Humanoid robotics startup iHub Robotics raises Rs 4.3 crore in a pre-Seed round

iHub Robotics, an Indian startup focused on humanoid robotics, has raised Rs 4.3 crore ($520,000) in pre-seed funding from U.S. investors.

The startup will use the capital raised to establish what it calls India's largest humanoid robotics manufacturing facility in Kerala.

The startup also expects its expansion to generate over 150 jobs in the next two years, strengthening the country's deeptech ecosystem.

Expanding India's footprint in humanoid robotics

iHub Robotics has already gained international traction, exporting its semi-humanoid robot, Tara Gen-1, to the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Described as India's most advanced semi-humanoid robot, Tara Gen-1 is designed for hospitality, healthcare, transportation hubs, and customer service sectors, offering AI-powered automation to enhance operational efficiency.

Tara Gen-1 has the ability to recognize and respond to human emotions, engage in AI-powered natural conversations, and adapt to different environments through real-time decision-making.

It can assist customers with navigation, inquiries, and personalized services while functioning seamlessly in multi-language settings, making it a versatile solution for businesses looking to integrate automation into their operations, the release notes.

Recognition from NVIDIA and AI innovation

In January 2025, iHub Robotics was officially recognized by NVIDIA and was selected for the NVIDIA Humanoid Robotics Program. This granted iHub Robotics access to NVIDIA's advanced AI technologies, research collaborations, and global networking opportunities.

Beyond robotics development, the startup has launched the iHub School of Learning, an initiative aimed at training the next generation of AI and robotics innovators. The platform seeks to equip 100,000 students with deep-tech skills, preparing them for careers in AI and automation.

Athil Krishna, CEO of iHub Robotics, called the funding a key step toward advancing "Physical AI", where intelligent robots integrate seamlessly into industries to enhance human capabilities.

"By setting up India's biggest humanoid robotics manufacturing facility, we are not just building robots—we are shaping the future of AI-driven automation globally. Additionally, with our expansion, we aim to generate over 150 new jobs in the next two years, driving India's deep-tech revolution forward," Krishna said.