WIRobotics is betting that years of real-world movement data could shape the next generation of humanoid robots
Updated
May 19, 2026 5:10 PM
3D render of a person in various colours. PHOTO: UNSPLASH
Investor interest in humanoid robotics is continuing to grow as startups race to build systems capable of working alongside humans in real-world environments. That momentum was reflected after WIRobotics announced a KRW 95 billion (USD 68 million) Series B funding round to accelerate development of its humanoid robotics platform, ALLEX.
The Seoul-based startup said the funding comes roughly two years after its KRW 13 billion Series A round in 2024. JB Investment led the financing alongside investors including InterVest, Hana Ventures, Smilegate Investment, SBVA, NH Investment & Securities, Company K Partners, GU Investment and FuturePlay.
WIRobotics has spent the past several years building wearable robotics systems designed to assist human movement. The startup is now using that foundation to expand deeper into humanoid robotics and Physical AI, a category focused on AI systems that can interact with the physical world through movement, perception and manipulation.
Its humanoid platform, ALLEX, is being developed to support human-level object manipulation and interaction capabilities. The startup was recently selected for NVIDIA’s Physical AI Fellowship, a global robotics and AI development initiative aimed at supporting next-generation robotics research.
Rather than building humanoid systems entirely from scratch, WIRobotics is drawing on movement data collected through its wearable walking-assist robot, WIM. Over the past three years, the startup says it has built large real-world datasets around gait patterns, mobility and human movement control.
That wearable robotics business has also started showing commercial traction. WIM has sold more than 3,000 cumulative units and expanded into overseas markets including Europe, China, Türkiye and Japan. Revenue grew from KRW 560 million in 2023 to KRW 1.3 billion in 2024, then to KRW 2.79 billion in 2025. According to the startup, first-quarter 2026 revenue has already surpassed its full-year 2024 total.
The startup believes that real-world movement data collected through wearable robotics could become a competitive advantage as humanoid systems move closer to commercial deployment. WIRobotics is also expanding its global footprint alongside its robotics development efforts. The startup said it is establishing a North American entity in California while growing partnerships with overseas distributors and healthcare networks.
Its humanoid ambitions are moving into a more operational phase as well. Beginning later this year, WIRobotics plans to supply a research-focused version of its Mobile ALLEX platform to global research institutions and international partners for testing and collaborative development. The startup is also in discussions with a global automotive manufacturer around manufacturing-focused platform validation projects.
Yeonbaek Lee said: "This investment represents global recognition that the real-world movement data and control technologies accumulated through wearable robotics can evolve into next-generation humanoid robotics. We aim to accelerate the arrival of humanoid robots capable of interacting naturally with people".
Yongjae Kim added: "All investors from our previous Series A round participated again in this Series B financing, demonstrating strong confidence in WIRobotics' technological capabilities and growth potential amid intensifying global humanoid competition. Our mission is to realize humanoids capable of fundamentally human-like interaction and force control, driving a paradigm shift in high-performance manipulation technologies".
As competition intensifies across humanoid robotics, startups are increasingly trying to differentiate themselves through real-world deployment data rather than simulation alone. WIRobotics is positioning its wearable robotics business as the foundation for that transition, betting that years of human movement data could help shape the next generation of humanoid systems.
Keep Reading
At under US$1,000, Hypernova isn’t just eyewear—it’s Meta’s push to make AR feel ordinary.
Updated
January 8, 2026 6:34 PM
Closeup of the Ray-Ban logo and the built-in ultra-wide 12 MP camera on a pair of new Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer smart glasses. PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK
Meta is preparing to launch its next big wearable: the Hypernova smart glasses. Unlike earlier experiments like the Ray-Ban Stories, these new glasses promise more advanced features at a price point under US$1,000. With a launch set for September 17 at Meta’s annual Connect conference, the Hypernova is already drawing attention for blending design, technology and accessibility.
In this article, let’s take a closer look at Hypernova’s design, features, pricing and the challenges Meta faces as it tries to bring smart glasses into everyday life.
Meta’s earlier Ray-Ban glasses offered cameras and audio but no display. Hypernova changes that: The glasses will ship with a built-in micro-display, giving wearers quick access to maps, messages, notifications and even Meta’s AI assistant. It’s a step toward everyday AR that feels useful and natural, not experimental.
