Intempus
Category: Robotics / Embodied AI
Developing AI technology to retrofit existing robots with simulated physiological responses—such as virtual heart rate, body temperature, sweating, and photoplethysmography—to emulate human emotional states. Intempus was founded in 2024. The company is led by Teddy Warner. Based in San Francisco, CA, USA. Team size: one. Total funding raised: $200,000 (via Thiel Fellowship support). Latest round: Thiel Fellowship funding (non-dilutive support). Key investors include Peter Thiel (via Thiel Fellowship).
- Founded
- 2024
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
- Team size
- one
- Total funding
- $200,000 (via Thiel Fellowship support)
Value proposition
Enables robots to display human-like emotional cues, reducing the uncanny valley effect and improving intuitive, natural interactions with humans.
Products and solutions
AI model for robot emotional composition using simulated physiological data (polygraph tests, heart rate, body temperature, photoplethysmography)
Unique value
Retrofitting existing robots with artificial physiological functions to simulate genuine human emotional states, enabling a more intuitive and natural interaction.
Target customer
Industrial robot manufacturers and companies seeking enhanced human–robot interactive solutions.
Industries served
Robotics, Industrial automation, Service robotics, Healthcare, Entertainment
Technology advantage
Leverages simulated physiological data to create emotional cues in robots, providing richer training data for AI models and setting the product apart from standard pre-programmed robotic responses.
How they differentiate
Focuses on embedding simulated internal physiological signals rather than merely programming external expressions, which aims to produce more authentic, adaptable robot behaviors.
Key partnerships
Thiel Fellowship, Seven unnamed robotics industry partners
Major milestones
Launched in September 2024 Completed an initial four-month research phase Developed AI models using polygraph, heart rate, body temperature, and photoplethysmography data Selected for the Thiel Fellowship Signed partnerships with seven robotics industry players
Growth metrics
Early-stage startup with research phase milestones and seven industry partnerships signed
Market positioning
Pioneer in emotionally intelligent robotics through the integration of simulated human physiological states.
Geographic focus
Primarily North America, with potential for global impact
Patents and IP
Not reported
About Teddy Warner
Teddy Warner is the Founder and CEO of Intempus. He is a Thiel Fellow and has a background in robotics and AI. His work with Intempus involves developing AI technology to retrofit existing robots with simulated physiological responses to emulate human emotional states, a venture that has attracted media attention from outlets like TechCrunch and Inc. Magazine.
Official website: https://intempus.org