on medical device technology.
Related article
Apptronik launches Apollo 2 and flagship data collection and training hub
Apptronik provides a bipedal configuration for navigating spaces designed for people, while a wheeled base ensures stability and efficiency in high-throughput environments. | Source: ApptronikApptronik made two major announcements yesterday. First, i
AI music generator ProducerAI joins Google Labs
On Tuesday, Google announced that ProducerAI, its generative AI music tool, is being integrated into Google Labs.Backed by The Chainsmokers, ProducerAI enables users to generate music through natural language prompts, such as “make a lofi beat.” The
Boston Dynamics and Google DeepMind Integrate Gemini to Enhance Spot's Intelligence
Boston Dynamics' Spot quadruped robot equipped with AIVI-Learning. | Source: Boston DynamicsBoston Dynamics has announced a partnership with Google Cloud and Google DeepMind to integrate Gemini and Gemini Robotics ER 1.6 into its Orbit AIVI-Learning
Related Special Topic Recommendations
writing
AI Article Outline Tools for Long Form Writing
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Article Outline Tools for Long Form Writing! This curated collection features powerful, game-changing tools that deliver accurate, structured outlines with real-world tests to boost writing efficiency significantly. XIX.AI is part of this elite selection. Get a free vs paid comparison to help you choose the perfect tool. Explore now and Unlock your AI edge!
9 tools
xix.ai
chatbot
Best AI Roleplay Chat Apps for Language Practice, Interview Prep, and Daily Fluency
2026 Latest Best Top-rated AI Roleplay Chat Apps for Language Practice, Interview Prep, and Daily Fluency! XIX.AI curates a powerful game-changing collection that offers free vs paid comparison, real-world tests, and updated rankings weekly. These must-try tools help you boost writing skills, overcome fluency challenges, and improve communication efficiency across all daily scenarios. Explore now to discover your perfect tool for language growth!
10 tools
xix.ai
Music composition
AI Stem Separation Tools for Remix Production, Sampling Prep, and Karaoke Masters
2026 Latest Best Top-rated AI Stem Separation Tools Curated for Remix Production, Sampling Prep, and Karaoke Masters. These powerful game-changing tools offer real-world tests to deliver precise audio isolation, boosting productivity significantly. XIX.AI provides a weekly updated free vs paid comparison guide to help you find the must-try solution that suits your needs. Explore now to unlock your AI edge.
8 tools
xix.ai
Data Analysis
AI SQL Copilots for Revenue Dashboards, Funnel Analysis, and Product Metrics
2026 Latest Best AI SQL Copilots Ranked Top-Rated! XIX.AI curates a powerful game-changing collection for weekly updated real-world tests. These must-try tools help you generate accurate revenue dashboards, analyze sales funnels, and track product metrics swiftly, boosting productivity massively. Explore now to Discover your perfect tool for data-driven decision making! 238 characters
9 tools
xix.ai
Music composition
Best AI Melody Writing Tools for Song Drafts
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Melody Writing Tools for Song Drafts! XIX.AI has curated a highly powerful game-changing collection that goes through rigorous real-world tests to deliver the best writing experience. You can find detailed free vs paid comparisons, accurate rankings, and must-try options designed to help you create stunning song drafts effortlessly and boost your creative productivity significantly. Explore now to discover your perfect tool!
8 tools
xix.ai
chatbot
Best AI Conversation Trainer Tools for Interview Practice
2026 Latest Best Top-rated AI Conversation Trainer Tools for Interview Practice are here on XIX.AI! This curated collection features powerful, game-changing tools that go through rigorous real-world tests to deliver accurate feedback. You’ll find a free vs paid comparison and detailed rankings to help you choose the must-try option that boosts your confidence and skills. Explore now to Discover your perfect tool for interview success!
12 tools
xix.ai
Comments (1)
0/500
![TerryRoberts]()
Anyone else wondering if Skild's acquisition of Fetch Robotics will actually unify the fragmented warehouse robot market, or just create another layer of corporate chaos? 🤔 MODEX 2026 seems like the perfect stage for such a shake-up.
The show floor on the first day of MODEX 2026. Credit: Eugene Demaitre
News of the week
Skild acquires Fetch Robotics assets from Zebra
Skild AI has purchased the robotics division of Zebra Technologies, previously known as Fetch Robotics. According to Skild, this acquisition will enable the deployment of its hardware-agnostic "omni-bodied" intelligence layer throughout the global logistics industry.
By combining its AI "brain" with Zebra's proven Symmetry warehouse orchestration platform, the company aims to evolve task-specific automation into a cohesive, autonomous fulfillment ecosystem, while simultaneously enhancing its proprietary data feedback loop.
Deepak Pathak, co-founder and CEO of Skild AI, informed The Robot Report that "the Fetch team's extensive deployment experience was a primary driver for the acquisition." Skild added that it plans to continue supporting the existing Fetch/Zebra customer base, address fulfillment bottlenecks, and develop new warehouse solutions.
