Business

Neubility Leading the Smart City Race

Neubility, a Seoul-based robotics pioneer founded by Sangmin Lee, is currently reshaping the global last-mile delivery market in 2026. The startup operates from its integrated facility in Seongsu to automate urban streets.

The company sets itself apart by employing a 100% camera-based V-SLAM system for navigation. Unlike competitors relying on expensive LiDAR sensors, Neubility relies on sophisticated vision algorithms to map 3D environments.

This hardware-first approach drastically lowers the bill of materials for each unit produced. Furthermore, the integration of hardware and software allows for rapid updates and seamless maintenance across diverse robot fleets.

Mastering Urban Navigation Through V-SLAM

Specifically, the V-SLAM technology extracts key points from continuous video frames to track robot movement. Therefore, Neubie robots can navigate through urban canyons where GPS signals often fail.

The perception engine categorizes pedestrians, vehicles, and even pets in real-time to ensure maximum safety. It creates a Local Dynamic Map to predict the movement of surrounding objects accurately.

Moreover, the Neubie robot recently passed 16 rigorous safety evaluations regarding speed control and emergency braking. The company maintains high reliability in crowded sidewalks where unpredictable human movements occur frequently.

Expanding the Versatile Product Lineup

Neubility currently offers a diverse lineup including the Neubie delivery robot and the Neubie Patrol model. The delivery version carries up to 25 kilograms while moving at a maximum speed of 7.2 kilometers per hour.

The company is also developing large-scale logistics robots for industrial sites. These machines will eventually handle several tons of cargo to automate factory floors and large warehouses.

Effectively, the hardware design features a 4-wheel in-wheel motor system and double wishbone suspension. This allows the robots to climb inclines of up to 15 degrees in various weather conditions.

Redefining Business Through the RaaS Model

Rather than just selling hardware, the startup operates on a Robot as a Service business model. This approach provides clients with robots and control software through manageable monthly subscription fees.

Specifically, the NeubieGo API bundle allows companies to integrate robot calling functions into their own applications. For instance, delivery apps and commerce platforms can deploy robots without developing their own control systems.

The company also plans to license its robot intelligence software, Neubility Sense, to external manufacturers. This strategy positions Neubility as a core provider of Physical AI platforms rather than just a hardware vendor.

Proven Success in South Korean Hubs

In South Korea, Neubility has established major operational footprints in cities like Songdo and Seoul. The company has operated in approximately 50 locations, including residential complexes and university campuses.

For instance, the startup provides door-to-door delivery services within apartment complexes in collaboration with Samsung C&T. These robots utilize elevator integration to reach the front doors of residents directly.

Statistics from pilot programs in Songdo indicate that over half of users preferred robot delivery over traditional methods. Such high adoption rates validate the company’s vision of integrating robots into daily urban life.

From Korean Streets to Global Smart Cities

Neubility recently gained international recognition by participating in the Saudi Arabian NEOM Oxagon accelerator program. As a result, the company is validating its logistics scenarios within the world’s most ambitious smart city.

In North America, the startup collaborates with the South Florida Security Group to deploy patrol robots. These units provide 360-degree surveillance and real-time streaming to enhance public safety in residential areas.

Additionally, Neubility is exploring the Japanese last-mile market through discussions with Rakuten. These global partnerships prove the scalability of the camera-based navigation stack across different regulatory environments and infrastructures.

Building a Sustainable Physical AI Ecosystem

Financially, the startup closed a 17 million dollar Series B round led by Korea Development Bank in 2025. This fresh capital supports the expansion of the Physical AI platform into global markets.

Strategic investors like Crit Ventures also contributed to enhancing the camera-based navigation modules. Consequently, the company has secured a total of 53 billion KRW in cumulative investment since its inception.

Neubility aims to file for a preliminary IPO review on the Korea Exchange by late 2026. The company targets a formal KOSDAQ listing in 2027 to solidify its position as a global technology leader.

In summary, Neubility represents the shift from simple hardware manufacturing to comprehensive Physical AI services. Its success in various environments proves that camera-based autonomy is a viable solution for the future of urban logistics.

Esther Kang

Esther is a tech recruiter at Unico Search. She is not only a headhunter, but also a consultant, lecturer, and life inspirer. She is the person to contact for those looking for a job in Korea in the tech industry.

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