Intelligence that is tightly coupled with a physical body enables machines to perceive, move, and interact with the real world in meaningful ways. This topic covers AI systems embedded in robots and autonomous machines where learning, perception, and decision-making are directly linked to sensors, actuators, and physical constraints. It explores how embodied models are trained through real-world experience, simulation, and reinforcement learning, as well as their role in manipulation, locomotion, and human interaction. Embodied AI sits at the intersection of robotics and artificial intelligence, highlighting the shift from purely digital intelligence to systems that learn through action. As robots move into unstructured environments, embodied AI becomes essential for adaptive and robust behavior.
Realbotix has deployed its M-Series humanoid robot and Optio AI teaching assistant at Salamanca City Central School District in New York, with plans to expand the pilot to approximately 500 high school students in fall 2026 across AI and robotics courses.
Goldman Sachs Research estimates Korean companies will account for 30% of global humanoid robot production by 2035 through direct manufacturing and component supply, with Korean supply chains supporting approximately 74,000 units by 2030, driven by automotive parts expertise translating directly into actuator and dexterous hand capability.
Naver Labs Europe has unveiled DIVINE, a universal encoder that consolidates multiple specialized AI encoders into a single model, reducing robot memory consumption by approximately 90% and increasing encoding throughput by up to 12 times for compact autonomous robotic platforms.
Morgan Stanley has raised its China humanoid robot shipment forecast to 50,000 units for 2026, nearly doubling its previous projection of 28,000, as commercial verification in factories, logistics, and retail accelerates faster than the bank anticipated at the start of the year.
Chinese automaker Seres has unveiled Xiaosai, its first humanoid robot, designed for visual recognition, autonomous greeting, and voice interaction, as the company expands its embodied AI presence beyond the Xiaosai 01 and 02 inspection robots already operating at its smart factory.
Genesis AI has unveiled Eno, its first general-purpose robot, featuring a wheeled base, height-adjustable articulated tower, and proprietary dexterous hands matched to human hand dimensions, powered by the GENE foundation model and targeting industrial customer deployments by end of 2026.
Alibaba has introduced the Qwen Robot Suite, its first family of AI models for physical robotics, comprising three interconnected systems for navigation, manipulation, and world modeling, already in pilot testing with Alibaba Cloud enterprise clients.
LG Electronics is converting its 33,000 square-meter Yangjae R&D campus into Korea’s first humanoid robot data factory, deploying up to 300 CLOiD prototype robots by year-end to generate real-world training data for a commercial home robot targeted for 2028.
Neura Robotics has closed a Series C round of up to $1.4 billion led by Tether, the stablecoin issuer behind USDT, with Tether also planning to integrate its Wallet Development Kit directly into Neura’s robotic systems as the companies argue autonomous robots need financial tools.
Google DeepMind has launched a three-month robotics accelerator program for early-stage European startups, selecting 15 companies spanning industrial automation, healthcare robotics, waste sorting, ocean autonomy, and neurosurgery for mentorship and access to Gemini robotics models.