Boston Dynamics and Google DeepMind use Gemini to enhance Spot
Boston Dynamics announced a partnership with Google Cloud and Google DeepMind this week to integrate the Gemini and Gemini Robotics ER 1.6 models into its Orbit AIVI-Learning system. The robotics company stated this integration will provide a more advanced, intuitive, and capable AI experience.
Boston Dynamics explained that Spot and Orbit robots can now engage in continuous learning within their operational environments, enabling more sophisticated reasoning and complex visual analysis. DeepMind's Gemini Robotics-ER 1.6 model offers specialized capabilities in robotic reasoning, including visual and spatial comprehension, task planning, and success verification.
Register now for the 2026 Robotics Summit & Expo
Registration is now open for the Robotics Summit & Expo, the premier global technical conference for commercial robotics developers. The event is organized by The Robot Report and WTWH Media.
Listen to the podcast episode for a discount code to register!
The conference will feature over 50 sessions across tracks covering artificial intelligence, design and development, enabling technologies, healthcare, and logistics. An Engineering Theater on the exhibition floor will also host presentations by industry specialists.
More than 70 speakers from leading companies are confirmed, including AWS, Brain Corp, Fictiv, Harmonic Drive, maxon, PickNik Robotics, RealSense, the Robotics and AI Institute, Robust AI, Tesla, the Toyota Research Institute, and others.
The Robotics Summit will offer multiple networking opportunities, such as a Mix & Mingle Networking Reception following the first day and a ticketed RBR50 Awards Dinner.
The Robotics Summit & Expo is co-located with DeviceTalks Boston, an event focused on medical device technology.
Apptronik launches Apollo 2 and flagship data collection and training hub
Apptronik provides a bipedal configuration for navigating spaces designed for people, while a wheeled base ensures stability and efficiency in high-throughput environments. | Source: ApptronikApptronik made two major announcements yesterday. First, i
AI music generator ProducerAI joins Google Labs
On Tuesday, Google announced that ProducerAI, its generative AI music tool, is being integrated into Google Labs.Backed by The Chainsmokers, ProducerAI enables users to generate music through natural language prompts, such as “make a lofi beat.” The
Boston Dynamics and Google DeepMind Integrate Gemini to Enhance Spot's Intelligence
Boston Dynamics' Spot quadruped robot equipped with AIVI-Learning. | Source: Boston DynamicsBoston Dynamics has announced a partnership with Google Cloud and Google DeepMind to integrate Gemini and Gemini Robotics ER 1.6 into its Orbit AIVI-Learning
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Article Outline Tools for Long Form Writing! This curated collection features powerful, game-changing tools that deliver accurate, structured outlines with real-world tests to boost writing efficiency significantly. XIX.AI is part of this elite selection. Get a free vs paid comparison to help you choose the perfect tool. Explore now and Unlock your AI edge!
9 tools
xix.ai
2026 Latest Best Top-rated AI Roleplay Chat Apps for Language Practice, Interview Prep, and Daily Fluency! XIX.AI curates a powerful game-changing collection that offers free vs paid comparison, real-world tests, and updated rankings weekly. These must-try tools help you boost writing skills, overcome fluency challenges, and improve communication efficiency across all daily scenarios. Explore now to discover your perfect tool for language growth!
10 tools
xix.ai
2026 Latest Best Top-rated AI Stem Separation Tools Curated for Remix Production, Sampling Prep, and Karaoke Masters. These powerful game-changing tools offer real-world tests to deliver precise audio isolation, boosting productivity significantly. XIX.AI provides a weekly updated free vs paid comparison guide to help you find the must-try solution that suits your needs. Explore now to unlock your AI edge.
8 tools
xix.ai
2026 Latest Best AI SQL Copilots Ranked Top-Rated! XIX.AI curates a powerful game-changing collection for weekly updated real-world tests. These must-try tools help you generate accurate revenue dashboards, analyze sales funnels, and track product metrics swiftly, boosting productivity massively. Explore now to Discover your perfect tool for data-driven decision making! 238 characters
9 tools
xix.ai
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Melody Writing Tools for Song Drafts! XIX.AI has curated a highly powerful game-changing collection that goes through rigorous real-world tests to deliver the best writing experience. You can find detailed free vs paid comparisons, accurate rankings, and must-try options designed to help you create stunning song drafts effortlessly and boost your creative productivity significantly. Explore now to discover your perfect tool!
8 tools
xix.ai
2026 Latest Best Top-rated AI Conversation Trainer Tools for Interview Practice are here on XIX.AI! This curated collection features powerful, game-changing tools that go through rigorous real-world tests to deliver accurate feedback. You’ll find a free vs paid comparison and detailed rankings to help you choose the must-try option that boosts your confidence and skills. Explore now to Discover your perfect tool for interview success!
12 tools
xix.ai
Anyone else wondering if Skild's acquisition of Fetch Robotics will actually unify the fragmented warehouse robot market, or just create another layer of corporate chaos? 🤔 MODEX 2026 seems like the perfect stage for such a shake-up.
