Founded in 2018, Agile Robots develops humanoid robots and robotic arms for factory automation. The company said the new financing, which also included Nvidia and Hitachi, makes it Europe’s most valuable physical AI robotics firm.

Funding targets US expansion and German production

Chief executive and founder Zhaopeng Chen said the funds will support expansion in the United States, additional manufacturing capacity in Germany and entry into new markets.

“Our vision is intelligent robots working alongside people in factories and warehouses everywhere, and Agile Robots is determined to lead that shift,” Chen said.

The company describes its work as physical AI: equipment that applies AI systems to machines operating in the real world. Its robots are intended to automate and speed up work in factories and warehouses.

Robots deployed in manufacturing and logistics

Agile Robots says it has deployed about 20,000 robots across the automotive, consumer electronics and logistics industries. Earlier this year, it opened a factory outside Munich that the company says can manufacture up to 10,000 humanoid robots a year.

The start-up is part of a group of German companies seeking to apply AI in industrial settings, particularly among the country’s established manufacturers. Europe has trailed the United States and China in developing the most prominent AI models, while industrial AI deployment is viewed by some as a potential area of strength.

European robotics companies still face international competition from larger Chinese groups, including Unitree, whose robots have drawn attention for demonstrations such as backflips and which has received substantial government support.

Source: France 24