Khosla-backed robotics startup Genesis AI has gone full-stack, demo shows

Genesis AI, a robotics startup that recently secured a remarkable $105 million in seed funding, has made headlines with the introduction of its innovative robotic model, GENE-26.5. This groundbreaking development includes advanced robotic hands, designed entirely in-house, that promise to revolutionize the field of robotics. In a demonstration video, the company highlighted the impressive range of tasks executed by its robotic hands. Co-founder and CEO Zhou Xian emphasized the significance of creating a superior model, stating, "A better model means better intelligence." Recognizing the need for greater control over hardware, Genesis AI decided to adopt a full-stack approach to its development. While other prominent companies like Physical Intelligence and Skild AI operate at the crossroads of AI and robotics, Xian and his co-founder Théophile Gervet believe their unique approach will set them apart. Unlike many competitors that utilize simplistic two-finger grippers, Genesis' robotic hands are designed to closely resemble human hands. This design choice allows for enhanced data collection, which is crucial for training their AI models to perform a wider array of tasks. Gervet, who previously worked as a research scientist at Mistral AI and now serves as Genesis' president, shared his enthusiasm for the cooking tasks demonstrated in the video. These tasks included cracking eggs and slicing tomatoes, showcasing the robot's ability to handle complex challenges. Beyond cooking, the robots have also shown capabilities in preparing smoothies, playing the piano, and even solving a Rubik's cube — a playful yet impressive feat. The startup has also developed a sensor-equipped glove that acts as a real-world counterpart to its robotic hand, enabling data collection in a seamless manner. Xian highlighted the glove's potential, stating, "By designing a robotic hand that mimics human characteristics, we can unlock vast amounts of human data without facing the 'embodiment gap' that often hinders robotics research." The GENE-26.5 model is named with an eye toward future iterations, with Xian noting that the company's simulation technology will significantly accelerate model evaluation and training. The glove, lightweight and cost-effective, aims to facilitate data collection in various professional environments, from pharmaceuticals to manufacturing. Gervet pointed out the glove's compatibility with everyday tasks, allowing employees to gather data without disrupting their workflow. However, there are concerns about employee willingness to wear devices that could potentially lead to job displacement, as well as questions about compensation for their participation in data collection efforts. Genesis AI acknowledges these complexities as they continue to refine their approach. Beyond their innovative glove technology, Genesis AI is also exploring partnerships to build a comprehensive 'human skill library' for their models. Their current model has already been trained on extensive human-generated internet videos. With the combination of this data and their simulation system, Genesis aims to lower costs for practical applications of their technology. The milestone achieved by Genesis AI has drawn attention from industry leaders, including former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, who invested in the startup. Since emerging from stealth mode in July 2025, Genesis AI has expanded its team and established offices in key locations across Europe and the U.S. Gervet noted the rich talent pool in Europe as a major factor in their decision to establish a presence there. With an expanding team and ambitious plans, Genesis AI is poised to unveil its first general-purpose robot soon, marking an exciting chapter in the evolution of robotic technology. Xian reiterated the company's commitment to developing the most capable robotic systems, paving the way for future advancements in the field.