Agile Robots
German robotics and artificial-intelligence company developing force-controlled robots and automation systems for manufacturing and logistics.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
Agile Robots is a German robotics and artificial-intelligence company headquartered in Munich. Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the company develops robotic manipulation systems that combine robotic hardware, sensing, motion control and AI-based software. Its technologies are aimed at industrial environments in which robots must perform precise assembly, handling, inspection and logistics tasks, often while responding to changes in objects, workpieces and operating conditions. The company originated with researchers from DLR’s Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics, including Zhaopeng Chen and Peter Meusel. This research background shaped Agile Robots’ emphasis on dexterous manipulation, force control and the integration of perception with robot movement. Rather than focusing only on conventional fixed industrial arms, Agile Robots presents its offering as a broader automation platform covering collaborative manipulation, intelligent software and autonomous mobile robotics. An early industrial product associated with the company is the Diana 7, a seven-axis robotic arm designed for precision assembly and related manufacturing applications. The company’s broader portfolio includes collaborative robot arms, force-control technologies, AI-enabled control and perception software, and automation systems for manufacturing and intralogistics. Its systems are intended for sectors such as automotive production, electronics manufacturing and industrial logistics. Agile Robots expanded rapidly through venture financing. In September 2021 it raised $220 million in a Series C round led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, at a valuation reported as exceeding $1 billion. Other investors reported in connection with the company include Hillhouse Capital, Sequoia Capital and Linear Venture. The financing supported international expansion and the development of a larger robotics and automation platform. The company has also grown through acquisitions and strategic ownership changes. In November 2023 it acquired Munich-based Franka Emika after that robotics business entered insolvency proceedings earlier in the year. In October 2023 Agile Robots became the majority shareholder of idealworks, a BMW Group spin-off focused on autonomous mobile robots for intralogistics; it acquired the remaining shares in September 2025. These transactions broadened Agile Robots’ activities beyond robotic arms into mobile robotics and industrial logistics. Agile Robots has maintained international engineering and manufacturing activities, with operations reported in Europe and Asia and headquarters also associated with Beijing. In June 2025 it opened a manufacturing facility at the SIPCOT industrial park in Irungattukottai, Tamil Nadu, India. The facility reflects the company’s effort to establish production capacity closer to Asian customers and supply chains. In November 2025 the company announced a humanoid robot for industrial applications, and in April 2026 it presented the robot at Hannover Messe. Agile Robots therefore occupies a position at the intersection of collaborative robotics, industrial AI, robotic manipulation and autonomous logistics.
History
Agile Robots was established in Munich in 2018 as a spin-off from the German Aerospace Center’s Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics. The founding team included researchers such as Zhaopeng Chen and Peter Meusel. The company inherited a research-led approach to robotic manipulation, emphasizing the ability to combine sensing, software and mechanical movement in demanding industrial tasks. Its technology focuses on the interaction between robots and their environments. Force control allows a robot to detect and regulate contact forces, which is useful for assembly, insertion, handling and other operations where a purely position-controlled arm may be less adaptable. Agile Robots combines this capability with cameras, sensors, control algorithms and artificial intelligence to create automation systems for manufacturing and logistics. The company’s scope includes both robotic arms and software or systems that coordinate manipulation and movement. One of its early industrial robot products was the Diana 7, a seven-axis arm designed for precision assembly. Agile Robots also developed collaborative robotics and autonomous mobile robotics, allowing it to address applications that range from electronics and automotive manufacturing to warehouse and factory logistics. The company’s reported operations span Europe and Asia, including activity associated with Munich and Beijing. Agile Robots’ growth accelerated after a September 2021 Series C financing round led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2. The round raised $220 million and reportedly valued the company above $1 billion. Hillhouse Capital, Sequoia Capital and Linear Venture were also identified among its investors. The funding provided a basis for continued product development, international operations and expansion across industrial automation markets. The company subsequently broadened its portfolio through corporate transactions. In November 2023 it acquired Franka Emika, a Munich robotics company that had entered insolvency proceedings earlier that year. The transaction brought together Agile Robots’ industrial automation activities and Franka Emika’s expertise in collaborative robotic arms and robot platforms. In the same period, Agile Robots became the majority shareholder of idealworks, a BMW Group spin-off specializing in autonomous mobile robots for intralogistics. The remaining idealworks shares were acquired in September 2025. International manufacturing became another element of the company’s expansion. In June 2025 Agile Robots opened a facility at the SIPCOT industrial park in Irungattukottai, Tamil Nadu, India. The site was intended to support manufacturing and the company’s presence in the Indian and wider Asian markets. Agile Robots also announced a move into humanoid robotics in November 2025, followed by a presentation of its first industrial humanoid robot at Hannover Messe in April 2026. The company’s development illustrates the convergence of industrial robotics, collaborative manipulation, AI-based control and autonomous logistics. Its strategy has been to build an integrated automation business rather than limit itself to a single robot model. Because many details about its current leadership, ownership structure, financial performance and product deployment are not specified in the available reference material, those areas require further verification.
- 2026
Industrial humanoid robot presented
[1]Agile Robots presented its first humanoid robot for industrial applications at Hannover Messe.
- 2025
Tamil Nadu manufacturing facility opens
[1]The company opened a manufacturing facility at the SIPCOT industrial park in Irungattukottai, Tamil Nadu, India.
- 2025
Full acquisition of idealworks
[1]Agile Robots acquired the remaining idealworks shares, completing the ownership transition.
- 2023
Majority investment in idealworks
[1]Agile Robots became the majority shareholder of idealworks, a BMW spin-off focused on autonomous mobile robots for intralogistics.
