- Mobileye’s acquisition of Mentee Robotics signals a strategic expansion from autonomous driving into humanoid robotics and broader physical AI.
- The transaction, expected to close in Q1 2026, blends advanced AI talent and platforms to accelerate deployment of autonomous systems and robotics.
What happened: Humanoid robotics expansion
Mobileye, an Israel-based specialist in autonomous driving and advanced driver-assistance systems, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire AI-first humanoid robotics company Mentee Robotics Ltd. The deal values Mentee at roughly $900 million and includes a combination of cash and Mobileye Class A shares.
Mobileye announced the transaction on 6 January 2026 at CES in Las Vegas. Through the acquisition, the company will combine its expertise in computer vision and automotive autonomy with Mentee’s vertically integrated humanoid platform and specialised AI talent. The companies expect to complete the transaction in the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.
Mentee has designed its humanoid robots around an AI architecture that prioritises few-shot learning and simulation-first training, allowing the systems to acquire new skills quickly from minimal human demonstration. The company plans to begin proof-of-concept deployments with customers in 2026 and aims to reach full series production and commercialisation by 2028. Following the acquisition, Mentee will continue to operate as an independent unit within Mobileye.
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Why it’s important
The acquisition marks a strategic shift for Mobileye, moving beyond advanced driver-assistance systems and autonomous vehicles into the wider field of physical AI.Physical AI systems can understand context and intent while interacting safely with the real world.
The deal could strengthen Mobileye’s competitive position by combining robotics capabilities with its existing autonomous driving technology.Analysts say Mentee’s AI may enhance both self-driving vehicles and future robots.This could help Mobileye diversify revenue streams beyond traditional automotive markets.
Moreover, the move places Mobileye more directly in competition with other technology firms pursuing humanoid robotics, such as Tesla with Optimus and other AI-driven robotics startups. With global labour shortages and increased interest in adaptable automation, the acquisition could speed up industrial adoption of humanoid robots in warehouses and factories.
