ADLINK and Under Control Robotics Partner on Smart Industrial Robots

ADLINK Technology and Under Control Robotics, the parent company of robotics startup Noble Machines, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at developing a new generation of AI-driven robots for hazardous industrial environments. Drawing on ADLINK’s expertise in edge AI hardware and Noble Machines’ autonomy software, the collaboration will focus on bi-pedal, bi-manual—essentially human-like—robots capable of working in demanding conditions where safety risks and labour shortages are prevalent.

The agreement brings together ADLINK’s DLAP edge AI platform, which is built on NVIDIA Jetson Thor technology, with Noble Machines’ whole-body control and autonomy capabilities. These systems are designed to provide advanced reasoning, perception, and motion control, allowing robots to handle complex manual tasks and heavy loads typical in sectors such as manufacturing, mining, construction, energy, petrochemicals, and public utilities.

The DLAP hardware platform offers industrial features including multi-voltage feeds, high-bandwidth sensor interfaces, up to eight GMSL (Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link) camera connections, four Ethernet ports, and both 5G and Wi-Fi connectivity options. The hardware is built to withstand a wide temperature range and complies with IEC 60068 standards for shock and vibration, making it suitable for challenging onsite conditions.

Noble Machines’ software enhances robot autonomy by managing perception, reasoning, and coordinated whole-body motion—functions crucial for mimicking human mobility and manipulation. This adaptability is essential for applications where the working environment cannot be extensively retooled to accommodate conventional machines, and where tasks involve unpredictable variables or require on-the-spot decisions.

“By extending our edge computing hardware into this emerging area of general-purpose robotics, we are moving towards a new standard of integrated AI systems for industry,” said Ethan Chen, general manager of ADLINK’s Edge Computing Platforms business unit. Wei Ding, chief executive of Under Control Robotics, highlighted how the partnership aims to resolve hardware reliability and supply chain issues that often impede industrial robot deployment.

Both companies will initially target construction and energy industries, where tasks often subject workers to dust, heat, vibration, and physical exertion—factors that increase risks and complicate automation by traditional means. The joint platform is positioned as a turnkey robotics solution for clients seeking to enhance safety and productivity without having to invest in untested technologies.

Central to the partnership’s approach is the use of AI algorithms for real-time decision-making and adaptability, as opposed to conventional rule-based automation that would require explicit programming for every possible scenario. The successful deployment of these systems will depend on the robots’ ability to respond appropriately to unforeseen situations and operate seamlessly alongside human workers without causing disruptions.

For industries grappling with skilled labour shortages and heightened safety regulations, the advancements pursued by ADLINK and Under Control Robotics could offer a significant step forward in the practical deployment of smart robotics on industrial sites.

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