Walden Robotics launches at $1.1B valuation for general-purpose robots

A company has launched with $1.1 billion in valuation to build general-purpose robots that continuously learn and improve while performing real work. The robots are designed with a humanoid torso, two arms, and a wheeled base, and are being deployed in manufacturing environments to handle tasks such as machine tending, tool setting, parts kitting, and assembly. The company combines large behavior models with real-world operations and is backed by major investors including Toyota Motor Corp., NVIDIA, and Boeing. Since February, the robots have been working at a Toyota plant in North America, advancing from initial pilot testing to production manufacturing and logistics tasks in under two months.