Hello technology enthusiasts! Today, we dive into an exciting development in the robotics field.
The robotics industry has been gaining momentum, with a significant adoption of robots to automate various tasks. In fact, over 540,000 new industrial robots were installed globally in 2023, which pushed the active total above 4 million.
However, while these industrial robots excel in repetitive tasks, they often struggle with precision and adaptability—imagine a robot trying to navigate a busy kitchen!
This is where South Korean startup RLWRLD steps in, introducing a revolutionary foundational AI model designed specifically for robotics, merging large language models with traditional robotics software.
According to RLWRLD’s founder, Jung-Hee Ryu, this innovative model allows robots to perform agile movements and even engage in basic logical reasoning, mimicking human expertise to automate manual processes efficiently.
Recently emerging from stealth mode, RLWRLD has secured 21 billion KRW (approximately $14.8 million) in seed funding, spearheaded by venture capital firm Hashed and bolstered by notable strategic investors.
This fresh funding is earmarked for proof-of-concept projects, acquiring advanced hardware like GPUs, and hiring top-tier research talent.
RLWRLD is not just about building robots; it’s focused on revolutionizing human-centric workflows, preparing for a demonstration of humanoid robots later this year.
Furthermore, the startup aims to craft a versatile platform supporting various robots, encompassing industrial and collaborative models.
Founded in 2024, RLWRLD is Jerry Ryu’s third venture, following the successful acquisition of his previous startup by Intel.
As the robotics landscape grows, competition heats up with startups and established companies, including Tesla and Google, pursuing similar foundational models.
Ryu remains optimistic, asserting that RLWRLD is well-positioned thanks to its strong team of experts.
Ultimately, RLWRLD aims to serve industrial clients first, tapping into the lucrative automation market and expanding into other sectors like logistics and domestic assistance moving forward.