Tether has recently made an investment in Generative Bionics, an Italian robotics startup, amid the growing popularity of humanoid robotics. This strategic move by Tether, a major player in the digital currency space, marks its foray into the world of physical AI and robotics.
The investment in Generative Bionics is part of a substantial round of €70 million (US$81 million), with Tether joining other prominent firms such as Tesla and Nvidia in this sector. The funding provided by Tether will facilitate Generative Bionics in completing crucial industrial testing and establishing its first production facility, with plans for deployments in 2026.
Generative Bionics specializes in developing “Physical AI” systems that integrate humanoid robotics with artificial intelligence. Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, emphasized that the company’s investment aligns with its commitment to technologies that enhance global digital and physical infrastructure, as well as human potential.
This investment diversifies Tether’s portfolio beyond cryptocurrency projects, reflecting its interest in hardware and infrastructure initiatives across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, media, agriculture, and brain-computer interface technology.
Generative Bionics, founded in 2024 as a spinoff from the Italian Institute of Technology, aims to bring the concept of “Made in Italy” to the humanoid robot market by leveraging the expertise of over 70 engineers who transitioned from the Institute to the startup. The company’s vision includes deploying humanoid robots in diverse fields such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and retail.
The announcement also revealed Generative Bionics’ plan to unveil its first fully functional humanoid robot at CES 2026, signaling its ambition to revolutionize human-robot interactions and enhance operational efficiencies.
With the surge in investment in humanoid robotics during 2025, the industry is poised for significant growth as these advanced systems are increasingly seen as solutions to labor shortages and operational challenges in industrial environments. Analysts predict that the humanoid robotics market could reach $5 trillion by 2050, driven by the demand in sectors such as logistics and manufacturing.
As Tether embraces the frontier of humanoid robotics through its investment in Generative Bionics, it further solidifies its position as a key player fostering innovation at the intersection of technology and human potential.
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