Synthium
Synthium is a Singapore-based, Antler-backed startup that crowdsources gamified simulations to generate training data for humanoid robot AI models.
Synthium is a Singapore-based startup that generates training data for humanoid and general-purpose robot AI by having human users complete tasks inside web-based, gamified simulations rather than through traditional teleoperation rigs. Participants use a webcam and microphone to control simulated robot avatars, and their motion, voice, language, and decision-making are captured as multimodal data intended to train Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models. The company positions this approach as a lower-cost alternative to physical teleoperation data collection, stating its data costs approximately $9 per usable data-hour compared with roughly $135 per hour for teleoperation-based collection.
The company was co-founded by Nicolas Duval, who serves as CEO and previously worked as a software architect on Autodesk's and Adobe's core rendering teams, and Nicolas Savva, CTO, who holds a Cornell University MS/PhD in computer vision and was a Fulbright scholar. The founders describe applying their prior background in physically based rendering to the problem of simulating realistic human behavior for robot-training purposes.
Synthium is backed by pre-seed funding from Antler and by Liminal, a venture studio backed by Singapore's Temasek. According to Crunchbase, the company has between 1 and 10 employees. Its partnerships include a research collaboration agreement worth SGD 500,000 with A*STAR, Singapore's national research agency; a signed letter of intent for a sim-to-real testbed involving Unitree; participation in the Google for Startups Cloud Program; and a stated collaboration with MassRobotics, the Boston-based robotics innovation hub, and with Google Singapore.
Synthium can be reached at [email protected] for general inquiries and [email protected] for recruiting. The company maintains an official LinkedIn company page. Crunchbase lists Synthium under the Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Robotics, and Service Industry categories, reflecting its position as a data-generation service provider to robotics and AI companies rather than as a robot or hardware manufacturer itself. The company's website does not publish a specific founding year or physical office address beyond identifying Singapore as its base.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Synthium Platform
Free-to-play simulation where users interact with virtual humanoid robots to generate multimodal training data for VLA models.
Contact Synthium
WEBSITE
https://www.synthium.xyz/HEADQUARTERS
United States
Company Facts
Founded
-
Primary Role
Software/Algorithm
Company Size
employees 1-10
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
Early-Stage VC
Funding Total
-
CASIA's Peiyan Li Brings Two VLA Papers to IROS 2026
CASIA Ph.D. candidate Peiyan Li co-authored two IROS 2026 papers on VLA models for long robot tasks. We also cover his BridgeVLA and SpatialVAM work.
LG Electronics Showcases Robotics at 2026 First Global Challenge in Incheon
LG Electronics is actively participating in the 2026 First Global Challenge, an international youth robotics competition taking place at Songdo Convensia in Incheon. The event, which runs from Wednesday to Saturday, gathers youth teams from 185 countries to design and build robots aimed at addressing global challenges, particularly focusing on wildfire prevention and recovery due to climate change. This year's competition, themed “Igniting Innovation,” emphasizes the importance of robotics in tackling pressing issues like wildfires. LG's involvement includes sponsoring the event and showcasing its latest robotics technologies at an exhibition booth. The company also features its humanoid robot, LG CLOiD, allowing visitors to engage with the technology and learn about the innovative solutions being developed by young participants. As LG increases its investment in robotics as a key growth area, it aims to integrate physical AI into its strategy. The company recently launched LG Data Factory to enhance data management for robotics training. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
All News
Zhiyuan's Data Business Struggles to Support Robotics at $20 Per Hour
Zhiyuan's data business is facing challenges as it operates at a rate of $20 per hour, which is insufficient to sustain the robotics industry. The company is exploring new avenues to enhance its offerings and address the growing demand for data in robotics. This situation highlights the broader issue within the robotics sector, where the cost of data collection and processing is becoming a critical factor. As companies seek to innovate and improve their robotic systems, the financial viability of data services like those offered by Zhiyuan is under scrutiny. Looking ahead, industry stakeholders should monitor how Zhiyuan adapts its business model to better serve the robotics market. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotics Automation AI
Fudan Team Develops Robot Mat Capable of Harvesting Ground Electricity, Eliminating Battery Needs
A team from Fudan University has developed an innovative robot mat that can harness electricity from the ground, thus removing the necessity for batteries. This advancement could significantly impact the design and functionality of mobile robots, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly. The ability to extract energy directly from the ground is a game-changer in robotics, as it addresses one of the major limitations of mobile robots: battery dependency. This technology could lead to longer operational times and reduced maintenance costs, enhancing the overall performance of robotic systems in various applications. Future developments in this area will be crucial to watch, particularly how this technology can be integrated into existing robotic platforms. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotics Automation AI
Huawei Unveils XMFS Prototype for Cross-Node Shared Memory at LPC 2026
Huawei presented its XMFS prototype at the Linux Plumbers Conference 2026, showcasing a new approach to cross-node shared memory. This innovative system utilizes POSIX file calls to facilitate memory sharing across different nodes, enhancing performance and efficiency in distributed computing environments. The introduction of XMFS is significant as it addresses the growing need for efficient memory management in multi-node systems. By enabling cross-node shared memory, Huawei aims to improve data accessibility and processing speed, which are critical for applications requiring high-performance computing. Looking ahead, industry observers will be keen to see how XMFS evolves and whether it will undergo further development to achieve mainline review status. The potential impact of this technology on distributed computing and memory management practices will be closely monitored in the coming years.
