March Madness: Robotics and AI Shake Up 2026

March 2026 was anything but quiet robotics. The spotlight shone brightly on two major events: Smart Factory &. Automation World (AW) in Seoul and NVIDIA's GTC. to the details of this groundbreaking month.

Humanoids Steal the Show

Early March saw Seoul's Coex venue packed with 2,300 booths. It was the place to be for anyone eager to see the latest in humanoid innovation. Chinese companies like Agibot and Leju Kuavo showcased their latest robots, pushing the envelope for digital transformation. South Korea, it seems, is on the fast track to becoming a hub for humanoid robotics.

But here's the kicker: the real buzz wasn't just about the new tech. It was about how these robots are undeniably becoming a part of everyday business operations. Are we ready for humanoids in our workplaces?

Noble Machines Emerges

Noble Machines, a startup with roots in Apple, SpaceX, and NASA, made waves by exiting stealth mode. In just 18 months, they deployed humanoid robots at a Fortune Global 500 company. That's no small feat. The startup rebranded from Under Control Robotics, and it's clear they're anything but under control. They're aiming high, and the industry is watching closely.

Amazon's Strategic Moves

Amazon's been busy, to say the least. Not only did they acquire Fauna Robotics, adding the Sprout humanoid to their arsenal, but they also snapped up RIVR, a provider of robotic doorstep delivery solutions. Why's this big news? Well, after shelving their Scout delivery bots in 2022, Amazon seems to be making a calculated return to robotic delivery. It raises the question: Is this part of a broader strategy to dominate last-mile logistics?

The acquisitions indicate Amazon's relentless push to integrate robotics into its operations. It's not just about new tech. It's about reshaping how we receive goods.

Legal Battles and Innovations

Meanwhile, Teradyne Robotics took legal action against Elite Robots over alleged software infringements. The stakes are high as collaborative robots, or cobots, are becoming integral in industrial settings. The outcome of this lawsuit could set significant precedents in the robotics industry.

As if that wasn't enough drama, Rhoda AI, with a hefty $450 million in Series A funding, introduced FutureVision. Their approach to robotic intelligence using video-predictive control is ambitious. But will it revolutionize the way robots learn and adapt?

It's clear: March 2026 was a turning point month for robotics and AI. As these technologies continue to evolve, the question remains: How will they reshape our industries and daily lives?