Japanese robotics startup O-ID raises $1.2 million for modular humanoid robots
Tokyo-based O-ID has secured $1.2 million in pre-seed funding to develop modular humanoid robots designed for rapid on-site repair. The funding aims to accelerate product development and facilitate international expansion.
Japanese robotics startup O-ID has raised $1.2 million in pre-seed funding to develop modular humanoid robots. The company's robots are designed for quick repair on the factory floor, aiming to reduce downtime from months to minutes. This approach addresses a key challenge in industrial automation, where extended maintenance periods can be costly.
The funding round was led by TAWANI Ventures, with participation from accelerator Techstars and Hustle Fund. O-ID also received backing from angel investors, including the founders of Humanoid Guide, who are noted as early investors in robotics company 1X. The startup has filed a provisional U.S. patent for its modular connector technology.
Founded in 2025 by Stian Jakobsen and Simon Gormuzov, who met at Waseda University in Tokyo, O-ID is targeting the U.S. market. The robots are being built to comply with the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requirements. The company has also signed letters of intent with Japanese manufacturers, indicating early commercial interest.
This investment will enable O-ID to advance its robot development and prepare for commercial deployment. The focus on modularity and rapid repair is intended to offer a significant advantage in sectors requiring high operational uptime, with the U.S. market being a primary expansion target.