Is NEURA Robotics the Next Big Player in Humanoids?

NEURA Robotics’ flagship humanoid robot, 4NE-1 (pronounced “For Anyone”), carries a name that feels like a statement. It’s a robot designed for anyone, from the factory floor to your family home. The 4NE-1 is set to be released during the Automatica Conference on June 24th. At the time of writing, the public is able to witness its development for the first time. 

Standing at 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) and weighing 80 kg (176 lbs), the 4NE-1 is designed to perform tasks with human-like precision and autonomy. With a payload capacity of 15 kg (33 lbs) and a top speed of 3 km/h (1.8 mph), it is supposed to combine strength, dexterity, and mobility for both industrial and domestic applications.

Demonstrations, such as a 2024 YouTube video showcasing the 4NE-1 performing household chores, highlight its potential to transform daily life. While some critics note that early videos lack dynamic movement, the partnership with NVIDIA and its focus on simulated training environments suggest that significant progress has been made. David Reger, the CEO, confidently asserts that the 4NE-1 will “beat all other humanoids on the planet,” if this comes to fruition, this would catapult Europe back at the forefront of innovation, after lagging behind the United States and China for quite some time. 

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The 4NE-1 has a few defining features:

• Software: Powered by NEURA’s proprietary AURA AI, the 4NE-1 integrates advanced sensors and a unique “sensor skin” that enhances precision for complex hand operations, such as assembling delicate electronics or handling fragile objects. Voice recognition enables natural interaction, while emotion detection fosters empathetic communication.
  
  The robot navigates complex terrains, climbs stairs, and employs a tiered AI architecture: a lightweight 5–6 million-parameter model for immediate reactions, a 500–600 million-parameter model in its chest for environmental processing, and a cloud-based 10 billion-parameter model for tackling intricate challenges. This design ensures real-time responsiveness paired with deep intelligence.

• Hardware: The 4NE-1 features a novel electric actuator that matches hydraulic systems in speed and power, offering energy efficiency and durability. Its exchangeable forearms allow customization for diverse tasks, from ironing clothes and preparing meals to operating industrial machinery and assisting in healthcare settings, such as lifting patients or delivering supplies.
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A Brief History of NEURA Robotics

Founded in 2019 in Metzingen, Germany, near Stuttgart, NEURA Robotics is an innovator in the robotics industry with a focus on robots that move, powered by AI. It had the vision of Physical AI before the term was coined by NVIDIA in 2025.

Initially launched as Han’s Robot Germany, the company rebranded to NEURA Robotics in 2020, signalling its ambition to redefine human-robot collaboration. Under the leadership of founder and CEO David Reger, NEURA set out to develop “cognitive” robots, machines equipped with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and sensory capabilities to work alongside humans without the need for costly safety systems. 

In 2021, it introduced MAiRA, billed as the world’s first cognitive collaborative robot (cobot), capable of recognizing and manipulating objects autonomously. The company also launched the lightweight LiWA robotic arm and raised $86 million to fuel its growth. 

By 2022, NEURA showcased a diverse portfolio at the Automatica trade fair, including the MiPA personal assistant and MAV autonomous vehicle for logistics. Finally, in January 2025, NEURA secured €120 million in Series B funding, doubling its workforce to over 300 employees and achieving a €1 billion order book, cementing its position as the leader in cognitive robotics in Europe.

Despite its rapid pace of development, NEURA has faced skepticism. Some industry observers, particularly on platforms like Reddit, have questioned the company’s progress, noting limited video evidence of the 4NE-1’s mobility and suggesting NEURA may lag behind competitors. The impressive demonstrations being showcased at the Automatica Conference are thankfully dispelling these doubts.

NEURA Robotics’ Vision: The Neuraverse

Guided by the principle “we serve humanity,” NEURA Robotics aims to free people from mundane and hazardous tasks, enabling them to focus on creativity, relationships, and meaningful work. The company envisions a future where intelligent humanoid robots integrate into factories, homes, and public spaces.

To achieve this, NEURA recognizes the need for collaboration and has developed the Neuraverse, a cloud-based platform connecting developers, partners, and robots. Comparable to an app store, the Neuraverse allows end-users to download new capabilities for their robots. For example, just as Neo learns kung fu instantly in The Matrix, the 4NE-1 could acquire skills like lawn mowing or painting via over-the-air updates from the Neuraverse’s skills store. This collaborative approach ensures robots remain adaptable to evolving needs.

NEURA’s ambitious goal is to deploy 5 million humanoid robots worldwide by 2030, addressing global labor shortages and enhancing quality of life across industries and households.

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A Collaboration with NVIDIA

There are three key partnerships driving NEURA’s momentum:

• NVIDIA: NEURA is part of the NVIDIA Humanoid Robot Developer Program, and integrates the Isaac platform to enhance AI and simulation capabilities.
• Kawasaki: NEURA has developed a series of collaborative robots using its cognitive platform, expanding its industrial footprint. 
• Vorwerk: Announced in 2025, this partnership aims to integrate NEURA’s robotics expertise with Vorwerk’s smart home systems, like Thermomix, to redefine household automation.

The Roadmap Toward Commercialization

In 2025, NEURA plans to expand pilot programs for the 4NE-1, targeting commercial deployment by 2026 in industries like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. With a €1 billion order book across its robotics portfolio and 10x revenue growth in 2024, Neura is well-positioned for success.

The Neuraverse platform remains central to NEURA’s strategy, empowering developers to create tailored robotic applications and fostering an ecosystem of innovation. While not explicitly a Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, NEURA’s focus on customizable solutions and strategic partnerships lowers adoption barriers for clients.

CEO David Reger envisions cognitive robotics surpassing the smartphone industry, stating, “NEURA is the first to ship a commercially viable cognitive robot and remains the only humanoid robotics company in Germany.”

We hope to have more clarity on the €1 billion order book soon to give us a clearer picture of what kind of industries NEURA Robotics is targeting.

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Bullish on Robotics? So Are We.

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