French Startup Unveils AI Model for Robots and Human-Like Hand

French robotics startup Genesis AI, backed by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and telecoms tycoon Xavier Niel, unveiled an advanced AI model on Wednesday. Co-founded by former Mistral researcher Theophile Gervet, the company’s GENE-26.5 model is designed to make robots more adaptable and can run a range of existing robots.

The launch comes as Europe pushes to reindustrialise and reduce reliance on Asian manufacturing. Genesis AI raised $105 million in an initial funding round, one of France’s largest and matching the record seed round of Mistral AI – Europe’s leading AI company. Backers also include state investment bank Bpifrance.

Genesis is targeting sectors such as automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and logistics where conventional robots struggle with delicate or variable tasks. The company declined to name its customers but said engagements will typically run three to five years, depending on client needs.

Its robotic hand is designed to more closely mirror human anatomy than standard grippers, enabling more direct transfer of human motion to machines. In a video seen by Reuters, the robot cut tomatoes, cracked eggs, solved a Rubik’s Cube and played the piano.

The launch puts Genesis in competition with China’s Linkerbot, which Reuters reported is targeting a $6 billion valuation as demand grows for highly dexterous robotic hands. Both companies are developing hardware to enable more human-like manipulation in industrial settings.