What's Happening?
Robotics startup Sharpa showcased its latest advancements in autonomous fine manipulation at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. The company introduced a new full-body robot named North, which played fully autonomous games of ping-pong against human opponents. These live demonstrations, held for eight hours daily over four days, highlighted the robot's capabilities in real-world manipulation tasks. North also performed complex tasks such as photography, windmill assembly, and card dealing, demonstrating long-horizon autonomy. The event attracted significant attention from robotics developers and researchers, with North completing over 2,000 photographs and assembling more than 300 windmills. Sharpa plans to release a production version of North by mid-2026.
Why It's Important?
The advancements demonstrated by Sharpa at CES 2026 signify a major step forward in the field of robotics, particularly in autonomous manipulation. This technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries by enabling robots to perform complex tasks with precision. The introduction of CraftNet, a model designed to support fine manipulation tasks, further underscores the potential for practical deployment in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and food service. By focusing on improving fine manipulation, Sharpa aims to transition robots from demonstration stages to everyday use, potentially transforming labor dynamics and productivity across multiple industries.
What's Next?
Sharpa plans to release updates on its CraftNet model in phases, with a focus on enhancing the precision and utility of its robots. The company is also preparing to launch a production version of its robot North by mid-2026. As these technologies develop, industries may begin integrating such advanced robotics into their operations, potentially leading to increased efficiency and new business models. Stakeholders in sectors like retail and hospitality may need to adapt to these changes, considering the implications for workforce dynamics and service delivery.
