South Korean robotics startup RLWRLD has officially launched with ₩21 billion ($14.8 million) in seed funding as it unveils a new foundation model designed specifically for robots. The round was led by Hashed, with participation from Mirae Asset Venture Investment, Global Brain, and major strategic investors including LG Electronics, SK Telecom, Ana Group, Mitsui Chemical, and KDDI.
Founded by serial entrepreneur Jung-Hee Ryu, RLWRLD combines large language models with robotics software to enable robots to execute agile movements and basic reasoning. The startup aims to eliminate manual labor across industries by training robots to replicate human expertise.
Ryu said RLWRLD’s model will allow robots to “learn and automate human-centric workflows,” with upcoming demos including humanoid action prototypes. The company will focus initial deployments on industrial and logistics settings, with long-term plans to expand into retail and home robotics.
Seed capital will support proof-of-concept pilots with RLWRLD’s strategic partners, infrastructure expansion, and recruitment of top AI talent. The company also plans to advance development of five-finger robotic manipulation — an area where competitors like Tesla and Figure AI have yet to deliver.
With 13 employees and deep ties to Korea’s leading research institutions, RLWRLD is positioning itself as a foundational AI platform for next-generation robotics.
Featured image: Credit: RLWRLD
