Neura Opens Robogym in Munich Where 100 Humanoid Robots Train for Real-World Factory Work

Neura Builds Robogym to Train Humanoid Robots on Physical Tasks

German robotics startup Neura has opened a specialized training facility in Munich that it calls a robogym, where up to 100 humanoid robots practice real-world tasks around the clock1

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. The facility represents a significant step in embodied AI development, focusing on teaching robots to navigate and operate in physical environments rather than just processing digital information1

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Inside the robogym, humanoid robots perform repetitive tasks like handling car parts, placing them into containers, stacking boxes, and learning precise motor control1

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. The New York Times, granted first-ever journalist access to the secretive facility, described robots practicing how to tighten their grip on a glass and adjust their pressure when water is added1

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. Human trainers guide the robots remotely, helping them refine their movements through constant repetition2

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Building Physical-World Data for Training Robots

Unlike large language models that learn from vast amounts of existing internet data, humanoid robots need physical-world data that simply doesn't exist in digital form1

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. Neura founder David Reger explained the challenge by comparing it to learning to swim—you can't master it just by watching videos; you have to get in the water1

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. This fundamental difference drives Neura's approach of creating training facilities where robots accumulate hands-on experience through thousands of repetitions.

The robogym model aims to prepare humanoid robots for versatile work in warehouses and factories, moving beyond the specialized robots currently dominating industrial settings2

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. While traditional factory robots excel at specific tasks, humanoid robots are designed to function like real employees, capable of adapting to various assignments1

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Massive Funding and Global Expansion Plans

Neura recently raised up to $1.4 billion from major tech investors including Nvidia and Amazon in a June funding round, valuing the company at roughly $7 billion1

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. This substantial investment positions Neura to expand rapidly across global markets. The company already operates a second facility in Hangzhou, China, one of the country's major tech hubs1

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By the end of next year, Neura plans to operate five training facilities around the world1

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. This aggressive expansion reflects the company's ambition to become the leading provider of humanoid robot training infrastructure globally.

Racing Against Chinese Rivals in Humanoid Development

Despite its leadership position in the West, Neura faces stiff competition from Chinese rivals who have built a commanding lead in training facilities1

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. According to consulting firm Interact Analysis, China operates more than 90 humanoid data collection centers, while Europe has only 101

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. One facility in Beijing alone directs 100 robots with close to 200 instructors2

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The broader humanoid robotics industry is heating up with multiple players advancing simultaneously. Figure AI's humanoid robots are already reaching BMW assembly lines, while Agility Robotics' Digit is moving into logistics operations2

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. Hyundai has placed an order for 25,000 Boston Dynamics Atlas robots2

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. BMW is preparing to trial robots from Swiss company Hexagon Robotics on factory floors, while Japan Airlines is experimenting with robot baggage handlers at Tokyo's Haneda airport1

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Market Outlook and Unresolved Questions

Humanoid robot prices currently range from about $16,000 to more than $100,000, with market forecasts for 2050 continuing to climb2

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. However, significant challenges remain unresolved. Safety concerns, privacy implications, accountability frameworks, potential job losses, and regulatory approaches are all still being debated as the technology advances2

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. Watch how governments and industry leaders address these issues as deployment scales up in the coming years.