ROS 2 Lyrical Luth Released, Grid Dynamics Acquires Ekumen, Mobile OpenArm Debuts
New ROS 2 release, major acquisition, and open-source mobile manipulator under $19k.
The ROS community launched ROS 2 Lyrical Luth with new packages and a packed events calendar. Grid Dynamics acquired Ekumen to advance physical AI and robotics engineering, while FANUC partnered with Google for physical AI in robots. The Open Arm team introduced Mobile OpenArm, a bi-manual mobile manipulator priced under $19,000, though it is unclear if the platform will be fully open hardware. A new tutorial showcases LeKiwi robot teleoperation via Steam Deck, and ROSCon 2026 will take place in Toronto.
- ROS 2 Lyrical Luth released with new packages; development already underway for ROS 2 Makoa Mata-Mata.
- Grid Dynamics acquires Ekumen to boost physical AI; FANUC partners with Google for AI in industrial robots.
- Mobile OpenArm platform launches as an open-source bi-manual mobile manipulator under $19,000.
Why It Matters
ROS ecosystem strengthens with a major release, strategic acquisition, and affordable open-source hardware, accelerating robotics development and AI integration.