RLWRLD Secures $26M Seed 2 for Physical AI Robotics

SEOUL, South Korea — RLWRLD, a Seoul-based startup that develops artificial intelligence software for industrial robots, said it had closed a $26 million second seed funding round, bringing its total seed financing to $41 million.

The round included Headline Asia, Z Venture Capital — the investment arm of Japanese technology conglomerate Z Holdings — CJ Logistics, Kakao Investment, Lotte Ventures, Hanwha Asset Management and the Mirae Asset-Emart Investment Fund I.

Founded in 2024, the company develops AI models intended to enable robots to perform complex tasks in warehouses and retail environments. 

RLWRLD said it had prioritized investors with large-scale industrial operations, which the company said would serve as testing environments for its software.

The startup said it was conducting proof-of-concept trials with investors in Japan and South Korea, including joint demonstrations in fulfillment centers and retail spaces with CJ Logistics and Lotte.

CJ Logistics said it planned t,o co-develop a robotics foundation model with RLWRLD for use in its distribution centers. 

Jong-hoon Lee, the company's chief financial officer, said the partnership was aimed at accelerating the deployment of autonomous systems in its logistics network.

Headline Asia is expected to support RLWRLD's expansion into North American markets. Z Venture Capital said it would draw on its corporate network in Japan to assist commercialization efforts there.

Jung-hee Ryu, RLWRLD's chief executive, said the round was structured to build industrial partnerships and secure testing sites, rather than solely to raise capital, adding that physical AI systems require extensive field validation before commercial deployment.

The company said it planned to release its robotics foundation model in the first half of 2026.