RLWRLD raises $15M to create the “GPT for Robots,” with backing from top industrial giants across Asia. The startup aims to revolutionize robotics with AI models for real-world applications.
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| RLWRLD, a Physical AI startup, announces a $15M funding round to build robots with real-world AI, backed by industry titans from Korea and Japan, aiming to revolutionize autonomous robotics. Image: RLWRDL |
Tokyo, Japan – April 15, 2025:
RLWRLD, a cutting-edge Physical AI startup focused on developing robotics foundation models, has secured $15 million in a seed funding round supported by some of Asia’s most influential industrial giants. The investment is a major cross-border initiative, with backing from key players such as LG Electronics, SK Telecom, KDDI, ANA Holdings, Mitsui Chemicals, and Shimadzu Corporation. Leading AI-focused venture capital firms including Hashed, Mirae Asset, and Global Brain have also joined the round, signaling a strong vote of confidence in RLWRLD's vision for the future of real-world AI.
RLWRLD, led by founder Jung-hee Ryu, who previously sold his startup Olaworks to Intel, has garnered attention for its focus on building AI that operates in the physical world, rather than just in the digital realm. Ryu’s bold vision, shared by a world-class founding team including KAIST Chair Professor Jinwoo Shin, ex-CTO of Kurly, and former executives from Kakao and BCG, is to develop AI-powered robots capable of performing tasks autonomously in factories, warehouses, and logistics hubs.
Jung-hee Ryu, CEO of RLWRLD, explained, "Silicon Valley is building brains for the internet. We’re building brains for machines."
While generative AI leaders focus on text, images, and code, RLWRLD is working on foundation models that learn from physical sensors, robotics systems, and industrial workflows. These models will enable robots to autonomously reason and act in complex, dynamic environments, a leap forward for industries such as manufacturing and logistics. RLWRLD’s approach is grounded in an embodied model architecture designed specifically for real-world intelligence and autonomy. Their proprietary data pipelines are sourced from East Asia’s thriving manufacturing ecosystem, while the infrastructure is designed for seamless integration with existing robotics systems.
“We’re not just writing papers—we’re training models that solve real-world problems on actual production floors,” said Jinwoo Shin, Chief Scientist at RLWRLD and a Chair Professor at KAIST.
With the $15 million in funding, RLWRLD will accelerate its growth by expanding its proprietary data pipelines across its industrial partner sites and advancing its robotics foundation model stack. The company also plans to strengthen its integration with robotics and sensor companies across both Asia and North America. Additionally, RLWRLD is building a multi-stakeholder innovation ecosystem in collaboration with leading academic institutions such as KAIST, Seoul National University, and POSTECH. Robotics manufacturers including WIRobotics, Rainbow Robotics, Wonik Robotics, and Robotis are also part of the company’s expanding network, all contributing to RLWRLD's vision for building a comprehensive AI ecosystem.
Simon Seojoon Kim, CEO of Hashed, emphasized, "RLWRLD combines deep AI research with industrial execution at scale. That’s what makes this a rare, high-conviction investment."
RLWRLD's unique approach positions it as a potential leader in the burgeoning market of robotics-powered AI. The company's mission is clear: to create autonomous machines that can operate in complex, real-world environments, offering transformative solutions for industries worldwide.