Renault Is Now A Strategic Partner And Investor In Wandercraft
The Renault Group has finalized a minority investment in the French self-balancing exoskeleton developer Wandercraft. This agreement unlocks new funding and serves as a vote of confidence in the technology that enables people confined to a wheelchair to stand and walk again without the need for crutches or walkers.
Furthermore, the Renault Group will leverage Wandercraft's technical expertise to develop a new line of humanoid robots. This strategic partnership is initially focusing on Calvin, a line of next-generation robots for manufacturing operations (a sneak peek of the Calvin-40 is featured above). The intent is for these robots to perform tasks that require handling of loads in body positions that put too much wear and tear on workers' bodies.
Finally, the partnership envisions leveraging Renault's assembly expertise to make robots and exoskeletons more affordable and easier to produce at scale.
'We are proud to continue advancing our mission through this strategic partnership. After millions of steps, and numerous awards recognizing our use of AI for good, this move takes us to the next level. As a world-class manufacturer, Renault Group strengthens our ability to produce at scale while increasing access, which remains critical for our soon-to-be customers walking again in Eve. Renault Group also brings tremendous technological synergies and represents our very first customer in a growing list of clients.' - Matthieu Masselin, CEO and co-founder of Wandercraft.
'This partnership with Wandercraft is a forward-looking move. It will allow us to accelerate on automation and to develop robots for our specific auto industrial use, giving us the opportunity to concentrate our people on more value-adding tasks and alleviate operators from painful and non-ergonomics duties. It will drive productivity through the acceleration of production time and cost reduction. In the end, it makes a lot of sense to combine Wandercraft's unique expertise and technology in exoskeletons and robots, with Renault Group's strong industrial capacity and design-to-cost know-how to bring the production of robots at scale' said Thierry Charvet, Chief Industry and Quality Officer of Renault Group.
Indeed, Renault Group's trust in Wandercraft appears to be well placed. Wandercraft's self-balancing exoskeleton won the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Award at SXSW 2025. Wandercraft's use of AI was also highlighted in NVIDIA's CEO Keynote speech at CES 2025, Las Vegas. The company was able to compete by placing a mannequin inside their exoskeleton and still won first place in two disciplines at Humanoids 24.
Finally, this isn't even the first time an exoskeleton developer has applied their expertise to the world of humanoid robotics. That honor goes to Fourier, which launched the GR-1 humanoid robot five years after releasing their first walking-assist exoskeleton.
The Renault Group has chosen not only to invest in Wandercraft but also to partner with them in creating new and more affordable robotic solutions that improve people's lives.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Apple's Robot Plans Resurface—Here's the Latest
Apple is once again exploring robotics behind closed doors, as the company continues to shift focus from Apple Intelligence. According to a recent Bloomberg report, the company is internally evaluating several AI-powered hardware concepts, including smart home displays, security devices, and a tabletop robot that could use facial recognition and motorized movement to interact with users. None of the devices are officially in development, and sources caution they may never reach the market. One prototype, codenamed J595 and purportedly targeted for a 2027 launch, features a swiveling screen mounted on a robotic arm. It's been nicknamed the 'Pixar Lamp,' a nod to the animation studio and the expressive, lifelike motion of its mascot. The robot is envisioned as a more personal version of a smart assistant—able to track users during video calls or respond physically to conversations. Apple is also exploring mobile bots with wheels and humanoid robots for industrial use. From Sex Work to Space Exploration: Six Jobs Robots Are About to Take Over 'Apple has long been great at integrating hardware and software, and at human interface too,' Gary Marcus, an AI authority and professor emeritus of psychology and neural science at New York University, told Decrypt. 'I don't personally think that reliable humanoid domestic robots are at all close to hand, but if I ever buy a humanoid for the home, I hope it will come with Apple's care for privacy, reliability, elegance, security, and thoughtful design.' Rumors around Apple launching a line of robots emerged last year as Apple made a series of AI-focused announcements and upgrades. In February, longtime Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple is exploring both humanoid and non-humanoid robots 'for its future smart home ecosystem, and these products are still in the early proof-of-concept (POC) stage.' At a recent all-hands meeting, CEO Tim Cook reportedly told employees that Apple needs to 'win in AI,' describing the company's product pipeline as 'amazing' and hinting that some devices would be revealed soon, while others remain further out. He did not mention robotics specifically. The goal is to make artificial intelligence feel physically present. While the robot is still in early development, it represents the centerpiece of a broader push to put Apple back in the AI arms race. A home display for smart automation, video calls, and an upgraded Siri that can engage in conversations with users is reportedly further along and could debut in 2026. Both the display and the robot would run a new software platform internally dubbed 'Charismatic,' designed to handle voice-first commands, facial recognition, and personalized content. Apple did not respond to Decrypt's request for comment. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ibrahima Konate: Real Madrid take incredibly BOLD step
