Natural language robotics start-ups win ABB AI Challenge
19 December 2024 
Two robotics start-ups that focus on natural language programming – the US-Norwegian business T-Robotics and New York based Mbodi – have won ABB Robotics’ AI Startup Challenge for 2024. They were chosen from more than 100 applicants and will receive $30,000 in project funding, as well as collaborating with ABB to develop commercial applications, expected to be launched this year. The two winners also get a six-month membership of ABB’s startup accelerator, SynerLeap.
ABB Robotics predicts that the winners will help transform how industrial robots understand, learn, and adapt to complex manufacturing environments. It adds that by working with the winners, it will make robots more autonomous, intuitive, adaptive and efficient.
T-Robotics, founded in 2024, has developed physical AI models that allow operators to program robots using natural conversation, while maintaining precision through industry-specific skill models. This approach significantly reduces programming time while optimising performance across various manufacturing applications. The company has recently attracted $5.4m in funding to expand its EU and US operations.
“The convergence of robotics and physical AI will transform how manufacturing operates,” says T-Robotics co-founder, Asad Tirmizi. “We’re thrilled to partner with ABB in pioneering this transition towards a future where robots become intelligent assistants helping us produce better.”
Mbodi’s AI platform introduces real-time skill acquisition capabilities, allowing robots to learn and adapt to new tasks on the fly, through written and spoken natural language and demonstration. Its technology makes robotic automation accessible to businesses of all sizes, particularly those seeking flexible systems for high-mix, low- volume production.
“We’re augmenting the industrial robotics experience through cutting-edge generative AI that fulfils evolving customer needs,” says Mbodi’s co-founder and CEO, Sebastian Peralta.
“Today’s manufacturing challenges demand solutions that combine simplicity with sophisticated AI capabilities”, comments ABB Robotics president, Marc Segura. “T-Robotics and Mbodi demonstrated groundbreaking innovations and by collaborating with both, we will accelerate the development of more intuitive, adaptable and easier-to-use robotic solutions that will make business more efficient, flexible and resilient.
“The disruptive potential of generative AI in robotics is vast, but requires focused scrutiny,” he adds. “By focusing on three pivotal areas – natural language programming, skill learning, and autonomous decision-making – we identified two key solutions that position us to accelerate AI-driven, market-ready industrial products. This approach aligns with ABB’s vision of creating robots that are more intuitive, adaptable, and efficient, paving the way for a new era of AI-powered robotics innovation.”
The ABB Robotics AI Startup Challenge is part of ABB’s wider Innovation Ecosystem. Through initiatives to identify, support and scale-up promising start-ups across all industries, ABB says it is helping to accelerate innovation.
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