Genesis AI raises $105M in seed funding to develop a universal robotics foundation model, aiming to revolutionize automation with advanced physical AI. Learn more at TheInterviewTimes.com.
In a landmark development for the robotics industry, Genesis AI, a pioneering physical AI research lab and full-stack robotics company, has emerged from stealth mode with a staggering $105 million in seed funding. This significant investment, announced on July 1, 2025, positions Genesis AI as a frontrunner in the race to develop a universal robotics foundation model (RFM), aimed at automating a wide array of physical tasks and transforming industries worldwide. The funding round, co-led by Eclipse Ventures and Khosla Ventures, includes participation from prominent investors such as Bpifrance, HSG (formerly Sequoia China), former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, and French billionaire Xavier Niel, signaling strong confidence in Genesis AI’s ambitious vision.
A New Era for General-Purpose Robotics
Founded in December 2024 by Zhou Xian, a Carnegie Mellon University robotics PhD, and Théophile Gervet, a former research scientist at Mistral AI, Genesis AI is on a mission to “unlock unlimited physical labor” by creating a general-purpose AI model for robots. Unlike traditional industrial robots, which rely on rigid, task-specific programming, Genesis AI’s RFM is designed to enable robots to perform diverse tasks—from laboratory automation to household chores—using a single, adaptable AI framework. This approach mirrors the success of large language models (LLMs) in digital AI, aiming to bring human-level intelligence to the physical world.
“General-purpose robots powered by physical AI will define the next major chapter of human history,” said Zhou Xian, CEO of Genesis AI. “While digital AI has made extraordinary progress, physical AI—the intelligence that allows machines to perceive, understand, and interact with the real world—has lagged behind. We’re here to change that.”
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Proprietary Physics Simulation Engine: The Core Innovation
At the heart of Genesis AI’s strategy is its proprietary physics simulation engine, developed through an academic collaboration spanning 18 universities. This engine generates high-fidelity synthetic data to train the RFM, sidestepping the high costs and logistical challenges of collecting real-world robotics data. By combining synthetic data with real-world inputs in a closed-loop system, Genesis AI claims its approach accelerates model training and enhances generalizability across various hardware types and tasks. This innovation sets Genesis AI apart from competitors like Physical Intelligence and Skild AI, which rely on alternative methods, including Nvidia-based tools.
The company’s data-centric, full-stack approach integrates advanced physics simulation, multimodal generative modeling, and large-scale real-world data collection. This comprehensive strategy ensures that Genesis AI’s robots can navigate complex environments, adapt to new situations, and work alongside humans with unprecedented flexibility.
Strategic Funding and Global Expertise
The $105 million seed round is one of the largest in recent robotics history, reflecting the immense potential of Genesis AI’s vision. Co-led by Eclipse Ventures and Khosla Ventures, the round also includes investments from OpenAI, DoorDash, Stripe, Northzone, Fly Ventures, Motier Ventures, Drysdale Ventures, Alven, Eurazeo, and Adelie, among others. The participation of high-profile individuals like Eric Schmidt and Xavier Niel further underscores the confidence in Genesis AI’s ability to disrupt the robotics landscape.
Genesis AI operates across two strategic hubs in Silicon Valley and Paris, leveraging global talent pools to drive innovation. The company’s team of over 20 specialists includes experts from Mistral AI, Nvidia, Google, MIT, Stanford, Columbia, Carnegie Mellon, and the University of Maryland, bringing deep expertise in robotics, machine learning, graphics, and large-scale AI model deployment.
Open-Sourcing for Broader Impact
In a move to foster collaboration and accelerate progress in the robotics field, Genesis AI plans to open-source components of its data engine and foundation model. By releasing an early version of its RFM to the robotics community by the end of 2025, the company aims to empower developers, researchers, and partners to build on its breakthroughs. This commitment to transparency and collaboration could position Genesis AI as a catalyst for industry-wide advancements in physical AI.
The Competitive Landscape and Market Potential
The robotics industry is witnessing a surge in investment, with companies like Apptronik, Persona AI, and Fourier securing significant funding rounds in 2025 to advance humanoid robotics and AI-driven automation. Meanwhile, tech giants like Nvidia are also entering the fray, with CEO Jensen Huang unveiling the AEON humanoid robot at VivaTech 2025 in Peris, signaling intense competition in the race for intelligent robotics.
Genesis AI’s focus on a universal robotics foundation model addresses a critical gap in the market. Physical labor, contributing an estimated $30-40 trillion to global GDP, remains over 95% unautomated due to the limitations of current robotic systems. Genesis AI’s scalable and affordable platform aims to transform industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and domestic services by enabling robots to handle complex, repetitive tasks with human-like adaptability.
Regulatory and Ethical Considerations
As Genesis AI advances its RFM, the company acknowledges the need for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the ethical and safe deployment of physical AI. With the rapid evolution of robotics, clear guidelines on AI usage are becoming critical. Genesis AI’s commitment to open-sourcing components may also contribute to establishing industry standards, fostering responsible innovation.
Why This Matters
The emergence of Genesis AI with $105 million in seed funding marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of robotics. By developing a universal robotics foundation model, the company is poised to redefine how robots interact with the physical world, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for automation. With its innovative technology, strategic funding, and commitment to collaboration, Genesis AI is well-positioned to lead the next wave of general-purpose robotics.
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