Sanctuary AI is a technology company dedicated to developing human-like intelligence for general-purpose humanoid robots. Founded in 2018 in Vancouver, Canada, the company operates in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, industrial automation, and robotics. Within the framework of the embodied AI concept, Sanctuary AI aims to create robot systems with human-like cognitive and physical capabilities. The company adopts a vertically integrated development model, designing and developing both software and hardware components in-house.

Founding and General Information

Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation, commonly known as Sanctuary AI, was founded in 2018 by Ajay Agrawal, Geordie Rose, Olivia Norton, and Suzanne Gildert. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and operates as a for-profit private enterprise.

James Wells currently serves as CEO. Co-founder Olivia Norton holds the positions of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Product Officer (CPO). Philip Smith acts as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In 2024, founding CEO Geordie Rose and CTO Suzanne Gildert departed from the company.

Sanctuary AI aims to address global labor challenges by developing and deploying industrial-grade humanoid robots. Its long-term vision is to enable robots to take on human tasks through embodied AI systems that replicate human abilities.

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Products and Features

Sanctuary AI’s main product is Phoenix, a general-purpose humanoid robot designed to model the motion and abilities of the human body. These robots are equipped with hydraulic actuation systems using mini hydraulic valves to provide human-level hand dexterity, strength, and agility.

Phoenix is integrated with Carbon, an AI control system modeled on cognitive brain functions such as memory, vision, hearing, and touch. This architecture enables the robot to perceive environmental stimuli and respond appropriately. The robot’s hands feature high degrees of freedom (DoF), including finger abduction and in-hand manipulation capabilities not commonly found in commercial robotic hands. Equipped with advanced tactile sensors, Phoenix can detect objects, prevent slippage, and avoid excessive force even when visual contact is lost.

Sanctuary AI uses the NVIDIA Isaac Lab platform for training its robots. This environment offers high-fidelity physical simulations to enhance movement and manipulation abilities, which can then be transferred to real-world performance. Thousands of robot hands can be trained simultaneously using this system.

Phoenix is designed for deployment in sectors such as automotive, logistics, manufacturing, and energy. The robot supports human labor by undertaking repetitive, hazardous, or strenuous tasks.

Patents

Sanctuary AI holds a strong patent portfolio in general-purpose robotics and embodied AI technologies. According to a report by Morgan Stanley, the company ranks third globally in terms of U.S.-issued patents in this field. Sanctuary has strengthened its intellectual property portfolio through direct filings and strategic acquisitions from companies like Tangible Research and Giant.AI.

Industrial Partnerships and Collaborations

Sanctuary AI maintains a strategic partnership with Magna International, with plans for deploying Phoenix in Magna’s production facilities and eventually mass-producing the robots via Magna. It has also initiated a collaboration with Microsoft to develop general-purpose AI models for robotics. Microsoft supports Sanctuary’s embodied AI research through this partnership.

Funding and Investments

Since its inception, Sanctuary AI has raised over $140 million from investors including Verizon Ventures, Magna International, BCE Inc., and BDC Capital Thrive Venture Fund. In early 2025, the company launched a new funding round via a $10 million convertible note. Financial projections suggest a high likelihood of future funding rounds, while the probability of going public remains low. The possibility of acquisition by another company is also under consideration.

Future Plans

Sanctuary AI aims to scale up the production of Phoenix and expand its use across sectors such as automotive, manufacturing, and logistics. The company prioritizes the collection of real-world data for its embodied AI systems, aiming to enhance the robots’ autonomous decision-making and task execution capabilities. In the long term, Sanctuary AI envisions general-purpose robots being used across all areas of life, offering solutions that free humans from repetitive, dangerous, or physically demanding work.