Menlo Research
"Building the robot labor force of tomorrow."
Applied R&D lab building an open-source humanoid robot (Asimov) and the training and deployment stack for a humanoid robot labor force.
Menlo Research is an applied R&D lab building the brain for robots and an open-source humanoid robot to enable a humanoid robot labor force. The company began in 2023 as Jan, a local and offline open-source AI assistant that reached roughly one million downloads, rebranded to Homebrew as an AI research lab, then to Menlo Research in March 2026 as its focus shifted to robotics. Its flagship is Asimov, an open-source bipedal humanoid robot whose v1 files were released in April 2026 under open licenses including CERN-OHL-S-2.0, available as a DIY kit or buildable from a published bill of materials. Around it Menlo offers the Menlo Platform and Menlo OS, an integrated stack covering training, simulation, deployment, telemetry and redeployment, with components such as Uranus, Cyclotron and Tokamak.
The company also publishes open-source research models on Hugging Face, including Jan-Nano, AlphaMaze, AlphaSpace, Ichigo and PoseLess, the latter targeting vision-based robotic hand control. Menlo retains on-device and edge-AI roots through Jan while extending into embodied and physical AI. The company is bootstrapped and employee-owned with no disclosed funding rounds, has a headcount in the 11 to 50 range, and operates from offices in Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Its legal entity is Menlo Research Pte. Ltd., headquartered in Singapore. Founders associated with the company include Alan Dao and Daniel Ong. Its work spans humanoid robotics, sim-to-real learning, reinforcement learning and agent-native robotics.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Asimov
- Model: Asimov v1
- Launch Year: 2026
Open-source bipedal humanoid robot available as a DIY kit or buildable from a published bill of materials.
Jan
- Launch Year: 2023
Open-source, local and offline general-purpose AI assistant that runs on your own computer.
Menlo Platform
Integrated training-to-deployment stack for humanoid agents covering training, simulation, deployment and telemetry.
Open-source AI models
- Model: Menlo on Hugging Face
- Launch Year: 2025
Family of open research models for on-device, agentic and spatial/robotic reasoning.
Contact Menlo Research
WEBSITE
https://menlo.aiHEADQUARTERS
Singapore
Company Facts
Founded
2023
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
-
Primary Region
Asia-Pacific
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
Bootstrapped / Self-funded
Funding Total
-
Certifications & Memberships
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Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence / Cognition Humanoids Logistics Manufacturing Microprocessors / SoCs
AWS Introduces Open-Source Physical AI Toolchain to Enhance Robotics Development
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AI Physical AI Technology & Infrastructure AI infrastructure platform Amazon Amazon Web Services
Tesla Unveils Patent for Flexible Touch Sensors in Robotic Hands
Tesla has published a patent application detailing flexible touch sensors designed for robotic fingers and palms, potentially linked to its Optimus project. The U.S. application, US20260310299A1, was made public on October 8, 2025, and highlights earlier engineering efforts rather than a new product launch. The significance of this development lies in Tesla's exploration of integrating touch sensing technology into the contours of robotic hands, which could enhance the functionality of humanoid robots. The sensors feature multiple independently readable regions to detect physical contact, suggesting a sophisticated approach to tactile feedback in robotics. Looking ahead, the application raises questions about the manufacturing techniques Tesla may employ and whether these sensors will effectively address existing challenges in the production of Optimus. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Tesla US
LG Electronics Showcases Robotics at 2026 First Global Challenge in Incheon
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All News
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China UBTECH Robotics
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Robotics Automation AI
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Asimov 1 DIY Humanoid Robot Kits Begin Shipping with Final Cost Details Revealed
The Asimov team has announced that the first production batch of the Asimov 1 DIY humanoid robot kits is set to ship shortly, marking a significant milestone for the Menlo Research project. This transition from open-source CAD files to tangible hardware represents a critical step in testing the viability of community-built humanoids outside of traditional industrial environments. The importance of this development lies in its potential to democratize access to advanced robotics. The Asimov 1 kits are priced at a total landed cost of $20,000, significantly lower than the typical $30,000 cost for standalone industry-grade actuators. This pricing strategy aims to make high-spec robotics hardware accessible to research labs and independent engineers, while also mitigating the financial risks associated with manufacturing failures in the open-source sector. Looking ahead, the Asimov team emphasizes the need for a reliable supply chain to avoid the pitfalls of proprietary platforms that can leave developers waiting for essential parts. As builders receive their kits, the focus will be on the assembly process, which requires around 100 hours of labor to complete. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
open-source Asimov
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ROBOTTODAY Weekly April 27th – May 1st, 2026
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Menlo Research Open-Sources Asimov v1, Releasing CAD and Simulation Files for "The Rest of Us"
Menlo Research has unveiled the complete open-source repository for the Asimov v1 humanoid robot, coinciding with the launch of their "Here Be Dragons" kit. This comprehensive release includes detailed mechanical designs, electrical wiring schematics, and a MuJoCo simulation model, aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration within the robotics community. The initiative, announced recently, seeks to empower developers and researchers by providing them with the necessary resources to advance humanoid robotics. By making these materials publicly accessible, Menlo Research hopes to stimulate further research and development in the field, encouraging a collaborative approach to technological advancement.
open-source Asimov
Beyond the Kit: Asimov Details the 100-Hour Path to a Walking Humanoid
Menlo Research has unveiled a detailed guide to accompany its recently launched "Here Be Dragons" DIY kit, aimed at enthusiasts looking to construct a 1.2-meter humanoid robot at home. This guide addresses the mechanical, electronic, and simulation challenges that builders may encounter during the assembly process. The initiative, which seeks to empower hobbyists and aspiring engineers, provides step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips to facilitate the creation of the humanoid. By offering this resource, Menlo Research hopes to enhance the accessibility of advanced robotics projects, encouraging innovation and hands-on learning in the field.
US open-source Asimov
Asimov Launches $15,000 "Here Be Dragons" DIY Humanoid Kit
Menlo Research has transitioned its open-source project, Asimov, from a GitHub repository to tangible hardware, introducing a bipedal kit aimed at facilitating rapid iteration and "Processor-in-the-Loop" development. This move, announced in October 2023, marks a significant step in the project’s evolution, allowing developers and researchers to engage in hands-on experimentation with bipedal robotics. The new hardware kit is designed to streamline the development process, enabling users to quickly test and refine their algorithms in real-world scenarios. By bridging the gap between software and physical implementation, Menlo Research aims to enhance innovation in robotic systems and foster a collaborative environment for advancements in the field.
open-source Asimov
