Tether Expands AI Investment by Supporting Italian Humanoid Robotics Firm

TLDR

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Tether invested in Generative Bionics to develop humanoid robots for industrial production.
The $81M funding round includes support from AMD Ventures and CDP Venture Capital.
Generative Bionics aims to create robots with real-world AI capabilities for factories.
Tether’s strategy includes backing emerging technologies like AI and robotics.

Tether, a well-known stablecoin company, has made a significant move into the field of artificial intelligence (AI). It has joined an $81 million funding round for Generative Bionics, an Italian startup focusing on humanoid robots. This funding is part of Tether’s strategy to support emerging technologies, particularly those that have the potential to enhance human capabilities while reducing reliance on large tech companies.

Generative Bionics, which originated as a research spinoff from the Italian Institute of Technology, aims to develop humanoid robots that are suitable for industrial applications. These robots are designed to be highly functional on factory production lines, offering AI-driven solutions that can significantly improve efficiency.

Investment Strategy and Goals

Tether’s involvement in the $81 million funding round is a strategic move. The funding is aimed at supporting the growth of Generative Bionics, focusing on developing physical AI systems and edge AI solutions. The company is also working towards establishing its first production facility to scale its robot designs for industrial use.

In a statement, Tether highlighted that the investment would help in accelerating the industrial validation of Generative Bionics’ humanoid platform. This aligns with Tether’s broader approach to investing in technologies that extend human potential and minimize dependence on centralized systems controlled by large corporations. Tether sees the development of humanoid robots as a vital step in expanding AI capabilities for real-world applications.

Collaboration with Other Industry Players

The funding round for Generative Bionics was led by CDP Venture Capital’s AI fund, with Tether joining other notable investors like AMD Ventures, Duferco, Eni Next, and RoboIT. This diverse group of backers shows the growing interest in the potential of humanoid robots and AI technologies.

The investment by Tether is also part of a broader trend of the company expanding its portfolio into AI and robotics. Tether has previously invested in projects like brain-computer interfaces, including Blackrock Neurotech, and participated in a partnership with Northern Data and Rumble to deploy a global GPU network for AI development. These moves suggest Tether’s commitment to supporting next-generation technologies, especially those related to AI and robotics.

Industrial Use of Humanoid Robots

Generative Bionics’ humanoid robots are designed to operate on production lines in industries that require high precision and human-like interaction. These robots are being developed with advanced AI capabilities that allow them to interact with their environment in ways similar to humans. The firm’s primary focus is to create robots capable of handling various tasks in factory settings, enhancing productivity and efficiency.

Humanoid robots are expected to play a crucial role in transforming industries by automating tasks that were once reliant on human workers. This could lead to significant improvements in production speeds, cost efficiency, and workplace safety. Generative Bionics plans to test and refine its robots to ensure they meet the demanding requirements of industrial use.

Tether’s Broader Investment Focus

Tether’s investment in Generative Bionics is part of a larger strategy to support emerging technologies that fit within its five key investment areas: finance, power, data, education, and evolution. The AI investments, including the backing of humanoid robotics, fall under the “evolution” category. Tether sees the potential of AI to revolutionize multiple industries, and its involvement in this funding round reinforces its commitment to these future-oriented technologies.

Additionally, Tether’s diversified approach to investing in AI is reflected in its previous ventures, such as its collaboration with Northern Data and Rumble to deploy AI infrastructure, and potential investments in other robotic startups. This shows Tether’s clear vision of enhancing technological ecosystems that empower various sectors.