On February 28, 2026, a special demonstration of the first Bulgarian humanoid robot Robert, developed by the Geneva-based company RB Labs, took place in Hall 113 of the Center of Excellence UNITe building.
The project is part of a broader vision to integrate artificial intelligence into communication, finance, and public interaction, with the goal of having the robot function as a “human ally”. According to the RB Labs team, the main idea is not to replace human labor, but to expand the possibilities for interaction between people and intelligent systems.
Behind the development is the Bulgarian entrepreneur Metodi Dimitrov — co-founder of RB Labs alongside Robin Krambroeckers and Lin Dayen Hsu. Dimitrov, who has experience in fintech and AI technologies, operates on an international level, while expressing his intention to return to Bulgaria in the near future and contribute to the country’s innovation ecosystem.
Robert the Robot is approximately 1.70 m tall, capable of moving independently and performing various physical actions. It is equipped with artificial intelligence that enables it to converse in dozens of languages, recognize faces and emotions, remember interactions, and connect to the internet in real time. His facial structure was developed in collaboration with Hanson Robotics, the mechanical drive is by EngineAI, the software architecture is based on ROS 2, and algorithms such as Transformer models and LSTM are used.
The robot was originally developed with a focus on the financial sector — providing analysis, explaining economic concepts, and assisting users through real-time data processing.
Robert was unveiled to the public in 2025 and quickly attracted international attention through appearances at various global events. In Dubai, he was used in the real estate business, where he conducted presentations, interactive tours, and provided investment guidance to international clients. From his very first appearance, he generated significant interest and received an invitation to return. In Switzerland, he participated in initiatives organized by the Geneva police, where he assisted in communicating with citizens and explaining safety measures.
One of his most significant appearances was at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2026, where he showcased his capabilities to an international audience of leaders and experts.
Robert has also been spotted in public in Bulgaria, including on the streets of Sofia, where he caught the public’s attention and became a popular figure on social media. Videos featuring him have garnered tens of millions of views.
From a scientific and technological perspective, the RB Labs project serves as an example of the successful integration of modern AI models with humanoid robotic systems, creating potential for application not only in specialized fields but also in education, business, and public communication.