New Mobile System Enhances Drone Operations with Persistent Nanogrid Technology
Three US companies, Sesame Solar, Target Arm, and AG3 Labs, have introduced the first Made-in-USA Persistent Drone Operations Nanogrid. This innovative mobile system integrates power generation, autonomous drone launch and recovery, and configurable small drones to enhance operational efficiency in combat and other environments. The significance of this development lies in its potential to minimize downtime for drones, which is crucial for maintaining continuous operations. By automating the launch, recovery, and recharging processes, the Nanogrid addresses challenges faced by drone teams, particularly in remote or contested areas where conventional fuel resupply is difficult. Looking ahead, the companies anticipate that this system will find applications beyond military use, including border monitoring, search and rescue, and critical infrastructure inspections. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
News
Xiaomi Expands Apple Device Integration with HyperOS 4 Features
On October 7, Xiaomi announced enhanced integration with Apple devices in HyperOS 4, allowing users to share photos, files, contacts, and web pages seamlessly across both ecosystems. This new functionality includes two-way access to iPhone and Xiaomi cloud photo albums, notification syncing, and the ability to reply to messages without switching devices. The integration supports various Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Users can view and control their Xiaomi phone through Xiaomi’s connectivity app on Mac and iPad, provided they have compatible software versions, a shared Xiaomi account, and the necessary network connection. This feature aims to enhance user experience by bridging the gap between Xiaomi and Apple ecosystems. HyperOS 4 was initially introduced with the Xiaomi 18 Pro series in September, and a wider rollout is set to commence on October 15. As Xiaomi continues to expand its software capabilities, it will be interesting to observe how this integration impacts user adoption and the competitive landscape between Xiaomi and Apple.
News Feed
Mecka Secures $60 Million in Series B Funding to Enhance Robotics Data Infrastructure
Mecka has successfully raised $60 million in Series B funding, led by Sequoia Capital, to enhance its robotics data infrastructure and commercial deployments. The company specializes in capturing human demonstrations using proprietary multi-sensor hardware, converting this data into training signals for robotic systems, and collaborating with researchers on the EgoVerse study. This funding is significant as it positions Mecka to bridge the gap between available AI training data and the real-world operational needs of robots. With a reported run-rate revenue exceeding $100 million as of June 2026, Mecka anticipates reaching $300 million by year-end, indicating strong growth in the robotics sector. Looking ahead, Mecka plans to utilize the new capital to develop more data-capture hardware and expand its research and deployment capabilities. The company aims to provide tailored training data for various robotic applications, emphasizing the importance of human-like learning for future robotic systems.
AI Funding & Investment Physical AI Startups AI Data deployment
IROS 2026 Best Paper Finalists: South Korea Leads
Ten papers made the IROS 2026 Best Paper and Best Student Paper shortlist, four from South Korea. What each one does and what it means for industry.
