Mimic, a Swiss start-up, has entered the race to develop humanoid robots powered by artificial intelligence. While competitors are backed by big tech names and Google alumni, Mimic is flying under the radar. The company, spun out of ETH Zurich university, aims to create robots that can be taught to perform multiple tasks, unlike traditional robots programmed for a single job.
Mimic’s focus is on robotic hands with human-like dexterity, controlled by generative AI. Users can give instructions verbally or through demonstrations, and the robot will understand and carry out the task. While full-scale humanoid robots are being developed by high-profile companies, Mimic believes its simpler product will be more cost-effective and practical for stationary use cases.
Although Mimic’s technology is not yet commercially ready, pilot projects are ongoing to demonstrate its capabilities. The company sees opportunities in various industries such as food service, sorting, and pharmaceuticals, where robots can help automate tasks and address labor shortages. The scalability of training robots for specific tasks is seen as a significant advantage for industrial customers.
Investors seem to share Mimic’s optimism, with a $2.5 million funding round led by Founderful and other investors. The funding will support team development, testing capacity, and computing costs. Founderful’s Alex Stöckl believes that AI-driven robots will see rapid adoption, reflecting Goldman Sachs’ projection that the global market for humanoid robots could reach $38 billion by 2035.
Mimic’s founders are confident in their collaborative approach with industry clients and their focus on manipulation and hands, rather than building entire humanoid robots. They position themselves as the European counterpart to the mainly US-based trend of developing AI-driven robots. While the competition in this space is fierce, Mimic believes its unique approach will help secure a share of the market and drive growth in the coming years.
