Eni and Generative Bionics sign a Memorandum of Understanding to explore industrial applications of humanoid robotics

Eni has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Italian deep-tech company Generative Bionics to explore potential technological and industrial collaboration in advanced robotics and Physical AI.

The agreement combines Eni’s industrial, technological and computing capabilities with Generative Bionics’ expertise in humanoid robotics, including its GENE.01 platform. Under the MoU, the companies will conduct joint analysis, testing and evaluation activities through dedicated workstreams covering areas of mutual interest.

The collaboration will examine potential applications for Generative Bionics’ humanoid robots across Eni’s industrial and operational environments, particularly for inspection, teleoperation, remote assistance and activities in complex or challenging settings. The companies will assess how humanoid robotics could help improve workplace safety and operational efficiency.

The partnership will also explore innovative materials and component solutions for humanoid robots, drawing on the expertise and product portfolio of Eni’s chemical company, Versalis, which covers base chemicals, intermediates, plastics, elastomers and chemicals from renewable sources.

A key focus will be the development of GENE.01’s foot and footwear system. The companies aim to develop lighter, stronger and scalable solutions that can improve impact absorption, grip, durability and ease of assembly. The work may leverage the capabilities of Versalis and its subsidiary Finproject, which specialises in ultra-lightweight products.

The agreement also covers potential opportunities to industrialise and commercialise Generative Bionics’ sensor-equipped footwear by leveraging Eni’s materials, technical expertise and market channels.

Eni will assess the potential use of its industrial sites for future production, assembly and testing activities related to advanced robotics. The companies may also explore cooperation on battery use, disposal and recycling throughout the production lifecycle of Generative Bionics’ humanoid robots.

In addition, Eni will evaluate the possibility of providing Generative Bionics with access to its High Performance Computing (HPC) capabilities to support the development, training and validation of Physical AI models for humanoid robots.

The agreement supports Eni’s focus on technological innovation and industrial competitiveness through its open innovation approach and collaboration with external technology companies. It follows Eni’s investment in Generative Bionics through its venture capital arm, Eni Next, in December 2025.

For Generative Bionics, the agreement represents a step toward the industrialisation of GENE.01 by combining its expertise in humanoid robotics and Physical AI with Eni’s capabilities in materials, high-performance computing and industrial processes. The collaboration is expected to support the testing and validation of the platform in real-world operating environments.