Piaggio Fast Forward launches Grogu-inspired cargo robot with autonomous following technology. Piaggio Fast Forward has launched a new Star Wars-inspired version of its cargo-carrying robot, combining autonomous following technology with the distinctive design of Grogu's floating pram from the Star Wars universe. The new Grogu gitamini robot, developed in collaboration with Disney and Disney Consumer Products, is based on the company's existing gitamini personal cargo robot platform but redesigned to resemble the transport pod used by the popular Star Wars character. The launch comes as interest builds around the upcoming film Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu, with the robot forming part of Disney's broader "Star Wars Most Wanted" merchandise campaign for 2026. Like other robots in Piaggio Fast Forward's gita product line, the Grogu gitamini is designed to autonomously follow its owner using onboard cameras, sensors, and the company's proprietary navigation software. The robot can carry up to 20 pounds of cargo while navigating around obstacles and pedestrians using what the company describes as "pedestrian etiquette" technology, intended to allow the robot to move smoothly through public spaces while maintaining a comfortable following distance. The Star Wars-themed version adds custom lighting effects, sound designs, and exterior graphics inspired by the franchise. According to the company, the robot also responds in real time to the movements of its leader with Star Wars-themed audio cues linked to acceleration, deceleration, and stopping. Additional features include Bluetooth speaker connectivity through the mygita mobile app, allowing users to monitor battery status, customize robot settings, and stream music directly through the robot. Greg Lynn, CEO of Piaggio Fast Forward, said: "Robotics & Automation News is thrilled to further its mission of blending PFF's smart technology with one of the most iconic franchises in the entertainment industry to create something that feels joyful, fresh, and unique to the Star Wars galaxy. "With renewed excitement for a new Star Wars theatrical release, the timing could not have been better to incorporate the fan-favorite Grogu into our robots and bring fans a new way to enjoy the character, wherever their adventures may take them." The Grogu gitamini is the second officially licensed Star Wars-themed robot launched by Piaggio Fast Forward, reflecting the growing trend of robotics companies using entertainment partnerships to broaden public engagement with consumer robotics technology. The robot is available now through the company's website and DisneyStore.com.

Piaggio Fast Forward's AI model for next-generation "hybrid navigation" Piaggio Fast Forward PFF to announce "hybrid navigation" technology at MODEX 2026 BOSTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / April 7, 2026 / Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF) is unveiling its next-generation hybrid navigation technology for its industry-leading PFF kilo(R) robot at MODEX 2026 (Booth C12373). The exclusive hybrid navigation technology features a production-ready physical AI model that significantly enhances a robot's ability to exhibit intelligent, intuitive, and dynamic person-following behaviors. Utilizing a hybrid control framework that actively infers its leader's intent, kilo can now seamlessly toggle between AI models and algorithm-based control to handle dynamic forward and backward following motions with safety constraints. The AI model, which bypasses the cloud and operates entirely on edge hardware, was trained using PFF's proprietary, in-house multi-agent 3D kinematic capture data. Known as the "Smart Behaviors Dataset," these findings are the result of eight years of capturing human proxemic cues, behavioral patterns, social negotiation, and object handling. It is one of the world's largest known high-fidelity datasets of multi-person motion. "We've built our technology around understanding human behavior in real environments, so our robots don't need to look human to feel intuitive," says Greg Lynn, Co-Founder and CEO of PFF. "They know when to wait, when to move, and how to navigate shared spaces in a way that feels familiar. Hybrid navigation is a big step forward in making the 'decision making' of our robots appear even more seamless to the user. This combination allows our robots to blend predictable movements with faster, context responsive intelligence; defining a new standard for what collaborative and intuitive means in real world robotics." kilo robots augment workers in environments where they are safely and productively deployed to transport goods. PFF's robots work with ease out-of-the-box and without the need for user training or changes to existing infrastructures. Familiar motions, such as intuitive forward and backward following, are what defines the robots' signature pedestrian etiquette. With hybrid navigation, PFF's robots are now even better at interpreting social cues. In combining deterministic behaviors with their own AI models, these machines will take predictable, certifiable control logic to the next level. PFF will be at the MODEX Show, April 13-16, 2026. For a demo, visit booth C12373 at MODEX or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment. About Piaggio Fast Forward Founded in 2015 by the Piaggio Group-the Italian manufacturer behind the legendary Vespa scooter-Boston-based Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF) creates efficient technology solutions for human-built environments. PFF's cargo-carrying following robots, gitamini(R) and gitaplus(R), are designed for everyday consumer use. PFF's first-of-its-kind following technology has also been adapted for mobile solutions in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and hospitality. PFF's mission is to solve the challenges of robotic interaction with people in dynamically changing environments. Learn more at https://piaggiofastforward.com/business. Media gallery Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact [email protected]