Robotics Special: Nvidia reportedly eyes $1B investment in Figure AI

Welcome back, Superhuman. Suzhou embroidery is an intricate art form that has been refined by humans for more than 2,500 years. Now, robots are splitting silk threads with an absurd level of control. Meanwhile, government authorities are stepping in to stop the human-versus-robot cage fights that recently took social media by storm.

1. Chinese robot hand learns one of humanity’s most delicate art forms: AGILINK just showed off its OmniHand 3 Ultra carrying out basic Suzhou embroidery by splitting silk thread into 16 strands, threading a needle, stretching fabric, and making stitches. Packing 21 active degrees of freedom, the robot can adjust force as the slippery thread bends and shifts, while reinforcement learning helps it adapt — a huge step towards truly human-like dexterity. You can see the robot in action here.

2. Nvidia to reportedly pour another $1B into humanoid startup Figure: The chipmaker is reportedly considering a fresh investment in Figure AI, although discussions remain unconfirmed. Nvidia already joined Figure’s $1B Series C funding round in 2025, which valued the startup at $39B, and supplies technology powering its Helix robot models. If it pans out, the deal could significantly deepen Nvidia’s push beyond selling chips into backing the companies most likely to drive demand for physical AI.

3. California is shutting down the viral human-versus-robot cage fights: Robotics company REK has received a cease-and-desist order after YouTuber Frankie LaPenna fought three humanoids in an unsanctioned San Francisco event that went viral online. The state athletic commission said any martial arts exhibition involving a human requires a promoter’s license. It’s a sign that regulators will treat robot combat like conventional fighting whenever human safety is concerned. Watch the viral fight here.

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Bomb Squad: Minerva Humanoids has unveiled Roger, a walking robot built in just five months. A specialist human wears a VR headset to see through the robot’s cameras and control its movements, while onboard software handles balance, navigation, and fall recovery. It’s aimed at incredibly dangerous tasks like bomb disposal, hazmat response, offshore oil and gas, and high-voltage sites, with first paid pilots planned this fall.

Sky High: Meteomatics’ reusable stratospheric drone has climbed higher than any commercial aircraft, claiming to have reached 34,245 feet, gathering temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind data typically collected by weather balloons. If true, on-demand high-altitude measurements could help close forecasting gaps and improve weather intelligence for airlines and rocket launches.

Helping Hand: A new report outlines how powered exoskeletons are quickly entering work environments and are now being tested by Seattle rescuers, used by warehouse staff and auto workers, and even deployed by soldiers in war. Exoskeletons are also helping patients regain mobility in certain contexts. With component costs falling, the technology could soon make demanding jobs much safer.

Here are the biggest developments in the robotics space that you should know about:

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This robot does more than give you a hand in the kitchen.

Vorwerk’s Thermomix TM7 isn't fully autonomous, but it's the closest thing to a reliable robot chef on the market. The countertop device blends, steams, bakes, proofs, weighs, and even orders your groceries via Instacart — all from a single touchscreen. However, the prep work and cleanup job will have to be all you (for now).

You can check it out here.

….and abracadabra!

LinkerBot, a Chinese robotics startup, showed off its LinkerHand O30 performing magic tricks that’d leave you scratching your head. The viral video showed the robot executing a card change, pulling a toy car out of a card, and making a coin disappear. LinkerBot pitches it for research and for precision manufacturing in electronics, automotive, and aerospace.

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Zain, Faiq, and the Superhuman AI team