Ropedia, a Singapore-based startup specialising in data infrastructure for physical AI, has successfully raised S$38.7m (US$30m) in its Pre-Series A funding round. The company plans to utilise this capital to expand its data collection efforts into Southeast Asia and North America, enhance its US team, and increase the manufacturing of wearable capture hardware to support larger fleet deployments.
The funding comes at a pivotal time as venture capital interest in AI, particularly in physical AI and embodied intelligence, continues to grow across Asia. According to a KPMG report, Asia is rapidly becoming a leading region for investment in AI infrastructure, with the Asia-Pacific region accounting for half of the deals in embodied AI during the first half of 2026.
Ropedia’s expansion plans align with the broader trend of increasing investment in robotics and AI technologies. The company aims to position itself at the forefront of this movement by focusing on data collection and infrastructure, which are seen as critical components in the race to advance robotics.
The startup’s recent funding round underscores the growing importance of data over hardware in determining the future leaders in the robotics sector. As Ropedia continues to expand its operations, it is poised to play a significant role in shaping the landscape of physical AI both regionally and globally.