Microsoft Unveils New AI PCs Featuring Nvidia's RTX Spark Chip and Enhanced Windows 11
Microsoft has announced the specifications and pricing for its new Surface Laptop Ultra and Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, powered by Nvidia's RTX Spark chip. The Surface Laptop Ultra starts at $2,600, while the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box is priced from $6,000, designed for on-device AI model execution with enhanced hardware capabilities. These new devices are significant as they cater specifically to developers, offering advanced features like superior cooling and a revamped Windows 11 with 'Execution Containers' for easier AI agent sandboxing. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the need for orchestration and memory management in AI applications, highlighting the platform's future direction. Looking ahead, Microsoft is positioning these PCs as versatile tools not only for developers but also for content creation and gaming. The company is incentivizing trade-ins of MacBook Pros, reflecting the competitive landscape in the developer community. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI Hardware TC Microsoft nvidia
Microsoft Launches $2,599 Surface Laptop Ultra Featuring Nvidia AI Chip
Microsoft has announced the launch of its Surface Laptop Ultra, priced at $2,599, which features an Nvidia AI chip capable of running large AI models locally. This device, available for preorder and shipping on October 16, includes a unique magnetic USB-C port and aims to enhance AI capabilities in consumer devices. The introduction of the Surface Laptop Ultra is significant as it positions Microsoft to compete more effectively in the growing AI market, allowing users to run AI workloads without incurring cloud costs. The laptop's specifications include up to 128 gigabytes of unified memory and a Blackwell RTX Spark GPU, which offers computing power comparable to Nvidia's DGX-1 data center server. Looking ahead, Microsoft is also set to integrate Meta's Muse AI agent into Windows, reflecting the increasing importance of personal AI agents. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
SimScale Engineering AI Moves Physics Simulation to the Exact Moment a Design Decision Gets Made, Inside Onshape
SimScale’s Engineering AI Agent runs CFD, thermal, EMag and FEA from one prompt inside PTC’s Onshape, starting from CAD that isn’t simulation-ready.
IMTS 2026 Preview: Record Orders and the Automation Story
IMTS 2026 opens in Chicago with 1,788 exhibitors and record H1 machine tool orders. What the USMTO data says about automation, and the booths to see.
Software, Compute and Interaction at WRC 2026
47 WRC 2026 exhibitors supply robot software, compute or interaction — but only 19 call themselves software companies. Five open artefacts, licence-checked.
WRC 2026 Exhibitor Map: 248 Robotics Companies Mapped
We classified 248 WRC 2026 exhibitors with the RobotToday taxonomy. Motion & Actuation leads at 75 companies, Humanoid at 72, and compute stays thin at 12. (Modified 2026-08-27)
Inside Saga Robotics: UVC Light vs. Crop Disease
Saga Robotics CPO Damian Flynn on the Thorvald platform's UVC treatment system, its jump from UK strawberries to California wine grapes, and why he's “incredibly bullish” on applying automation and robotics into industries “most chaotic environment.”
WAIC Review 4/4: From Port AGVs to Hospital Night Shifts: What WAIC 2026 Reveals About Real Robot Deployments
From 530+ AGVs at a Singapore port to robots on Apple's line, WAIC 2026 speakers shared concrete data on where embodied AI robots are actually working today.
WAIC Review 2/4: World Models vs. VLA: Robotics' Next 'ChatGPT Moment'
At WAIC 2026, world-model and VLA camps staked rival paths to generalist robots; Zhiyuan, SenseTime and NVIDIA predict a robot 'ChatGPT moment' in 2-5 years.
Autonomous Mobile Robots Siegwart, Nourbakhsh & Scaramuzza — RSF Top 10 Robot Education Textbooks · No. 3
AMR and AGV fleets are the biggest robot service market. Siegwart decodes the vendor manual: odometry, localization, cost maps.
Synthium Develops Human-in-the-Loop Simulations for Humanoid AI Models
Synthium is advancing humanoid AI by operating human-in-the-loop simulations that generate essential motion, voice, and reasoning data. This innovative approach allows for more realistic and effective decision-making processes in embodied AI systems. The significance of Synthium's work lies in its potential to enhance the capabilities of humanoid robots, making them more adept at interacting with humans and performing complex tasks. By integrating human feedback into the simulation process, Synthium aims to create AI models that better understand and respond to human behavior. Looking ahead, the development of these simulations could lead to breakthroughs in how humanoid robots are deployed in various sectors. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Artificial Intelligence Robotics Startups Nicolas Duval Startup spotlight Synthium
