"Supply chains are at risk": O-ID raises $1.2m for modular humanoid robots
Tokyo-based O-ID has raised $1.2m to build fully modular humanoid robots with hot-swappable joints, limbs, and compute units that can be replaced on the factory floor in minutes. TAWANI Ventures led the round, and O-ID has signed a letter of intent with Sumitomo Electric.
Key Takeaways:
- Supply Chain Risk: "When enough factory roles go unfilled at once, entire supply chains are at risk... O-ID’s robots are built to work alongside the people still on the floor..." said Stian Jakobsen, co-founder and CEO of O-ID.
- Investment Details: Chicago-based TAWANI Ventures led the pre-seed funding round, with participation from Hustle Fund, Techstars, and angel investors including founders of Humanoid Guide.
- Robot Benefits: The robots have hot-swappable parts, onboard AI for component monitoring, and fit into existing factory layouts without costly renovations.
- Industry Impact: O-ID argues that their modular approach addresses the rigidity and downtime associated with traditional industrial robots.
- Partnership: O-ID has signed a letter of intent with Sumitomo Electric to explore the integration of their wire harness technologies in O-ID's humanoid robots.
O-ID was founded in 2025 by Simon Gormuzov (CTO) and Stian Jakobsen (CEO) who met at Waseda University. They previously worked in industrial robotics and cyber defense, respectively.