A South Korean startup named RLWRLD is stepping into the spotlight with a bold mission to revolutionize robotics. The company, founded in 2024 by serial entrepreneur Jung-Hee Ryu, has just secured $14.8 million in seed funding to develop a groundbreaking AI model tailored specifically for robots.
This innovative approach aims to make robots smarter, more agile, and capable of tackling tasks that have long remained out of their reach. With this fresh influx of cash, RLWRLD is poised to push the boundaries of automation, and it’s already generating buzz in the tech world.
Let’s paint the picture: industrial robots have become a backbone of manufacturing, with over 4 million in operation worldwide, according to the International Federation of Robotics. In 2023 alone, more than 540,000 new robots were installed globally.
These machines excel at repetitive tasks, think assembly lines churning out cars or packaging goods. But when it comes to precision, delicate materials, or adapting to unpredictable environments, they often fall short.
Imagine a robot trying to navigate the chaos of a busy restaurant kitchen, it’d likely cause more trouble than it’s worth. This is where RLWRLD sees an opportunity to make a difference.
RLWRLD’s big idea is to create a foundational AI model that blends the power of large language models, think ChatGPT-style intelligence, with traditional robotics software. The result? Robots that can move with finesse, handle complex tasks, and even engage in a bit of logical reasoning.
“Our model lets robots learn and mimic human expertise,” Ryu explained in an exclusive chat with TechCrunch. “This means we can automate processes that still rely heavily on manual labor, making workplaces more efficient.” It’s a vision that could transform industries like manufacturing, logistics, and even retail.
The $14.8 million funding round, led by venture capital firm Hashed, also saw contributions from Mirae Asset Venture Investment and Global Brain. But what’s particularly eye-catching is RLWRLD’s roster of strategic investors, big names like LG Electronics, SK Telecom, Japan’s KDDI, and India’s Amber Manufacturing.
These partnerships aren’t just about money; they’re about collaboration. RLWRLD is already working with these giants to test its technology through proof-of-concept projects, setting the stage for real-world applications.
So, what’s the plan for all that funding? RLWRLD is gearing up to invest in high-powered computing infrastructure, like GPUs, to fuel its AI development.
They’re also snapping up robots and devices to gather the massive amounts of data needed to train their model. Hiring top talent is another priority, as is refining advanced capabilities, like teaching robots to master intricate five-finger hand movements.
Ryu points out that competitors like Tesla, Figure AI, and 1X haven’t yet cracked this level of dexterity, giving RLWRLD a potential edge.
What makes RLWRLD stand out in a crowded field? For one, Ryu’s experience. This is his third startup, following the sale of Olaworks to Intel in 2012 and the creation of a deep-tech accelerator, Future Play, in 2015.
His decision to focus on robotics came after noticing a gap in AI innovation in Korea and Japan compared to the U.S., Europe, and China. After consulting with over 30 AI professors, he zeroed in on robotics foundational models as a strategic move, leveraging Korea and Japan’s manufacturing prowess.
These countries, after all, account for nearly 10% of global manufacturing production.
RLWRLD isn’t going it alone. The startup has recruited six professors from prestigious South Korean institutions like KAIST and SNU, along with their research teams, to drive its ambitious goals. They’re working on a platform that can support all kinds of robots, industrial, collaborative, mobile, and even humanoids.
Later this year, they’re planning a humanoid-based autonomous action demo with their strategic partners, which could be a game-changer.
Of course, RLWRLD isn’t the only player in this space. Startups like Skild AI and Physical Intelligence, as well as heavyweights like Google DeepMind and Nvidia, are also building AI models for robotics.
But Ryu believes RLWRLD has a head start, thanks to its access to high-degree-of-freedom robots and valuable manufacturing data from its partners. “We’re not just building for low-complexity tasks,” he says. “Our robots can handle more sophisticated challenges.”
Looking ahead, RLWRLD is aiming to generate revenue as early as this year through its proof-of-concept projects. In the long term, the company dreams of powering robots in factories, logistics hubs, retail stores, and even homes, imagine a robot folding laundry or washing dishes.
For now, though, the focus is on industrial clients, where demand for automation is high and budgets are hefty.
With just 13 employees, RLWRLD is a small but mighty team taking on a massive challenge.
Follow TechBSB For More…
