PAL Robotics
PAL Robotics is a Barcelona company, founded in 2004 and led throughout by co-founder and chief executive Francesco Ferro, that builds humanoid and service robots. It started with the aim of creating Europe's first humanoid robot and built REEM-A, the first full-size autonomous biped made in Europe, in 2005, followed by REEM-B in 2008 and REEM-C in 2013. Its TIAGo mobile manipulator, first shown in 2015, is widely used in research labs, and its TALOS humanoid, launched in 2017, is a high-performance research and industrial platform. PAL also makes ARI, a social AI robot introduced in 2019, the legged Kangaroo platform from 2021 and TIAGo Pro and TIAGo Base AI in 2023. In 2025 it released Kangaroo Pro with dual-arm capability. The company has about 100 employees from around 25 nationalities and offices in Toulouse and Bari as well as Barcelona, and its robots are sold mainly to universities, research centres and companies.
💡Notable Achievement: PAL Robotics built REEM-A in 2005, the first full-size autonomous humanoid biped made in Europe, and launched TALOS in 2017.
What Does PAL Robotics Do?
PAL Robotics is a Barcelona company founded in 2004 that builds humanoid and service robots including TALOS, REEM-C, TIAGo, ARI and Kangaroo.
“Europe's humanoid research platform maker for two decades.”
Humanoid Heritage
REEM-A in 2005, REEM-C in 2013 and TALOS in 2017.
TIAGo Family
Mobile manipulators widely used in labs.
Broad Platforms
ARI social robot and Kangaroo legged robot.
What Can PAL Robotics Robots Actually Do?
Cross-portfolio operational capabilities, manipulation tasks, and environmental competencies
Research humanoids and mobile manipulators.
Humanoid Research
TALOS and REEM-C serve as research humanoids.
Mobile Manipulation
TIAGo and TIAGo Pro for research and applications.
Social Interaction
ARI interacts with people.
PAL Robotics Robots
Showing 5 Humanoid Robots of 5 total models
REEM-C
By: PAL Robotics
Launched: 2013
The REEM-C is a full-size bipedal humanoid robot designed for advanced research in robotics, featuring 68 degrees of freedom for human-like mobility and manipulation. Standing at 165 cm tall, it excels in dynamic walking, stair climbing, and autonomous navigation using ROS-based software. Equipped with dual Intel Core i7 processors, stereo cameras, force/torque sensors in ankles, IMUs, and microphone arrays, it supports visual recognition, speech interaction, and whole-body control algorithms. Each arm offers 7 DOF with 1 kg hand payload (stretched) or up to 10 kg total lift capacity, complemented by 19-DOF hands for dexterous grasping. Powered by a 48V 1225 Wh lithium-ion battery, it operates 3 hours walking or 6 hours standby. Customizable and modular, REEM-C enables studies in human-robot interaction, AI, balancing via ZMP control, and complex tasks like dancing or object handling in indoor environments.
Kangaroo
By: PAL Robotics
Launched: 2024
Kangaroo is an advanced bipedal humanoid robot from PAL Robotics, engineered for cutting-edge research in dynamic legged locomotion and manipulation. Featuring a lightweight structure with low moving inertia, it excels in agile motions like jumping, running, squatting, and walking on varied terrains. Equipped with custom linear actuators using closed kinematic chains, it delivers high torque, speed, and force feedback via integrated sensors for precise control. The anthropomorphic design includes 6 DoF per leg, up to 7 DoF per arm, and a human-like torso for natural movements. Optimized for biomechanics studies, it supports ROS2 integration, high-frequency control loops up to 2 kHz, and simulators like Isaac Lab and Gazebo. With options for RGB-D cameras, AI kits, and force/torque sensing, Kangaroo enables exploration of reinforcement learning, trajectory optimization, and human-robot interaction in research settings.
ARI
By: PAL Robotics
Launched: 2018
ARI is a wheeled humanoid social robot designed for advanced human-robot interaction, featuring expressive multimodal behaviors through animated LCD eyes, LED lighting, head and arm gestures, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen torso for multimedia display and user interfaces. Standing at 165 cm tall with a lightweight 60 kg frame, it supports perception tasks like face recognition, skeleton tracking, speech synthesis/recognition, and 3D gaze estimation. Equipped with ROS Noetic for seamless integration, ARI navigates indoor environments using Visual SLAM, RGBD cameras, and optional LIDAR, enabling autonomous mapping and obstacle avoidance. Its dual arms offer up to 5 DOF each for gesturing and light manipulation (0.5 kg payload per arm), complemented by a differential drive base for mobility up to 1.5 m/s on flat surfaces. Ideal for research, healthcare, retail, and education, ARI facilitates cognitive AI development with NVIDIA GPU processing, fostering engaging social cues like turn-taking and emotional expression in collaborative settings.
