Hardware
LG producing HDTV set-top boxes for DirecTV
MUMBAI: American digital television platofrm DirecTV has selected LG Electronics as the first supplier of digital high-definition television (HDTV) set-top boxes based on new video compression technology.
LG Electronics has begun production of set-top boxes for use in DirecTV’s MPEG-4 (moving picture experts group) HD satellite broadcasts, further expanding LG’s leadership in the North American digital television market.
DirecTV will begin offering local broadcast channels in HD later this year.. By 2007, DIRECTV plans to offer more than 1,500 local broadcast channels and more than 150 national channels in HD.
DirecTV executive VP and CTO Romulo Pontual said, “Consumer demand for HD is exploding, and DirecTV is ushering in a new era in satellite delivery of HD content using a powerful new broadcasting technology, MPEG-4. This will enable us to greatly enhance our customers’ viewing experience by offering the widest array of HD programming available. The technical and manufacturing capabilities of LG Electronics, coupled with their strong commitment to this specific programme, make LG a terrific partner for DirecTV.”
MUMBAI: Addverb has taken a decisive turn on the road to humanoid automation, unveiling its first wheeled humanoid robot, Elixis-W, at LogiMAT India 2026 in Mumbai. Built and manufactured in India, the robot signals the company’s push to make so-called physical AI a practical presence on the factory floor rather than a futuristic concept.
Unlike traditional fixed automation, Elixis-W is designed to move, think and work alongside people in dynamic industrial settings. The robot combines adaptive wheeled mobility with dual arms, each fitted with five-fingered dexterous hands, allowing it to handle tasks that demand precision as well as flexibility.
At its core sits a Physical AI-ready architecture, supported by dual Nvidia Jetson Orin and Thor computing units. This setup is intended to give the robot the ability to perceive, plan and adapt to changing environments, rather than simply follow pre-programmed routines.
According to Addverb CEO and co-founder Sangeet Kumar, the humanoid reflects the company’s long-standing belief in human-robot collaboration. He said the robot is designed to take on repetitive, risky or physically demanding tasks, freeing human workers to focus on higher-value decision-making roles.
Alongside the humanoid, Addverb also showcased two new intralogistics solutions. The Cruiser 360, a four-way pallet shuttle, is aimed at high-density storage environments where space and speed matter. The FlowT, an autonomous forklift, is designed to move materials safely in busy warehouses and factory spaces.
Visitors also saw Trakr, the company’s quadruped robot, navigating the exhibition floor, offering a glimpse of how legged machines could assist in future warehouse and industrial operations.
Addverb, which began as a warehouse automation specialist, has steadily expanded its global footprint across the United States, Europe, Australia and Asia. Its client list includes Reliance, HUL, PepsiCo, Maersk, Mondial Relay and DHL.
With the launch of Elixis-W, the company is steering towards a future where robots are not just bolted to the floor, but rolling, reasoning and working shoulder to shoulder with people on the shopfloor.
