New PatentVest Pulse Report Reveals IP Gaps in Billion-Dollar Humanoid Robotics Startups

Rhea-AI Summary

PatentVest has released a new PatentVest Pulse report analyzing the intellectual property landscape in humanoid robotics. The report highlights a concerning gap between high startup valuations and insufficient IP protections. Key findings reveal that while Figure AI attracts significant investment, Sanctuary AI is building one of the most defensible platforms in the sector. The study identified that over 11,000 humanoid robotics patent families are controlled by major corporations like Sony, UBTECH, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Alphabet, and Samsung. Notably, among startups, only Sanctuary AI ranks in the global top 20 patent holders. The report also emphasizes the significant role of academic institutions like Tsinghua University and KAIST in shaping core technologies through their patent holdings in locomotion, manipulation, and cognitive robotics.

Positive

• Sanctuary AI has established a strong defensible IP position, ranking among global top 20 patent holders
• Emerging leaders like Neura Robotics, Apptronik, and Agility Robotics are gaining traction with focused IP strategies
• Strong academic research foundation with key patents held by major universities

Negative

• Most humanoid robotics startups lack adequate IP protection despite high valuations
• Dominant IP control by large corporations (11,000+ patent families) creates barriers for startups
• Limited defensible positions available for new market entrants

Despite rising valuations, most humanoid robotics startups remain underprotected—leaving long-term value at risk

Dallas, TX, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PatentVest, the first fully integrated IP intelligence and strategy firm, has released its latest PatentVest Pulse report on humanoid robotics. Titled “Humanoid Robots:The Disconnect Between IP Strength And VC Funding Of US And European Humanoid Robot Startups” the report uncovers a widening gap between escalating startup valuations and the lack of intellectual property (IP) protections underpinning them. Designed for investors, board members, and CEOs, it offers a strategic view into which companies are positioned to lead—and which are exposed—as capital floods into the humanoid robotics space.

“As capital floods into the space, investors and operators need a clear map of who owns what,” said Will Rosellini, Chief IP Officer at PatentVest. “IP is now a gating factor for scale, licensing, and long-term value capture.”

Key Insights

• Strategic Leaders Are Emerging: While Figure AI commands attention and capital, Sanctuary AI is quietly building one of the most defensible platforms in the category. Other emerging leaders such as Neura Robotics, Apptronik, and Agility Robotics are gaining traction through focused IP strategies and execution-ready technologies.
• Corporate IP Consolidation: More than 11,000 humanoid robotics patent families are held by industrial giants including Sony, UBTECH, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Alphabet, and Samsung. Among startups, only Sanctuary AI ranks among the global top 20 patent holders, showing just how rare defensible positions remain.
• University-Led Innovation: Institutions such as Tsinghua University, AIST, Beijing Institute of Technology, KAIST, and the University of Tokyo hold key patents in locomotion, manipulation, and cognitive robotics. Their research continues to shape the core technologies and licensing opportunities that will drive the next wave of commercialization.

About the Report:
The analysis benchmarks the IP portfolios of leading startups—including Figure AI, Sanctuary AI, Apptronik, Tesla Optimus, Neura Robotics, Engineered Arts, 1X Technologies, and Collaborative Robotics—and maps 11,000+ patent families across 794 entities worldwide. It highlights where innovation is happening, who’s protecting it, and how defensible platforms are being built in one of the most capital-intensive, strategically complex technology sectors to emerge in decades.
                                                         
Access the Full Report
The PatentVest Pulse report is now available. Get the data, insights, and strategic intelligence behind the companies shaping the future of humanoid robots: Access the full report here.

For more information or inquiries, please contact info@patentvest.com.

About PatentVest
PatentVest, a division of MDB Capital Holdings (Nasdaq: MDBH), is the first integrated IP intelligence, strategy, and law firm designed to help visionary companies become technology leaders. By combining a proprietary database with a proven diligence process and expert analysis, PatentVest delivers actionable insights that help clients navigate complex IP landscapes and stay ahead of the curve. This report is powered by PatentVest’s proprietary IP intelligence platform.

FAQ

What are the key findings of PatentVest's 2025 report on humanoid robotics IP?

The report reveals a gap between startup valuations and IP protection, with over 11,000 patent families controlled by major corporations. Only Sanctuary AI ranks among the top 20 global patent holders, while most startups remain underprotected.

Which companies hold the most humanoid robotics patents in 2025?

Major industrial giants including Sony, UBTECH, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Alphabet, and Samsung hold the majority of humanoid robotics patents. Among startups, Sanctuary AI is the only one ranking in the global top 20.

What role do universities play in humanoid robotics IP development?

Universities like Tsinghua University, AIST, Beijing Institute of Technology, KAIST, and the University of Tokyo hold key patents in locomotion, manipulation, and cognitive robotics, shaping core technologies for future commercialization.

Which startups are emerging as leaders in the humanoid robotics space?

While Figure AI attracts significant capital, Sanctuary AI has built one of the most defensible platforms. Other emerging leaders include Neura Robotics, Apptronik, and Agility Robotics.