NEURA Robotics is a German high-tech company founded in 2019 by David Reger in Metzingen, near Stuttgart. The company’s mission is to revolutionize the world of robotics by closing key innovation gaps and ushering in the era of cognitive robotics. NEURA Robotics aims to create robotic assistants that can collaborate naturally and safely with humans in various environments, from industrial settings to everyday life. The company has gained recognition for its advancements in cognitive robotics, including being awarded the German Founders Award in September 2025.

NEURA Robotics laid the groundwork for a new class of machines that perceive, learn, and interact in real time, building on their initial work on cognitive robots. The 4NE-1, which stands for “For Anyone,” is their humanoid robot designed to work autonomously and safely with humans. The robot made its debut at the Automatica 2025 trade fair. In January 2026, NEURA Robotics unveiled the next generation of its 4NE-1 humanoid robot at CES 2026, a design collaboration with Studio F.A. Porsche. This event also showcased the 4NE-1 Mini, a compact version of the humanoid. A significant partnership was announced in November 2025 between Schaeffler and NEURA Robotics to jointly develop and supply key humanoid components, including an off-take agreement.

4NE-1 is engineered for human-like fluidity, precise perception, and seamless collaboration. It features 360° perception, sensor skin, multimodal AI, and reinforcement learning capabilities. The robot stands 180 cm tall and weighs 80 kg. It can carry a payload of 10-100 kg and has a speed of 5 km/h. The 4NE-1 also boasts remote operation and interchangeable forearms, enabling adaptability across various tasks. The 4NE-1 Mini, while smaller, retains the same core cognitive capabilities and comprehensive perception.

The 4NE-1’s cognitive abilities are powered by an advanced AI and software stack that includes a language model, computer vision, and reinforcement learning. This allows the robot to navigate unstructured environments, understand complex tasks, and respond to changing conditions in real-time. The multimodal AI and sensor skin enable it to sense, adapt, and interact with purpose, making it a truly cognitive robot.

The 4NE-1 is designed for both industrial and domestic applications. In industrial settings, it aims to bring new levels of flexibility to logistics, manufacturing, and other sectors through full-body sensing, adaptive control, and safe human interaction. For home environments, it is built to assist with everyday tasks, such as carrying objects, helping with routines, and responding to voice commands, blending into daily life to offer support. The 4NE-1 Mini is positioned for research, education, and entertainment applications. While specific large-scale deployments are not detailed, the company emphasizes its readiness for real-world human-robot collaboration.

As of January 2026, customers can reserve the Porsche-designed 4NE-1 Gen 3.5 for €98,000. The smaller 4NE-1 Mini is available for €19,999, with both requiring a fully refundable €100 deposit.

NEURA Robotics has been recognized for its innovative approach to robotics, culminating in the German Founders Award in September 2025. The 4NE-1 itself has been highlighted for its impressive strength, with Forbes reporting in June 2025 that it can lift 220 pounds (approximately 100 kg), making it one of the most powerful humanoid robots, and it also has sensitive skin for safe human interaction. The collaboration with Studio F.A. Porsche for the design of the next-generation 4NE-1 also marks a significant achievement in combining advanced robotics with sophisticated industrial design.

While the available information largely focuses on the robot’s capabilities and potential, common challenges for humanoid robots include high production costs, complex maintenance, and the need for further development in areas such as dexterity and nuanced social interaction. The current information does not explicitly detail criticisms or limitations specific to the 4NE-1, but these are general considerations for the field.

NEURA Robotics’ future roadmap involves continued development and expansion of its cognitive robotics platform. The introduction of the 4NE-1 Mini in Spring 2026 indicates a move towards more accessible and diverse applications. The partnership with Schaeffler suggests a focus on advancing key components for humanoids, which could lead to more robust and efficient future iterations. The company’s overall vision is to continue revolutionizing robotics to support humans in various aspects of life, implying ongoing innovation in AI, sensor technology, and human-robot interaction.