Tether has invested about $81.6 million in Generative Bionics, a European humanoid‑robotics firm, part of a push by the stablecoin issuer to include physical AI and robotics into its expansion.
Key Takeaways:
- Generative Bionics received €70 million funding, valued at around $81.6 million, from a round led by a state‑backed AI fund, with Tether and others among the investors.
- The investment supports development of “Physical AI” humanoid robots designed for industrial deployment, with the first production facility and edge‑AI systems planned.
- Generative Bionics aims to debut its first fully functioning humanoid robot at CES 2026, with industrial deployment programs set for early 2026.
Tether, a widely known USDT stablecoin issuer, is reportedly expanding its strategy into physical AI and robotics. On Monday, December 8, 2025, the company announced a significant investment in Generative Bionics, one of the largest funding rounds for a European robotics startup.
Generative Bionics is a spinout of the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) and leverages over two decades of robotics research. Tether stated that the investment aims to advance “intelligent humanoid robots” capable of interacting with humans through advanced robotics and AI.
The funding will support building the first production facility and validating the humanoid robot platform for industries including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and retail, where automation can enhance efficiency and reliability.
Generative Bionics co-founder Daniele Pucci said the goal is “to build a future where intelligent humanoid robots collaborate daily with people, amplifying human cognitive and physical potential.” Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino added that the investment reflects the company’s strategy to support technologies that strengthen global digital and physical infrastructure and expand human potential.
Robotics and AI Market Shows Strong Growth Potential
The robotics and AI sectors are attracting growing investor interest. Analysts project the humanoid robotics market could exceed €200 billion by 2035, potentially reaching €5 trillion by 2050 as industrial adoption expands.
For Tether, which manages one of the largest stablecoins by market share, this investment represents a shift from core stablecoin operations toward long-term, high-growth technologies. The move highlights the company’s focus on blending crypto, AI, robotics, and industrial infrastructure.
Strategic Implications for Crypto and AI Investments
Tether’s move into humanoid robotics signals a broader trend of crypto firms diversifying into high-growth technology sectors beyond digital assets. Analysts say such investments could set a precedent for other stablecoin issuers and blockchain companies to allocate capital toward AI, robotics, and industrial automation.
By backing Generative Bionics, Tether positions itself at the intersection of crypto and real-world technological infrastructure, potentially opening new revenue streams and use cases for its ecosystem. Industry experts note that successful deployment of humanoid robots could enhance Tether’s credibility as a technology investor and expand its influence beyond the crypto market.
What’s Next: CES 2026 to Test First Robot Deployment
Generative Bionics is expected to unveil its first working humanoid robot at CES 2026. This event will serve as the first major public demonstration of Tether’s robotics initiative.
If the robots meet industrial performance expectations in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, it could validate Tether’s strategy and reshape perceptions of what a crypto company can achieve.
The next few months, particularly the construction of production facilities and public demonstrations, will be crucial to determining whether this investment marks a strategic expansion or a high-risk move.
Summary
Tether invested roughly $81.6M in Generative Bionics to develop humanoid robots and physical AI, funding production facilities and aiming for a CES 2026 debut as it expands into industrial AI and robotics.
