Latest news with #Dexterity
Mint
02-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Unicorn startup that makes ‘superhuman' robots plots path to IPO
The robots are coming, but their arrival might be welcome if artificial-intelligence unicorn startup Dexterity has its way. California-based Dexterity programs what it describes as 'superhumanoids": large industrial robots built to do physically demanding and dangerous tasks. The aim, says founder and chief executive Samir Menon, isn't to replace humans but to amplify them. 'You can try to do robotics in a way that you're replacing people or you can try to do it in a way that you're supercharging people," the 40-year-old said in a recent interview on the sidelines of the ATxSummit in Singapore. In the AI gold rush of the past years, the startup founded by Menon in 2017 has raked in millions in investment. At a $1.65 billion valuation, it's secured 'unicorn" status. Dexterity's robots, designed to operate at temperatures and altitudes unfriendly to humans, have attracted partnerships with U.S. delivery giant FedEx and Japan's Sumitomo Corp. Dexterity's robots are manufactured via partnerships with industrial veterans like Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries, which do the manufacturing. Its flagship offering, the Mech, is a roving, two-armed robot that can perform heavy lifting. 'They're kind of inspired by 'Transformers' and 'Pacific Rim'," Menon said, in a nod to the Hollywood blockbusters starring giant robots. Dexterity is currently fundraising and eventually wants to go public in the U.S. Humanoid companies have been pulling in major investments in recent years. According to Crunchbase, six robotics companies became new unicorns last year. This year, more have joined the ranks, including The Bot Co., a robotics company focused on household chores which Crunchbase said was valued at $2 billion though it still hasn't released a product. With profitability for Dexterity still a few years away, Menon says he is prioritizing growth for now. Getting to the IPO stage rests on stable revenue streams and scaling the company, he said. Menon's upbeat on that front, seeing a not-too-distant future where industrial robots are commonplace in places like supermarkets and airports. Market analysts agree. A recent report by Morgan Stanley projects that by 2050, the humanoids market will top $5 trillion. Over 1 billion humanoids could be in use by then, primarily in commercial and industrial settings, it said. The parcel industry, retail and e-commerce sectors are already on the verge of mass adoption, said Menon, predicting take-up by large enterprises that will be 'a great foundational step for physical AI." That doesn't necessarily have to be bad news for the labor market, he said. If robotics firms want to be non-disruptive, they will focus on making robots that are superhuman in size, strength, and can work in extreme heat and cold, said Menon, who holds a doctorate in computer science from Stanford University. 'You can build [robots] in a way that you're copying the human shape, in which case it's designed to replace a human," he said. 'It's a strategic decision. We took the decision to do robotics in a way that supercharges people." Robots can help fill market gaps, the tech CEO argues. In many developed societies, declining birthrates and longer lifespans mean shrinking workforces need to support growing retiree populations. Bain & Company estimates that by 2030, the global shortage of manufacturing workers could reach nearly 8 million, boosting the need for robots to sustain economic growth. While humanoids won't replace swaths of workers overnight, they will take a meaningful share of physical jobs as tech advances and costs fall, the consulting firm said in a report. For Menon, worker deficits mean there is a way to introduce robots in markets like the U.S., Japan and Europe 'in a non-disruptive manner." Big improvements in standards of living in certain developed markets help too, he added. 'A lot of people don't really want to do extremely low-paying, very stressful tasks."
Wall Street Journal
02-07-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Unicorn Startup That Makes ‘Superhuman' Robots Plots Path to IPO
The robots are coming, but their arrival might be welcome if artificial-intelligence unicorn startup Dexterity has its way. California-based Dexterity programs what it describes as 'superhumanoids': large industrial robots built to do physically demanding and dangerous tasks.
Fox News
06-04-2025
- Business
- Fox News
World's first AI-powered industrial super-humanoid robot
In a groundbreaking development, California-based robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) company Dexterity has unveiled Mech, the world's first industrial super-humanoid robot. This innovative creation figures to revolutionize enterprise operations, particularly in the logistics and manufacturing sectors. Let's dive into the details of this new technology and explore its potential impact on the industry. This industrial super-humanoid robot features two arms mounted on a rover, allowing it to navigate warehouses and industrial sites with ease. With its impressive 17.72-foot arm span and the ability to lift up to 132 pounds, Mech is designed to tackle stressful and repetitive tasks that often lead to workplace injuries. What sets Mech apart is its advanced AI system, which Dexterity calls "Physical AI." This sophisticated technology enables Mech to perform complex tasks with human-like adaptability and superhuman strength. The robot's onboard supercomputer runs hundreds of AI models, allowing it to excel in scenarios that require precise coordination. One of the most impressive aspects of Mech is its potential to dramatically increase workplace productivity. A single worker can manage and monitor up to 10 Mechs simultaneously, significantly reducing the risk of injuries associated with repetitive stress and heavy lifting. Dexterity has designed Mech with scalability in mind. The robot's software can be easily upgraded with new apps, allowing it to learn and perform additional complex tasks. This flexibility ensures that Mech can adapt to changing industry needs and continue to provide value over time. Mech's combination of strength, dexterity and AI-powered intelligence opens up new possibilities for enhancing workplace efficiency and safety. While the impact of such advanced robotics on the job market remains to be seen, one thing is clear. As this technology continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to watch how it reshapes the landscape of manufacturing and logistics in the years to come. As robots like Mech become more prevalent in industries, do you think they will enhance human capabilities or eventually replace them? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
