Now Robotics (NAU Robotics)
Category: Robotics / Embodied AI
Korean industrial robotics manufacturer (KOSDAQ-listed) expanding into AI-powered humanoid robots for factory and logistics use. Now Robotics (NAU Robotics) was founded in 2016. The company is led by Lee Jong-ju (이종주). Based in Incheon, South Korea. Team size: 11-50. Total funding raised: $17.0M. Latest round: IPO. Key investors include KODIT (신용보증기금), GNTech Ventures, Devsisters Ventures, Hana Securities, 늘아이앤씨.
- Founded
- 2016
- Headquarters
- Incheon, South Korea
- Team size
- 11-50
- Total funding
- $17.0M
Value proposition
Provides one-stop industrial robot and automation solutions — from robot mechanism design and control software to manufacturing/automation system build-out — now integrating domestic NPU chips and VLA (Vision-Language-Action) models into mobile dual-arm humanoid robots for real industrial deployment.
Products and solutions
Industrial robots (Nuro Cartesian take-out robots, Nuro-X 6-axis articulated robots, Nuca SCARA robots), autonomous mobile logistics robots (Nugo AMR), robot automation systems (N.R.S), grip systems/EOAT (N.G.S), MES smart factory solution (IN4ST), safety systems, and mobile dual-arm humanoid robots (Physical AI).
Unique value
Combines 30+ years of accumulated robotics engineering with in-house development of core components (reducers, actuators, servo drives) and now domestic NPU + domestic VLA model integration for practical, productivity-focused industrial humanoids rather than humanoid-form novelty.
Target customer
Domestic and global manufacturers, plastic injection molding plants, smart factory operators, and automotive parts makers.
Industries served
Manufacturing, plastic injection molding, automotive parts, smart factory/logistics automation.
Technology advantage
In-house robot motion control and hardware design; core component internalization (reducer design completed 2025, integrated drive modules, servo drives) targeting 30% cost reduction by 2027; AI image analysis and VLA model integration for Physical AI.
How they differentiate
Focuses on practical, productivity-oriented mobile dual-arm robots for factory/logistics rather than humanoid-form robots, leveraging its established industrial robot and automation system business and in-house core component development.
Main competitors
WIRobotics (위로보틱스), Rainbow Robotics, Neuromeka
Key partnerships
Government project with MSIT (과학기술정보통신부), NIPA, RAPA, KTR, Incheon Technopark for domestic NPU+VLA industrial humanoid, DGIST industry-academia collaboration, COMAU Korea official partner, acquired Hanyang Robotics (2026).
Notable customers
Hyundai Mobis, Seojin Automotive, Inji Controls
Major milestones
Founded 2016 (as Nau Technics), renamed Now Robotics 2021, KOSDAQ IPO May 8, 2025 (ticker 459510, IPO price ₩6,800, ~150% first-day gain), acquired Hanyang Robotics (2026), selected for MSIT domestic NPU+VLA industrial humanoid project (2026), Presidential Commendation for CEO (2023), Legend50+ regional project selection (2024).
Growth metrics
Revenue ₩12.1B (2024, +15.8% YoY); operating loss ₩2.8B, net loss ₩3.6B (2024); guidance 2025 revenue ₩16.3B, 2026 revenue ₩24.1B with operating profit ₩1.3B; ~700 domestic customers.
Market positioning
KOSDAQ-listed (ticker 459510) industrial robotics company with ~700 domestic customers, expanding into AI/Physical AI humanoid robots and global markets (Poland subsidiary, US expansion).
Geographic focus
South Korea (domestic), expanding to Europe (Poland subsidiary) and US.
Patents and IP
Not publicly detailed; company holds certifications and patents (listed on site) and pursues core component (reducer/actuator) original technology.
About Lee Jong-ju (이종주)
Ex-Hanyang Robotics (12 years, sales general manager); Ex-Gimatic Korea country manager; Hanyang University Business Administration; Kyung Hee University MBA. Founded Now Robotics in 2016; received Presidential Commendation for robotics industry (2023).
Latest news about Now Robotics (NAU Robotics)
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Official website: https://naurobot.com