Genesis AI, the French robotics startup backed by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, has unveiled its first general-purpose robot, Eno, marking a significant step in the evolution of artificial intelligence beyond chatbots and software applications into physical machines.
Unlike many robots currently under development by leading manufacturers, Eno does not follow a humanoid design. Instead, the robot features a wheeled base, a foldable tower structure and hands designed to match the form and functionality of human hands. The company has focused on enhancing human capabilities rather than replicating human appearance.
The launch comes as advances in artificial intelligence continue to accelerate growth in the global robotics market. While businesses increasingly explore automation opportunities across industries, experts continue to debate the impact of robotics on employment. At the same time, developers still face technical challenges related to processing power, battery life and operational efficiency.
Founded in early 2025, Genesis AI has already secured $105 million (€90.6 million) in funding, making it one of the largest seed rounds in France. The funding matches the record seed round raised by Mistral AI, Europe’s leading artificial intelligence company. However, the startup has not disclosed its valuation.
Eno operates on Genesis AI’s proprietary artificial intelligence model. Rather than imitating human form, the company has designed the robot to extend human capabilities and improve productivity across a wide range of applications.
Genesis AI plans to begin production and targeted customer deployments by the end of 2026. Initially, the company will focus on logistics and manufacturing customers before expanding into hospitality, healthcare, and consumer markets.
In a statement, Schmidt said the robot’s breakthrough will not replace human expertise, but rather “amplify it” to unlock what he called “one of the largest economic opportunities of the AI era.”
The company has already built dozens of Eno units and plans to significantly scale production during the second half of 2026. Vivian Sun, Vice President of Commercial and Strategy at Genesis AI, said that the company selected a wheeled base because most industrial customers operate in environments with flat floors.
Sun explained that legged robots make sense only for specific use cases such as navigating stairs. She added, “We are mimicking humans in capabilities, not in form. Humans can go up and down, and so does the robot, but through this foldable design.”
As artificial intelligence and robotics continue to converge, Genesis AI aims to position Eno as a practical, scalable solution for industrial and commercial environments. By prioritising functionality, mobility, and AI-powered performance over humanoid aesthetics, the company seeks to address real-world business needs while accelerating the adoption of next-generation robotics technology.