Talos
By: PAL Robotics
Launched: 2017
TALOS is a high-performance bipedal humanoid robot engineered for advanced research in Industry 4.0, AI, machine learning, and locomotion. Standing at 175 cm with human-like proportions, it features 32 degrees of freedom, including 6-DoF legs for dynamic walking on uneven terrain and stairs, 7-DoF arms capable of lifting 6 kg payloads per arm at full extension, and torque-controlled grippers for dexterous manipulation. Equipped with full torque sensor feedback in all joints, 4x 6-axis force/torque sensors at ankles and wrists, RGB-D cameras, high-rate IMU, and dual Intel Core i7 processors, TALOS excels in multi-contact motions, power tool operation like drilling and riveting, human-robot interaction, and perception tasks. ROS/ROS2 integration enables real-time control at 2 kHz, supporting torque-based walking, navigation, and bi-manual dexterity in industrial and research environments.
TIAGo Pro
By: PAL Robotics
Launched: 2025
TIAGo Pro is a versatile humanoid mobile manipulator designed for advanced research and industrial applications, featuring bipedal-inspired human-like proportions with a compact, modular design. It integrates 7-DoF torque-controlled arms with Series Elastic Actuators and safety brakes for precise, compliant manipulation. The robot excels in human-robot interaction with expressive facial displays, RGB-D vision, and advanced speech recognition supporting over 20 languages. Its omnidirectional mecanum wheeled base enables agile indoor navigation with 360º LiDAR mapping and SLAM. TIAGo Pro supports ROS 2 for flexible programming and autonomous operation, making it ideal for manufacturing, healthcare, and service robotics where dexterity, safety, and collaboration are critical.
PAL Robotics Timeline & Milestones
Evolutionary history, landmark prototypes, major acquisitions, and commercial roadmap
PAL Robotics founded in Barcelona
PAL Robotics is founded in Barcelona to create the first humanoid robot in Europe and enhance lives through service robotics.
Source: pal-robotics.com
REEM-A humanoid introduced
PAL Robotics introduces REEM-A, its first humanoid robot and the first full-size autonomous biped made in Europe.
Source: pal-robotics.com
REEM-C released
PAL Robotics releases REEM-C, a full-size humanoid research platform with improved mobility and AI.
Source: pal-robotics.com
TIAGo mobile manipulator debuts
PAL Robotics debuts the TIAGo mobile manipulator and TIAGo Base, which become popular research platforms.
Source: pal-robotics.com
TALOS humanoid released
PAL Robotics releases TALOS, a high-performance humanoid for advanced research and industrial applications.
Source: pal-robotics.com
Kangaroo legged platform introduced
PAL Robotics introduces Kangaroo, a legged platform for locomotion research.
Source: pal-robotics.com
Kangaroo Pro released
PAL Robotics releases Kangaroo Pro with dual-arm capability.
Source: pal-robotics.com
PAL Robotics Competitors by Category
Direct industry rivals grouped by specific robotics domain
What Makes PAL Robotics Different?
Editorial AnalysisOrigin of Bots objective strategic assessment, engineering moats, and commercial hurdles
Key Strengths & Moats
- ✓20 years of experience.
- ✓Wide research customer base.
Core Strategic Focus
Kangaroo Pro and TIAGo Pro.
Road Ahead & Challenges
- •Research market is small.
- •Prices not published.