Perhaps most importantly, the price makes them attainable. While early estimates placed the cost above US$1,000, Meta has committed to a launch price of around US$800. That’s still premium, but it moves AR smart glasses into reach for more consumers.
Hypernova weighs about 70 grams, roughly 20 grams heavier than the Ray-Ban Meta models. The added weight likely comes from added components like the new display and extra sensors.
To keep the glasses stylish, Meta continues its partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the company behind Ray-Ban and Prada eyewear. Thicker frames—especially Prada’s designs—help hide the hardware like chips, microphones and batteries without making the glasses look oversized.
The glasses stick close to the classic Ray-Ban silhouette but feature slightly bulkier arms. On the left side, a touch-sensitive bar lets users control functions with taps and swipes. For example, a two-finger tap can trigger a photo or start video recording.
Hypernova introduces something the earlier Ray-Ban glasses never had: a display built right into the lens. In the bottom-right corner of the right lens, a small micro-screen uses waveguide optics to project a digital overlay with about a 20° field of view. This means you can glance at turn-by-turn directions, check a notification or quickly consult Meta’s AI assistant without pulling out your phone. It’s discreet, practical and a major step up from the older models, which were limited to capturing photos and videos, handling calls and playing music via speakers.
Alongside the glasses comes the Ceres wristband, a companion device powered by electromyography (EMG). The band picks up the tiny electrical signals in your wrist and fingers, translating them into commands. A pinch might let you select something, a wrist flick could scroll a page, and a swipe could move between screens. The idea is to avoid clunky buttons or having to talk to your glasses in public. Meta has also been experimenting with handwriting recognition through the band, though it’s not clear if that feature will be ready in time for launch.
Meta doesn’t just want Hypernova to be useful—it wants it to be fun. Code found in leaked firmware revealed a small game called Hypertrail. It looks to borrow ideas from the 1981 arcade shooter Galaga, letting wearers play a simple, retro-inspired game right through their glasses. It’s not the main attraction, but it shows Meta is trying to make Hypernova feel more like a playful everyday gadget rather than just a piece of serious tech.
Hypernova runs on a customized version of Android and pairs with smartphones through the Meta View app. Out of the box, it should support the basics: calls, music and message notifications. Leaks suggest several apps will come preinstalled, including Camera, Gallery, Maps, WhatsApp, Messenger and Meta AI. A Qualcomm processor powers the whole setup, helping it run smoothly while keeping energy demands reasonable.
Meta is also trying to bring in outside developers. In August 2025, CNBC reported that the company invited third-party developers—especially in generative AI—to build experimental apps for Hypernova and the Ceres wristband. The Meta Connect 2025 agenda even highlights sessions on a new smart glasses SDK and toolkit. The push shows Meta’s interest in making Hypernova more than just a device; it wants a broader platform with apps that go beyond its own first-party software.
During development, Hypernova was rumored to cost as much as US$1,400. By pricing it around US$800, Meta signals that it wants adoption more than profit. The company is keeping production limited (around 150,000 units), showing it sees this as a market test rather than a mass rollout. Still, the sub-US$1,000 price tag makes advanced AR far more accessible than before.
Despite its promise, Hypernova may still face hurdles. The Ceres wristband can struggle if worn loosely, and some testers have reported issues based on which arm it’s worn on or even when wearing long sleeves. In short, getting EMG input right for everyone will be critical.
Privacy is another major concern. In past experiments, researchers hacked Ray-Ban Meta glasses to run facial recognition, instantly identifying strangers and pulling personal info. Meta has added guidelines, like a recording indicator light, but critics argue these measures are too easy to ignore. Moreover, data captured by smart glasses can feed into AI training, raising questions about consent and surveillance.
The Meta Hypernova smart glasses mark a turning point in wearable tech. They’re lighter and more stylish than bulky AR headsets, while offering real-world features like navigation, messaging and hands-free control. At under US$1,000, they aim to make AR glasses more than a luxury gadget—they’re a step toward everyday use.
Whether Hypernova succeeds will depend on how well it balances style, usability and privacy. But one thing is clear: Meta is betting that always-on, glanceable AR can move from science fiction to daily life.