Generative Bionics

Generative Bionics S.r.l. is an Italian deep-tech company developing humanoid robot platforms based on Physical AI for safe human-robot collaboration in industrial settings. Founded in July 2024 in Genoa as a spin-off from the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), it builds on more than two decades of research from IIT projects including iCub, ergoCub and iRonCub, holding exclusive licenses for key technologies developed with INAIL.

The company's flagship platform, GENE.01 (also styled Gene.01), is a full-size, sensorized humanoid featuring distributed tactile skin that detects touch, proximity, force and temperature. This enables the robot to anticipate human presence and respond safely. It incorporates physics-native AI integrating body mechanics, sensing and intelligence, with customization options for AI, design and end-effectors such as hands and feet. Applications target repetitive, high-risk or intensive tasks in manufacturing, shipbuilding and energy sectors.

Headquartered in Genoa, the company operates primarily in Italy and Europe while pursuing international industrial deployments. It raised €70 million in a December 2025 seed round led by CDP Venture Capital's Artificial Intelligence Fund, with participation from AMD Ventures, Duferco, Eni Next, RoboIT and Tether. Strategic partnerships include Fincantieri for welding applications in shipyards, Synapticon for European actuation components and Italdesign for manufacturing scalability. Eni involvement extends to exploration of industrial uses via its corporate venture arm and related memoranda of understanding.

As a venture-backed startup with approximately 80-100 employees (many PhDs), Generative Bionics positions itself as an emerging European leader in humanoid robotics, emphasizing sovereign supply chains, human-aware design and rapid industrialization to compete with global players.