Tokyo-based robotics startup O-ID, a participant in the Techstars 2025 accelerator, has raised $1.2 million in pre-seed funding to advance one of the world's first fully modular humanoid robots for industrial manufacturing and logistics. The company will use the capital to move its initial robot from prototype into production and prepare for deployment on Japanese factory floors. The investment marks a significant step in addressing labor shortages through adaptable automation built to fit existing industrial environments.
Labor Shortages and National Investment
Japan's demographic pressures are making automation an urgent priority, with a projected shortage of more than 11 million workers by 2040. In June 2026 the government set a target of ¥10.5 trillion, or $65.1 billion, in public and private investment for physical AI and a goal of 10 million AI-equipped robots by 2040. The United States could face 3.8 million new manufacturing job openings by 2033, with up to 1.9 million going unfilled.
The High Cost of Downtime
Existing industrial robots are often rigid, and retooling a factory around them requires substantial capital and time. General-purpose humanoids offer more flexibility, but a single failed component can take an entire robot out of commission for months. For large automotive plants, an hour of downtime now costs $2.3 million, making reliability and rapid repair critical.
A Modular Humanoid Built for Factory Floors
O-ID's robots are designed to fit into a factory's existing layout with no rebuild required, and they meet current industrial safety standards for immediate deployment. Their modular architecture includes hot-swappable joints, limbs, and compute units, enabling a worn part to be replaced on-site in minutes. Onboard AI sensors continuously monitor component wear and flag parts approaching failure, so replacements can be shipped before downtime occurs.
Founding Team and Strategic Vision
O-ID was founded in Tokyo in 2025 by CEO Stian Jakobsen from Norway and CTO Simon Gormuzov from the Netherlands, who met at Waseda University. Jakobsen previously worked in cyber defense, while Gormuzov brings years of experience in mechanical and industrial robotics. Yuki Shirato, Managing Director of the Techstars Tokyo Accelerator, noted that the founders were selected for their unique modular approach, mass production focus, and commitment to building robots entirely in Japan.
Market Focus and Expansion Plans
The company's initial focus is automotive manufacturing and logistics in Japan, with plans to expand into additional industries and the U.S. market over time. O-ID has filed a provisional U.S. patent for its modular connector technology. Because the robots are built and manufactured in Japan, the design is positioned to meet U.S. National Defense Authorization Act requirements as the company looks toward shipping robots to the United States.
The $1.2 million pre-seed round positions O-ID to move from prototype to production at a time when manufacturers in Japan and the United States face growing workforce gaps. By prioritizing modularity, on-site repairability, and compatibility with existing factory layouts, the company aims to reduce downtime and capital costs that have limited broader industrial robot adoption. As O-ID prepares for factory deployments, its approach may offer a practical path toward more resilient and responsive industrial automation.