South Korean robotics startup RLWRLD has raised $14.8 million in seed funding to build a foundational AI model tailored for robotics, aiming to enable machines to perform complex tasks with greater autonomy and agility. The investment round was led by Hashed, with participation from Mirae Asset Venture Investment, Global Brain, and a lineup of strategic investors from Asia and beyond.
AI + Robotics: The Foundation Model Approach
RLWRLD is developing what it calls a robotics foundation model (RFM)—a blend of large language models and robotics software designed to give robots logical reasoning abilities and adaptable motor control. This would allow robots not only to replicate repetitive tasks but to manage more intricate, variable workflows across manufacturing, logistics, and even household environments.
Founder and CEO Jung-Hee Ryu, a serial entrepreneur whose previous startup was acquired by Intel, said the goal is to “learn and copy human expertise” using AI, reducing the need for manual labor across industries.
Industry Backing and Strategic Partners
RLWRLD’s investor list includes major Japanese and Korean firms like LG Electronics, SK Telecom, Mitsui Chemical, Shimadzu, and KDDI, as well as India’s Amber Manufacturing. These partners are expected to collaborate on proof-of-concept projects, sharing facilities and data for real-world training of the AI model.
The funds will be used to build computing infrastructure, acquire high-precision robots, and develop advanced five-finger robotic hand movements—a capability that rivals like Tesla and Figure AI have yet to achieve, according to Ryu.
Global Competition and Strategic Advantage
RLWRLD enters a competitive landscape alongside startups like Skild AI and Physical Intelligence, as well as tech giants including Google DeepMind and Nvidia. However, Ryu believes RLWRLD has a head start thanks to its early access to real industrial data and strong regional support from Japan and South Korea, which together represent over 9% of global manufacturing.
The startup is also working on a humanoid demo launch later this year, with aspirations to create a platform that supports various robot types—from collaborative bots to autonomous mobile machines.
What’s Next
RLWRLD currently has 13 employees and aims to start generating revenue in 2025 via enterprise collaborations. While the immediate focus is on industrial settings, the company ultimately envisions bringing robotics into consumer environments, helping with everything from warehouse tasks to household chores.
