Seoul, South Korea, April 15, 2025. South Korean startup RLWRLD has raised $14.8 million in seed funding to develop a powerful robotics foundation model. This model combines artificial intelligence with robotics software to improve how robots think and move.
The funding round was led by Hashed, with support from Mirae Asset Venture Investment, Global Brain, and several strategic partners including LG Electronics, SK Telecom, and Japan’s Ana Group.
A Smarter Approach to Automation
Today’s industrial robots are great at repeating the same task. However, they often struggle with delicate, changing, or precise work. RLWRLD wants to change that. By using AI, it aims to help robots learn human skills and apply logic, allowing full automation of many manual jobs.
CEO Jung-Hee Ryu explained, “With our robotics foundation model, robots can work more like people. That makes factories and workplaces more efficient.”
Next-Level Robot Dexterity
RLWRLD is also working on something rare in the field: robots with five-finger hand movements. Unlike competitors who focus on basic functions, RLWRLD is building robots that can grip, adjust, and move with a human-like touch.
Moreover, the startup is preparing a humanoid robot demonstration with its investors later this year. This will show how their AI can manage real-life tasks in dynamic environments.
Strong Technical and Academic Roots
Ryu isn’t new to innovation. He previously founded Olaworks, later acquired by Intel, and launched the deep tech accelerator Future Play. After seeing a lack of AI startups in Korea and Japan, he decided to take action.
He spoke with over 30 AI professors who shared concerns about missing resources and support. As a result, he partnered with leading researchers from KAIST, SNU, and POSTECH to launch RLWRLD.
Why RLWRLD Has an Edge
Unlike many robotics startups, RLWRLD already works with high-degree-of-freedom robots. These machines can move more naturally and perform better in tricky tasks. Also, their close partnerships with major manufacturers help them gather high-quality data faster than rivals.
This early data access gives them a strong lead. In fact, Japan and South Korea together made up 9.2% of global manufacturing in 2024, making them ideal testing grounds.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, RLWRLD will use its funding to run proof-of-concept (PoC) projects with partners. It will also invest in GPUs, data collection tools, and top research talent. These steps will help them move from lab tests to real-world solutions.
In the short term, they plan to focus on factories, warehouses, and logistics centers. Over time, they hope their robots will also support retail spaces and even homes helping with everyday tasks.
With its unique approach and solid backing, RLWRLD is poised to change how robots work and interact with the world.
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