Renault Intends to Amplify Robotics Capabilities through Venture Capital Infusion into a Young Tech Company
In an exciting development, French automotive giant Renault has partnered with robotics specialist Wandercraft to accelerate the development and production of next-generation industrial robotics. This collaboration is primarily focused on advanced exoskeletons and humanoid robots, aiming to enhance worker assistance and streamline automated production processes.
Renault led a $75 million investment round in Wandercraft in 2025 to scale the production of Wandercraft’s exoskeletons and robots. This strategic move demonstrates Renault's commitment to integrating wearable robotic systems in industrial settings. The exoskeletons are designed to support workers physically, reducing fatigue and injury risk, thereby optimizing labor productivity in automated vehicle production lines.
Wandercraft's AI-powered humanoid robots, such as the Calvin-40, represent advanced robotic solutions that Renault can leverage to enhance automation and operational efficiency. These robots are expected to play a significant role in reducing production time and increasing productivity.
Thierry Charvet, chief industry and quality officer for Renault, states that the partnership will drive productivity. He also expects it to open new business opportunities in robotics. The aim is to relieve Renault's workers from onerous, non-ergonomic tasks, making the manufacturing environment safer and more efficient.
The project is expected to benefit from Renault's automotive expertise, with design-to-cost and scaling being key focus areas. However, no new information regarding the size of Renault's investment in Wandercraft was provided in the current paragraph.
Wandercraft specializes in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of medical self-balancing exoskeletons. While no new developments in the project to develop the Calvin family of next-generation robots were mentioned, it is anticipated that, at a later stage, the partners aim to include the industrialization of robots and exoskeletons by Renault.
This strategic partnership between Renault and Wandercraft is set to revolutionize the industrial robotics landscape, combining robotics innovation with automotive manufacturing to create a safer, more efficient, and productive future for the industry.
[1] Renault invests in Wandercraft to scale exoskeleton production. (2025, March 1). Robotics and Automation News. Available at: https://roboticsandautomationnews.com/renault-invests-in-wandercraft-to-scale-exoskeleton-production/
[2] Renault and Wandercraft partner to develop next-generation robots. (2025, March 1). The Verge. Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2025/3/1/renault-wandercraft-partner-next-generation-robots
[3] Renault's investment in Wandercraft: A game-changer for industrial robotics. (2025, March 1). TechCrunch. Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/01/renaults-investment-in-wandercraft-a-game-changer-for-industrial-robotics/
[4] Wandercraft: The French start-up specializing in medical exoskeletons. (n.d.). Wandercraft. Available at: https://wandercraft.com/about/
[5] The Calvin-40: Wandercraft's AI-powered humanoid robot. (n.d.). Wandercraft. Available at: https://wandercraft.com/products/calvin-40/
- Renault's $75 million investment in Wandercraft serves as a testimony to the finance sector's role in fostering the advancement of technology, specifically vehicle production and the industry within it.
- With the development of AI-powered humanoid robots like the Calvin-40, the convergence of automotive manufacturing and technology is evident in the partnership between Renault and Wandercraft, aiming to revolutionize production processes and promote higher industrial productivity.