#Japan #Tokyo #Robotics #DGDV #Skild AI

DGDV Invests in Skild AI: Pushing the Boundaries of Robotics

In a significant move towards revolutionizing the robotics industry, DG Daiwa Ventures (DGDV) has announced its investment in Skild AI, Inc., a startup based in California that is pioneering a versatile AI platform known as 'Skild Brain.' This strategic investment aligns DGDV with industry giants such as NVIDIA, Jeff Bezos, and SoftBank Group, who participated in the latest Series C funding round, attracting additional investments from established venture firms including Coatue, Sequoia Capital, Felicis, and Lightspeed Venture Partners. Major stakeholders like LG, Samsung, Schneider Electric, and Salesforce Ventures have also come on board, underscoring the rising interest in Skild AI’s innovative solutions.

Skild AI’s Vision: The OS of the Robotics Industry

Founded by experts from Carnegie Mellon University, Skild AI aims to create a generalized robotics OS that is hardware-agnostic, enabling various robotic forms—be it humanoid, quadrupedal, wheeled, or arm-based—to function with a shared 'brain.' Unlike traditional rule-based robotic controls, Skild Brain employs large-scale data learning and advanced technologies for environmental adaptation (Sim-to-Real). This allows robots to adapt swiftly to unknown tasks or faults, enhancing their overall capabilities akin to human-like intelligence.

The company has already initiated commercial deployments across a wide range of industries, including logistics, manufacturing, construction, and data center operations. The continuous data generated by deployed robots will enrich the 'Skild Brain,' setting off a data-fueled flywheel that boosts performance and encourages broader adoption.

As Skild AI becomes a potential de facto standard in the robotics sphere, especially in the realm of hardware integration, DGDV’s involvement as a globally-minded investor situated in Japan is both significant and strategic. The firm recognizes the compatibility of Skild's universal core model with Japan's robust robotics industry, making this partnership potentially transformative.

Upcoming Webinar: The GPT Moment for Physical AI

Looking ahead, DGDV is set to host a webinar titled "The GPT Moment of Physical AI and the Turning Point of Industry" on February 24, 2026. This session will be led by managing director Yamato Watanabe, who will shed light on the implications of DGDV’s investment in Skild AI. The robotics industry is transitioning from a hardware-driven competitive landscape towards one centered around a generalized OS for robotics. The advent of diverse robotic applications, deepening labor shortages, and advancements in foundational models and virtual data accumulation highlight a pivotal moment in robotics akin to the launch of GPT-3 in generative AI.

The webinar aims to delve beyond merely presenting robotic control technologies. It will cover:

• - The reasons behind the redefinition of robotics and AI as an 'OS layer' rather than just products.
• - The technical milestones leading to Skild AI’s founding.
• - How these changes correlate with the competitive advantages of existing manufacturing, logistics, and infrastructure sectors.
• - The motivations of NVIDIA and other global investors in supporting this industrial transformation.

This event is intended for professionals engaged in robotics research, new business development, corporate venture capital, business planning, or digital transformation within governmental and corporate sectors. It will encourage discourse on integrating the strengths of Japanese companies with the upcoming industrial OS over the next decade.

To participate, registration is available via the following URL: Luma Event Registration.

About Skild AI

Skild AI is an AI startup based in California, dedicated to creating Physical AI capable of solving real-world labor shortages in industries such as construction, logistics, manufacturing, and security. Founded by former Carnegie Mellon University professors, the company’s core offering, the 'Skild Brain,' serves as a universal platform for robotic intelligence grounded in cutting-edge AI and robotics research. Skild AI's aim is to extend the AI revolution from the digital realm to the physical world, transforming industrial structures through scalable and smart robotic solutions. More information can be found here.

About DGDV

Since its establishment in 2016, DGDV has been investing in startups both domestically and internationally, providing scale-up support from its headquarters in Tokyo. The firm has collaborated deeply with top global investors through co-investments and co-hosted events, particularly in North America. DGDV is dedicated to nurturing cutting-edge technologies across various sectors, including AI, security, deep tech, climate tech, and robotics. Its mission is to bridge gaps in Japan and globally, driving innovation through strategic investments in startups aiming to make a difference on the world stage. Visit DGDV for more details.