26 October – 1 November 2026

Week 44, 2026

What happened in robotics this week, explained in plain words, with the source every time.

The news, explained

Autonomous driving startups are pitching investors at a record pace in 2026Trucks VC has heard from 81 new autonomous vehicle startups this year, more than in the boom of 2016, as foundation models lower the cost of getting started.
Rhoda AI robots recover from mid-task mishaps in a factory demonstrationIn a visit with Mike Schroepfer, Rhoda AI showed robots fixing mistakes while unpacking parts, and its CEO targets paid production deployments before the end of 2026.
Meta and Fourier reportedly built a humanoid prototype named Max in three monthsThe Information reports Meta and Shanghai-based Fourier built a 1.5-metre humanoid called Max and began Max 2 in September, though Meta says it won't sell it.
Tesla may open Optimus reservations in early December, report saysThe San Francisco Standard reports Tesla could start taking Optimus reservations around December 1–2, though fees, prices and home delivery dates are unknown.
Luxonis launches OAK 4 FFC, a vision board for up to five camerasLuxonis is launching the OAK 4 FFC, a 70 x 53 mm vision computer for humanoid and drone builders that runs depth and AI on the board itself.
AGIBOT proposes Worken to count the autonomous work robots actually doAGIBOT introduced Worken at Innovation Day 2026, a formula that multiplies active robots, autonomous hours and output efficiency to gauge productive robot work.