Cinema Robotics Firm Axibo Secures $12M to Build Humanoid Robots in Canada

We see humanoid robots as the next major milestone in productivity since the Industrial Revolution

Axibo Pivots from Cinema Bots to Humanoids with $12 Million Boost

Axibo Inc., a Canadian company previously known for its specialized cinema robotics and volumetric capture systems used by clients like Netflix and Apple, is shifting its focus towards the burgeoning field of humanoid robotics. The Waterloo-based firm announced it has secured $12 million in funding to launch Axibo AI, a new division dedicated to developing advanced humanoid robots.

The funding round includes $11 million from external investors, supplemented by a $1 million commitment from Axibo's founders, Anoop Gadhrri, Sohaib Al-Emara, and Reiner Schmidt. This marks a return to the founders' original passion for robotics, which began with developing an autonomous vehicle during their university years.

Leveraging Past Experience

Axibo isn't starting from scratch. The company highlights its established experience in designing, manufacturing, and delivering thousands of complex cinema robots globally. They emphasize their development of novel, low-cost production processes and advanced Canadian manufacturing capabilities, suggesting this foundation will be crucial for their humanoid ambitions.

"We see humanoid robots as the next major milestone in productivity since the Industrial Revolution," stated Anoop Gadhrri, co-founder and CEO. He stressed the company's commitment to utilizing Canadian talent and resources to establish a foothold in the competitive global robotics market.

Strategy: From 'Model T' to Specialization

Axibo's strategy rejects a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they aim for "broad specialization," envisioning a future akin to the diverse automotive market. Their initial focus is on creating a general, modular humanoid platform – likened to Henry Ford's Model T – designed to be adaptable for various specific applications later on. The long-term vision includes creating 'focused humanoids' and ultimately, 'the machine that builds the machines.'

Potential applications mentioned include healthcare, logistics, industrial automation, and personal assistance, aiming for robots that can integrate safely and intelligently into various environments.

Next Steps and Timeline

With the new funding, Axibo plans to accelerate its proprietary manufacturing processes, expand its engineering and AI teams in Waterloo, and further develop robot autonomy and dexterity.

The company aims to debut its first humanoid robot prototype, currently code-named "T.E.B.", in early 2026. Details about the prototype's specific capabilities remain limited, but the company states it will demonstrate advanced agility and intelligence.

Axibo is actively recruiting engineers, positioning the venture as an opportunity to contribute to foundational humanoid robotics development within Canada. While the humanoid field is attracting significant investment and numerous players globally, Axibo aims to carve out a niche by leveraging its manufacturing background and focusing on a modular platform approach.