Generative Bionics was born out of more than twenty years of work at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Genoa and marks a new chapter in the development of humanoid robots designed to operate safely and efficiently alongside humans.
The company brings together a multidisciplinary team with expertise developed in IIT’s leading research labs, including those led by Daniele Pucci, Alessio Del Bue (Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer), Marco Maggiali (Chief Technology Officer), and Andrea Pagnin (Chief Business Officer) – all formerly at IIT.
Generative Bionics is supported by an investment from RoboIT, the Technology Transfer Hub of CDP Venture Capital, and by the entrepreneurial contributions of Davide Rota (Executive Chairman) and Jeffrey Libshut. As Chief Business Officer, Andrea Pagnin plays a key role in translating IIT’s scientific achievements into technologies ready for real industrial deployment.
At the core of Generative Bionics’ approach is Physical AI, a concept that merges advanced mechanics, distributed tactile and force sensing, high-level artificial intelligence, and human-centered design. This combination allows humanoid robots to learn from real-world environments and adapt to a wide range of tasks, particularly those that are repetitive, physically demanding, or involve operational risks—making them suitable for applications in manufacturing, logistics, retail, and healthcare.
The company builds on the technological legacy of IIT’s flagship robotics projects. From iCub, the cognitive research robot, it inherits the network of tactile and force sensors spread across the robot’s body, enabling safe and natural physical interaction. From ergoCub, developed with INAIL to assist workers in demanding tasks, comes the Physical AI architecture that helps humanoids learn from real environments and specialize in specific operations. From iRonCub, the world’s first flying humanoid robot, Generative Bionics incorporates advanced AI algorithms capable of handling complex and highly dynamic conditions.
By merging these technologies, the company develops humanoids that combine refined motion control, sophisticated perception, and adaptive decision-making—while maintaining a strong focus on design. Materials, proportions, and visual language are crafted to ensure that robots can integrate harmoniously into human-centered environments, following the Italian tradition of thoughtful and functional industrial design.
Generative Bionics is now moving into the industrial validation phase, preparing its first prototypes for deployment within real manufacturing settings. At the same time, it is planning the first production lines and defining the applications where humanoid robots can deliver the most immediate impact. The complete version of the first humanoid will be unveiled at the CES in Las Vegas, marking an important step forward for Italian humanoid robotics on the global stage.