PAL Robotics vs Key Competitors
Strategic capability matrix across platform categories, commercial readiness, and target markets
Joint Control Paradigm
- PAL Robotics (TALOS)
- Direct Torque Control (1 kHz EtherCAT)
- Boston Dynamics (Atlas)
- Electric Whole-Body MPC
- Unitree (H1)
- High-Torque BLDC Velocity/Torque
- Rainbow (RB-Y1)
- High-Precision BLDC Position/Torque
Software Transparency
- PAL Robotics (TALOS)
- 100% Native Open ROS/ROS2
- Boston Dynamics (Atlas)
- Proprietary SDK & APIs
- Unitree (H1)
- Open Unitree SDK & ROS2
- Rainbow (RB-Y1)
- Open EtherCAT & ROS2 Wrappers
Arm Payload at Reach
- PAL Robotics (TALOS)
- 6 kg per arm (12 kg dual)
- Boston Dynamics (Atlas)
- 25+ kg continuous
- Unitree (H1)
- 15 kg total
- Rainbow (RB-Y1)
- 3 kg per arm (dual-arm)
Target User Base
- PAL Robotics (TALOS)
- European Scientific Research Labs
- Boston Dynamics (Atlas)
- Industrial Automotive Factories
- Unitree (H1)
- Global STEM & Academic Labs
- Rainbow (RB-Y1)
- Semiconductor & AI Research Labs
| Strategic Dimension | PAL Robotics (TALOS) | Boston Dynamics (Atlas) | Unitree (H1) | Rainbow (RB-Y1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joint Control Paradigm | Direct Torque Control (1 kHz EtherCAT) | Electric Whole-Body MPC | High-Torque BLDC Velocity/Torque | High-Precision BLDC Position/Torque |
| Software Transparency | 100% Native Open ROS/ROS2 | Proprietary SDK & APIs | Open Unitree SDK & ROS2 | Open EtherCAT & ROS2 Wrappers |
| Arm Payload at Reach | 6 kg per arm (12 kg dual) | 25+ kg continuous | 15 kg total | 3 kg per arm (dual-arm) |
| Target User Base | European Scientific Research Labs | Industrial Automotive Factories | Global STEM & Academic Labs | Semiconductor & AI Research Labs |
Corporate Ecosystem & Ownership Structure
Parent company relationships, historical acquisitions, and global operating facilities
Global Facilities & Operating Hubs
PAL Robotics Headquarters
HQBarcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Articles & Industry News
Showing 5 recent articles and news updates about PAL Robotics
PAL Robotics Boosts REEM-C Balance with Renishaw Encoders
News about REEM-C
PAL Robotics Kangaroo Redefines Legged Robot Research with Advanced Dynamic Control
News about Kangaroo
PAL Robotics Unveils ARI Upgrades at CES 2026
News about ARI
TALOS Powers Canada's First Humanoid Research Breakthrough
News about Talos
PAL Robotics' TIAGo Pro Revolutionizes Human-Robot Collaboration Globally
News about TIAGo Pro
Robot Comparisons
Showing 1 in-depth comparison featuring PAL Robotics — Explore all comparisons →
Frequently Asked Questions
8 AnswersVerified answers, company specifications, and deployment details about PAL Robotics
What is PAL Robotics?
PAL Robotics is a Barcelona service robotics company, founded in 2004, that makes humanoid and mobile manipulation robots including TALOS, REEM-C, TIAGo, ARI and Kangaroo.
Who founded PAL Robotics?
PAL Robotics was founded in 2004 and has been led since its founding by co-founder and chief executive Francesco Ferro, from its base in Barcelona, Spain.
What is the PAL Robotics TALOS?
TALOS is PAL's high-performance humanoid robot, launched in 2017 for advanced research and industrial applications, and is used in research laboratories across Europe.
What is TIAGo?
TIAGo is PAL Robotics' mobile manipulator, first shown in 2015. It has a mobile base and arm and is widely used in research and education, with TIAGo Pro and TIAGo++ variants.
What is the PAL Robotics ARI?
ARI is PAL's social AI robot, introduced in 2019, designed to interact with people in settings such as shops, hospitals and care homes.
How big is PAL Robotics?
PAL Robotics has about 100 employees from 25 nationalities, with offices in Toulouse and Bari in addition to its Barcelona headquarters.
Who buys PAL Robotics robots?
PAL sells mainly to universities, research centres and companies that use its robots such as TALOS, REEM-C and TIAGo for research and application development.
What was Europe's first full-size humanoid biped?
PAL Robotics built REEM-A in 2005, described as the first full-size autonomous humanoid biped made in Europe, and followed it with REEM-B in 2008 and REEM-C in 2013.
Verified Data & Editorial Assurance
Compiled from verified corporate filings, official PAL Robotics datasheets, and robotics engineering registries. Information has been verified against official manufacturer documentation. For commercial procurement or proprietary integrations, contact the manufacturer directly.