- 2023
Franka Emika acquisition
[1]Agile Robots acquired Franka Emika after the Munich robotics company entered insolvency proceedings earlier that year.
- 2021
Series C financing
[1]The company raised $220 million in a Series C round led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, with a reported valuation above $1 billion.
- 2018
Company founded as a DLR spin-off
[1]Agile Robots was founded in Munich by researchers associated with the German Aerospace Center’s Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics.
Products and positioning
High-precision, force-controlled robotics and AI-enabled automation for manufacturing, assembly and industrial logistics.
Industrial robotic arm
Diana 7
Diana 7 is a seven-axis robotic arm associated with Agile Robots’ early industrial offering. Its additional axis supports flexible positioning and dexterous movement in precision assembly and handling tasks. The arm is part of the company’s broader approach of combining robot mechanics with sensing, force control and intelligent software for manufacturing environments.
Collaborative robotics
Collaborative robot systems
Agile Robots develops collaborative robotic systems intended to operate in manufacturing workflows alongside people or within adaptable work cells. These systems use sensing and control technologies to support assembly, handling and other precision processes. The portfolio was expanded through the acquisition of Franka Emika, broadening the company’s collaborative-arm capabilities.
Robotics software and control technology
Force-control and AI software
The company’s software and control technologies integrate sensor data, robotic motion, force feedback and artificial intelligence. They are designed to help robots respond to workpieces and environmental variation rather than repeat only fixed movements. Applications include precision assembly, manipulation, inspection and other industrial automation processes.
Autonomous mobile robots
Autonomous mobile robotics systems
Agile Robots develops and supplies autonomous mobile robotics and intralogistics automation through its activities with idealworks. These systems are intended to move materials within factories, warehouses and other industrial facilities. The offering complements fixed robotic arms by addressing the transport and flow of materials around manufacturing operations.
Humanoid robotics · 2026
Industrial humanoid robot
Agile Robots announced a humanoid robot for industrial applications in November 2025 and presented its first such system at Hannover Messe in April 2026. The available reference material does not specify the model name, technical specifications, commercial availability or initial customer deployments.
Brand decisions
2025
Acquire the remaining idealworks sharesM&ABackground
Agile Robots had held a majority stake in idealworks since 2023.
Action taken
The company acquired the remaining shares of idealworks in September 2025.
Aftermath
The transaction completed Agile Robots’ ownership of the BMW-originated autonomous-mobile-robotics business.
2025
Expand manufacturing in IndiaStrategyBackground
Agile Robots sought to expand its international manufacturing and production presence in Asian markets.
Action taken
The company opened a manufacturing facility in the SIPCOT industrial park in Irungattukottai, Tamil Nadu, in June 2025.
Aftermath
The facility added production capacity in India, although its output, investment level and employment figures are not specified in the available material.
2025
Announce an industrial humanoid robotProduct launchBackground
Agile Robots expanded its technology agenda from industrial arms and mobile robots toward humanoid systems for industrial use.
Action taken
The company announced an industrial humanoid robot in November 2025.
Aftermath
The robot was subsequently presented at Hannover Messe in April 2026; detailed specifications and commercial availability remain unspecified.
2023
Acquire Franka EmikaM&ABackground
Franka Emika, a Munich-based robotics company, had filed for insolvency earlier in 2023.
Action taken
Agile Robots acquired Franka Emika in November 2023.
Aftermath
The acquisition expanded Agile Robots’ capabilities in collaborative robotic arms and related robotics platforms.
2023
Take majority ownership of idealworksM&ABackground
BMW Group’s idealworks developed autonomous mobile robots for intralogistics, complementing Agile Robots’ manipulation and industrial automation activities.
Action taken
Agile Robots became idealworks’ majority shareholder in October 2023.
Aftermath
The transaction strengthened Agile Robots’ position in autonomous mobile robotics and factory logistics.
2021
Scale the company through major venture financingStrategyBackground
Agile Robots sought capital to accelerate development and international growth in industrial robotics and AI-enabled automation.
Action taken
The company completed a $220 million Series C financing round led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2.
Aftermath
The financing reportedly placed the company’s valuation above $1 billion and supported its expansion into a broader automation platform.
Series C financing. $220 million raised (September 2021)
Recent events
Agile ONE SN humanoid reference robot released[3]
NVIDIA and Agile Robots released a full-stack humanoid robot reference prototype preloaded with Agile ONE SN and equipped with NVIDIA Isaac GR00T edge AI. The source says it is expected to go on sale in early 2027.
Agile Robots launches Agile ONE SN humanoid reference platform[4]
Agile Robots released the Agile ONE SN humanoid reference platform, which is adapted to NVIDIA's technology stack and comes preloaded with the Isaac GR00T robotics foundation model. The article says it is expected to become available to the public in early 2027.
Nvidia announces planned investments in four German startups[5]
Reported:
Nvidia announced plans to invest in Agile Robots, Avelios Medical, Mirelo and Reflex Aerospace as part of its nearly $10 billion commitment to Europe's AI ecosystem. The article does not disclose the size of the planned investments.
Agile Robots completes $220 million Series C funding[6]
Reported:
Agile Robots announced that it had completed a $220 million Series C funding round led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2. The company said the funds would mainly support product development, scaled production and expansion of global sales.
AGILE ROBOTS completes Series B funding[7]
Reported:
AGILE ROBOTS announced that it had completed a Series B financing round, with the funds mainly intended for research and development and scaled production.
Sources7 sources
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