Minerva Humanoids Emerges from Stealth with $10M in Funding to Develop Robots for Hazardous Work
aiinsider ·
Minerva Humanoids has officially emerged from stealth mode with $10 million in pre-seed funding to develop semi-autonomous humanoid robots designed for hazardous work. Led by General Catalyst, the investment round supports the company's efforts to advance its robot hardware and AI systems as it prepares for initial paid pilots this fall. The startup’s first product, named Roger, utilizes a semi-autonomous approach where trained specialists control the robot remotely via VR headsets while AI handles balance and navigation. Minerva targets high-risk sectors including energy operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and hazardous-material response, aiming to keep humans out of dangerous environments. Founded in late 2025 by Sandor Felber and Maurice Rahme, the company leverages their extensive backgrounds in robotics research and development. While the software and AI are developed in the United States, the initial prototypes are manufactured in Germany, with plans to produce future units in both regions. The company has already demonstrated its technology at NATO facilities and is exploring deployments at major international airports.
aiinsider