The Bay Area Robotics Association has launched as a new industry platform designed to connect capital, technology and commercialization partners across the global robotics ecosystem, highlighting the growing momentum behind humanoid robotics and embodied artificial intelligence.
The member-driven organization, known as BARA, was unveiled at the Humanoids Summit Silicon Valley, an industry gathering that brings together researchers, startups, investors and corporate leaders focused on physical AI. Based in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, BARA aims to serve as a bridge between robotics innovation and the investment and industry relationships required to move technologies from research into large-scale deployment.
“BARA was formed in response to industry demand for a member-based, capital-focused organization in the greater San Francisco Bay Area—one that connects innovation with the investment and commercialization partners needed to scale,” said Modar Alaoui, chairman of BARA and founder and general partner of ALM Ventures. “By bringing together leaders across humanoid, industrial, service, and mobility robotics, we aim to accelerate the pilots and partnerships that move AI into physical form. The Bay Area leads in embodied AI, and our goal is to translate that leadership into real investment and deployment momentum.”
The launch reflects a broader shift in the robotics sector toward global coordination as technologies approach real-world deployment. BARA begins operations with established international collaborators, including MassRobotics as its primary U.S. partner, the AI Robot Association (AIRoA) as its primary Japan collaborator, and Shanghai SG Robotics, also known as the Robot China Network, as its primary partner in China. The association is also aligning with the wider U.S. standards ecosystem, including ongoing work at the National Institute of Standards and Technology to support interoperability, measurement science and deployment readiness.
Beginning in early 2026, BARA will host member-only capital and industry networking sessions for qualified corporates, investors and startups, with the first session planned for late February. Members will also receive curated ecosystem updates and access to a private directory intended to streamline targeted introductions and collaboration.
“Partnering with BARA allows us to connect two of the most influential robotics hubs in the world,” said Joyce Sidopoulos, co-founder and chief of operations at MassRobotics. “The East Coast’s depth in research and manufacturing, and the West Coast’s leadership in AI and commercialization create a powerful foundation for startups to grow through shared partnerships and capital pathways.”
International partners also emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration. “We’re looking forward to working closely with BARA to build new bridges between Japan’s robotics and AI ecosystem and the vibrant Bay Area robotics communities,” said Tetsuya Ogata, chairman of AIRoA. Marco Zhao, president of Shanghai SG Robotics, added: “We believe collaboration with BARA will help drive global progress in robotics and expand the opportunities for industry exchange between China and Silicon Valley.”
Founded in Silicon Valley, BARA positions itself as a neutral industry platform supporting capital access, partnerships and pilot programs as robotics technologies move closer to widespread commercial use.
