Genesis AI, a startup that aims to build a foundational model for powering all kinds of robots, has emerged from stealth with a giant $105 million seed round co-led by Eclipse Ventures and Khosla Ventures. The startup wants to build a general-purpose model that will enable robots to automate a wide range of repetitive tasks, from lab work to housekeeping. Genesis is turning to synthetic data, which it generates using a proprietary physics engine that, it says, is capable of accurately modeling the physical world. Genesis’ synthetic data engine originated from an academic project that Xian led in collaboration with researchers from 18 universities. Several participants from that project have since joined Genesis, making up its current staff of over 20 researchers who specialize in robotics, machine learning, and graphics. Genesis claims its proprietary simulation engine allows it to develop models faster, a distinct advantage over competitors who rely on Nvidia’s software. Genesis is developing its synthetic data and building the foundational model across two offices, in Silicon Valley and Paris. As the next milestone, Genesis plans to release its model to the robotics community by the end of the year.