Tether deepens its AI and robotics strategy with an $81 million investment in Italy’s Generative Bionics to advance humanoid robots and “Physical AI.”
Tether, a stablecoin issuer behind USDT token, has invested in Generative Bionics, an Italian robotics spin-off from the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), as part of an €70 million (~$81 million) funding round led by CDP Venture Capital’s AI fund.
Other participants include AMD Ventures, Duferco, Eni Next, and RoboIT. The round represents one of Europe’s largest investments in humanoid robotics and highlights growing interest in integrating AI with physical robotics capabilities.
Generative Bionics specializes in “Physical AI” systems, combining advanced artificial intelligence with humanoid robot platforms capable of human-centric interaction and adaptability in real-world environments. With over 60 prototypes developed over two decades of IIT research, the company is now preparing for industrial-scale deployment and building its first production facility. The funding will accelerate these efforts, supporting both R&D and market expansion across manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and retail sectors.
For Tether, the investment represents a continuation of its broader AI and tech-diversification strategy, first signaled in late 2024 with plans for an AI platform and prior investments in AI compute infrastructure. By extending its focus into humanoid robotics, Tether reinforces its commitment to frontier technologies that augment human potential and expand its technology footprint beyond stablecoins.
Industry analysts note that “Physical AI” could transform multiple sectors by enabling robots to perform tasks too dangerous, repetitive, or physically demanding for humans or conventional automation solutions. Tether’s involvement may catalyze additional investment and adoption in Europe’s emerging robotics ecosystem, reinforcing both technological development and commercial viability.
This milestone investment demonstrates the growing intersection of AI, robotics, and strategic corporate backing, positioning Generative Bionics and Tether’s broader tech portfolio at the forefront of next-generation innovation in humanoid robotics and intelligent automation.
