GTC 2025: Spotlight on leading robotics startups showcasing NVIDIA partnerships

March 5, 2025

GTC 2025 promises to highlight the latest in advanced AI interconnection and distributed AI, showcasing breakthroughs in enterprise AI infrastructure and AI cloud computing that will drive AI-powered business transformation.

Physical AI is quickly becoming a reality for the enterprise. The humanoid robotics revolution is no longer theoretical—it is actively shaping industries. With NVIDIA driving the computational backbone, these startups are ushering in a new era of automation. From manufacturing to logistics and even home assistance, the integration of AI-driven robotics is poised to transform the way humans interact with machines.

The Robotics Revolution at CES 2025: Startups Reshaping AI-Driven Automation

CES 2025 showcased an unprecedented wave of AI-powered robotics, with NVIDIA playing a central role in accelerating the industry’s progress. At the heart of this technological revolution were 14 robotics startups leveraging NVIDIA’s Cosmos platform and cutting-edge AI computing to push the boundaries of humanoid and industrial robotics. From high-speed bipeds to dexterous warehouse assistants, these startups demonstrated the evolving future of human-robot collaboration.

Leading Robotics Startups at CES 2025 showcasing NVIDIA partnerships

1. Apptronik: Apollo – The Warehouse Workhorse

Based in Austin, Texas, Apptronik introduced Apollo, a humanoid robot tailored for logistics and industrial tasks. Designed for safe human interaction, Apollo features modular mobility and swappable batteries, making it a viable addition to warehouses and manufacturing plants. Leveraging NVIDIA’s AI simulation tools, Apollo is fine-tuned for real-world adaptability.

2. Robotera: Star1 – The Speed Demon

Hailing from Beijing, Robotera unveiled Star1, a humanoid robot touted as the fastest running machine in its category. With 55 degrees of freedom and an impressive 8 mph top speed, Star1 outpaces existing models such as Tesla’s Optimus and Boston Dynamics’ Atlas. Integrated with NVIDIA Orin’s computing power, Star1 sets a new benchmark for high-performance robotics.

3. Agibot: A2 – Customer Service Reinvented

Shanghai’s Agibot introduced A2, an AI-driven robot designed for customer service, logistics, and exhibition tasks. Capable of natural human-robot interaction, A2 enhances commercial environments, with NVIDIA’s AI training tools playing a key role in its development.

4. NEURA Robotics: 4NE-1 – The Cognitive Companion

Germany’s NEURA Robotics showcased 4NE-1, a cognitive humanoid capable of perceiving, hearing, and touching. Positioned as a multi-industry solution, it is built to operate in education, healthcare, and emergency response environments. NVIDIA’s early access AI tools have likely fueled its advanced capabilities.

5. Fourier: GR-2 – The Dexterous Innovator

Fourier introduced GR-2, an upgraded humanoid robot featuring 12-DoF dexterous hands and FSA actuators. With a focus on manipulation and fine-motor skills, GR-2 extends Fourier’s legacy as the pioneer of mass-produced humanoids, powered by NVIDIA’s AI-driven software platforms.

6. Boston Dynamics: E-Atlas – A New Era for Atlas

A familiar name in robotics, Boston Dynamics revealed E-Atlas, an all-electric version of its famed Atlas robot. Designed for factory tasks and industrial automation, E-Atlas moves away from hydraulic systems while integrating NVIDIA-powered AI for enhanced real-world applications.

7. Agility Robotics: Digit – The Logistics Specialist

Agility Robotics continued to refine Digit, a bipedal robot tailored for warehouse and logistics tasks. Already deployed in facilities like GXO and Amazon, Digit represents one of the first commercialized humanoid robots earning revenue in logistics, with NVIDIA’s AI technology optimizing its efficiency.

8. Figure: Figure 02 – General-Purpose AI in Action

Sunnyvale-based Figure showcased Figure 02, an AI-powered humanoid for industrial use. Currently undergoing trials in BMW’s production facilities, Figure 02 signals a shift toward commercially viable humanoids, supported by NVIDIA’s AI and OpenAI collaborations.

9. 1X: Neo – The Friendly Home Assistant

1X Robotics introduced Neo, a humanoid designed for household assistance. Featuring a compact design and natural AI-powered interaction, Neo aims to bridge the gap between personal robotics and automation, leveraging NVIDIA’s computing platforms.

10. Galbot: G1 – Versatility at Its Core

Beijing’s Galbot presented G1, a humanoid built for both industrial and household applications. With an emphasis on advanced manipulation, G1’s AI-driven adaptability positions it as a flexible solution for various environments, fueled by NVIDIA’s computing power.

11. Mentee: MenteeBot – AI That Learns

Likely originating from Israel, Mentee unveiled MenteeBot, an AI-based humanoid capable of adapting to both home and industrial tasks via natural language processing. With $17 million in recent funding, MenteeBot’s development suggests an AI-driven approach to multi-domain automation.

12. Unitree: H1 – A Running Humanoid

China’s Unitree debuted H1, a full-size humanoid capable of running, making it one of the most advanced mobile humanoids in the market. NVIDIA’s AI simulation tools likely contribute to H1’s real-world performance in research and industrial scenarios.

13. XPENG: Iron – AI in Manufacturing

Electric vehicle giant XPENG introduced Iron, a factory-focused robot with 60 joints and 200 degrees of freedom. Already assisting in EV assembly lines, Iron exemplifies how NVIDIA-powered AI can integrate humanoid robots into production settings.

14. Sanctuary AI: Phoenix – Human-Like Intelligence

Vancouver based Sanctuary AI showcased Phoenix, a humanoid robot designed for a range of industries, powered by the Carbon AI control system. Named one of TIME’s best inventions of 2023, Phoenix represents the pinnacle of general-purpose robotics, with NVIDIA’s AI providing the backbone for its learning models.

At CES 2025, NVIDIA’s Cosmos platform emerged as a transformative tool for roboticists, enabling AI training and simulation through synthetic data. The showcased startups demonstrated how Cosmos accelerates humanoid development, leading to more adaptable, intelligent, and commercially viable robots.

NVIDIA’s Role in the Robotics Renaissance

With a mix of industrial and home-focused robots on display, CES 2025 highlighted the breadth of applications for humanoid AI. However, one notable absence sparked industry-wide discussions: South Korea’s lack of representation in NVIDIA’s robotics partnerships. With China taking a dominant role in the showcased lineup, the event emphasized shifting global dynamics in the race for AI-powered humanoids.

Looking Forward: AI and Robotics at the Forefront

The humanoid robotics revolution is no longer theoretical, it is actively shaping industries. With NVIDIA driving the computational backbone, these startups are ushering in a new era of automation. From manufacturing to logistics and even home assistance, the integration of AI-driven robotics is poised to transform the way humans interact with machines.

As AI-powered robots continue to evolve, one question remains: How soon before humanoids become as commonplace as smartphones? If CES 2025 was any indication, the answer may be closer than we think.

Make sure to tune into GTC 2025 to see the world of physical AI and beyond brought to life.

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NVIDIA #GTC2025 Conference Session Catalog

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