Real Madrid have taken a bold step in their pursuit of Liverpool centre-back . They want the Frenchman. It's no secret at this stage that Real Madrid want to sign Ibrahima Konate. It no longer seems like much of a secret that Konate wants to join Real Madrid. That's the line out of Spain, anyway, and has been for quite some time now. The Frenchman's contract expires at the end of the season and Los Blancos smell another potential free transfer. LFC x adidas Shop the home range today! LFC x adidas Shop the goalkeeper range today LFC x adidas Shop the new adidas range today! It's a repeat of the Trent Alexander-Arnold saga, of course. That saw Alexander-Arnold string Liverpool along for at least a year before 'eventually' deciding to sign for Real Madrid. They're trying the same strategy, convincing Konate that they're the ultimate destination and making it near-impossible for the Reds to agree a new contract. And it appears to be working in back-to-back years. However, there's a twist here. Things are different this time around and it means Real Madrid have taken a bold new step. 🔴 Real Madrid leave squad space for Ibrahima Konate Marca reports that Real Madrid are leaving a squad space open in case Konate joins them in this transfer window. That involves leaving Franco Mastantuono with their Castilla side for a bit, as they did with both Vinicius and Rodrygo. So could a transfer actually happen this summer? Yes, actually. Real Madrid are a bit desperate after finishing last season trophyless. Their defence, in particular, looks sub-par, with Dean Huijsen, still a young player and one who hasn't been a player in a leading side before, their best option. They may well reach a point where success looks difficult to achieve without an elite addition there. Konate, with just one year remaining on his contract, would be far and away their best option. But that would mean Liverpool wanting to sell. It's possible they reach that point if a deal can be done for Marc Guehi, who also has just one year left on his deal. Real Madrid are only willing to put up around €25m, however, which makes it difficult when Crystal Palace want significantly more than that for their captain. Liverpool are only going to sell Konate if they can effectively replace him for free immediately, as they will be able to do next summer. So there's a long way to go here. It's certainly bold to leave a space for Konate when a deal isn't remotely close, but perhaps it's a sign that Real Madrid are more open to negotiation than first thought.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Sunderland close to spending record with Mukiele deal
Sunderland have signed France defender Nordi Mukiele from Paris St-Germain in a deal worth £12m, taking their summer spending to around £141.5m. The 27-year-old's arrival on a four-year contract comes a day after they beat West Ham 3-0 on their return to the top flight. Mukiele, who spent last season on loan at Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, is the 12th player to sign for the Black Cats this summer. He will cost an initial 11m euros (£9.5), with a further 3m euros (£2.5m) in add-ons. "It's a new challenge and I'm happy to be here," said Mukiele. "I saw the atmosphere of the stadium, and this is something I really like. "The fans are very important in football, and especially in Sunderland. I came here to fight for them." With 21 signings in the summer of 2022 at a cost of around £142m, Nottingham Forest hold the record for the most transfers by a promoted Premier League club in one window. Sunderland's new arrivals also include former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, winger Simon Adingra from Brighton, and club-record signing Habib Diarra, who cost around £30m from Strasbourg. That outlay was balanced by high-profile sales, such as Jobe Bellingham joining Borussia Dortmund and Tom Watson moving to Brighton for a combined total in the region of £37m. Burnley have brought in 13 new faces at a cost of approximately £100m, while Leeds United have invested £73.5m on their eight signings so far. Mukiele joined PSG in 2022, where he won five trophies, and played alongside new Sunderland captain Xhaka last season at Leverkusen, where he made 24 appearances. He started his career at Stade Lavallois before spells at Montpellier and RB Leipzig, and has played 35 Champions League games. Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said Mukiele "possesses rare athletic qualities that are perfectly suited to our team in the Premier League" and has "tactical versatility" as he is able to play at centre-back and right-back. Latest Sunderland news, analysis and fan views
