Sanctuary AI
Sanctuary AI is a Vancouver, Canada company founded in 2018 by Geordie Rose, co-founder of quantum computing firm D-Wave, together with Suzanne Gildert and Olivia Norton, to build general-purpose humanoid robots with human-like intelligence. On 16 May 2023 it unveiled Phoenix, its sixth-generation general-purpose humanoid, 5 feet 7 inches tall with dexterous hands designed for tasks such as stocking shelves and operating a till, controlled by Carbon, an AI control system that uses generative AI. Sanctuary raised a US$58.5 million Series A in March 2022 from investors including Magna, Bell and Verizon Ventures, plus a C$30 million contribution from the Government of Canada, for total funding of more than C$100 million. It went through layoffs, a change of chief executive and a proposed asset sale in 2024 and 2025, and by January 2026 was hiring again under chief executive James Wells. Sanctuary sells Phoenix mainly as labour as a service to commercial customers.
π‘Notable Achievement: Sanctuary AI unveiled Phoenix, its sixth-generation humanoid, on 16 May 2023 and raised a US$58.5 million Series A in March 2022.
What Does Sanctuary AI Do?
Sanctuary AI is a Vancouver company founded in 2018 that builds the Phoenix general-purpose humanoid and its Carbon AI control system.
βGeneral-purpose humanoids offered as labour.β
Phoenix
Sixth-generation humanoid, 5 feet 7 inches.
Carbon
AI control system using generative AI.
Backing
More than C$100 million raised.
What Can Sanctuary AI Robots Actually Do?
Cross-portfolio operational capabilities, manipulation tasks, and environmental competencies
Retail and commercial tasks.
Retail Tasks
Shelf stocking and till operation.
Carbon Control
Generative AI-based control.
Sanctuary AI Robots & Robot Hands
Showing 1 Humanoid Robots of 2 total models
Phoenix
Manufactured by Sanctuary AI
Phoenix is Sanctuary AIβs groundbreaking humanoid robot designed to revolutionize human-robot collaboration. With human-like dexterity, advanced perception, and robust AI, Phoenix can operate in complex environments including manufacturing floors, healthcare facilities, and service industries. It can perform delicate tasks, heavy lifting, and interact naturally with humans. Its design aims to reduce human workload in hazardous or repetitive tasks while ensuring safety and precision. Phoenixβs learning capabilities allow it to adapt to new environments, making it a versatile asset for future-forward workplaces.
Sanctuary AI Software & AI Ecosystem
Developer platforms, fleet management portals, autonomy intelligence, and enterprise integrations
Carbon
AI Control System
Sanctuary's AI control system for Phoenix.
Sanctuary AI Timeline & Milestones
Evolutionary history, landmark prototypes, major acquisitions, and commercial roadmap
Sanctuary AI founded in Vancouver
Geordie Rose, Suzanne Gildert and Olivia Norton found Sanctuary AI to build general-purpose humanoid robots.
Source: humanoidindex.org
$58.5 million Series A
Sanctuary raises a US$58.5 million Series A with participation from Magna, Bell and Verizon Ventures.
Source: humanoidindex.org
Phoenix general-purpose humanoid unveiled
Sanctuary AI unveils Phoenix, its sixth-generation general-purpose humanoid controlled by the Carbon AI system.
Source: geekwire.com
Sanctuary AI hiring again
Sanctuary AI resumes hiring after a difficult 2024 and 2025 of layoffs and a chief executive change.
Source: robohorizon.com
Sanctuary AI Competitors by Category
Direct industry rivals grouped by specific robotics domain
What Makes Sanctuary AI Different?
Editorial AnalysisOrigin of Bots objective strategic assessment, engineering moats, and commercial hurdles
Key Strengths & Moats
- βWell-known founders and funding history.
- βGovernment support.
Core Strategic Focus
Rebuilding after 2024 and 2025 turmoil.
Road Ahead & Challenges
- β’Layoffs and a CEO change.
- β’Fewer commercial deployments than rivals.
Sanctuary AI vs Key Competitors
Strategic capability matrix across platform categories, commercial readiness, and target markets
Hand Actuation Method
- Sanctuary AI
- Proprietary Micro-Hydraulics
- Figure AI
- Electric Rotary & Cable Tendons
- Tesla Optimus
- Electric Cable Tendon-Driven
- Clone Robotics
- Water-Driven Synthetic Myofibers
Hand Degrees of Freedom
- Sanctuary AI
- 20 DoF per hand
- Figure AI
- 16 DoF per hand
- Tesla Optimus
- 11 DoF per hand
- Clone Robotics
- 20+ DoF per hand
AI Cognitive Stack
- Sanctuary AI
- Carbon AI Architecture
- Figure AI
- Helix VLA Neural Model
- Tesla Optimus
- Tesla FSD Vision Transformers
- Clone Robotics
- Bio-Mechanical Kinematic Models
Industrial Validation
- Sanctuary AI
- Magna International & Canadian Tire
- Figure AI
- BMW Spartanburg Assembly
- Tesla Optimus
- Tesla Gigafactory Assembly
- Clone Robotics
- Research & Lab Deployments
| Strategic Dimension | Sanctuary AI(Current) | Figure AI | Tesla Optimus | Clone Robotics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand Actuation Method | Proprietary Micro-Hydraulics | Electric Rotary & Cable Tendons | Electric Cable Tendon-Driven | Water-Driven Synthetic Myofibers |
| Hand Degrees of Freedom | 20 DoF per hand | 16 DoF per hand | 11 DoF per hand | 20+ DoF per hand |
| AI Cognitive Stack | Carbon AI Architecture | Helix VLA Neural Model | Tesla FSD Vision Transformers | Bio-Mechanical Kinematic Models |
| Industrial Validation | Magna International & Canadian Tire | BMW Spartanburg Assembly | Tesla Gigafactory Assembly | Research & Lab Deployments |
Corporate Ecosystem & Ownership Structure
Parent company relationships, historical acquisitions, and global operating facilities
Magna International
Investor and manufacturing partner.
Ownership & Acquisition History
Investor and manufacturing partner.
Canadian telecom investor in Sanctuary AI.
Investor in Sanctuary AI.
Global Facilities & Operating Hubs
Sanctuary AI Headquarters
HQVancouver, Canada
Articles & Industry News
Showing 2 recent articles and news updates about Sanctuary AI
Robot Comparisons
Showing 2 in-depth comparisons featuring Sanctuary AI β Explore all comparisons β
Phoenix by Sanctuary AI vs Walker Tienkung by UBTECH
Compare Phoenix and Walker Tienkung. Detailed analysis of navigation, sensors, and speed.
Compare Star1 by Robot Era & Phoenix by Sanctuary AI
Compare Star1 and Phoenix. Detailed analysis of speed, sensors, AI capabilities, and navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 AnswersVerified answers, company specifications, and deployment details about Sanctuary AI
What is Sanctuary AI?
Sanctuary AI is a Vancouver, Canada company, founded in 2018, that builds Phoenix, a general-purpose humanoid robot controlled by its Carbon AI system, and offers it as labour as a service.
Who founded Sanctuary AI?
Sanctuary AI was founded in 2018 by Geordie Rose, co-founder of D-Wave Systems, together with Suzanne Gildert and Olivia Norton.
What is the Sanctuary Phoenix robot?
Phoenix is Sanctuary's sixth-generation general-purpose humanoid, unveiled on 16 May 2023. It is 5 feet 7 inches tall with dexterous hands for retail and other tasks.
What is Carbon?
Carbon is Sanctuary's AI control system for Phoenix, which the company called its crown jewel, and which uses generative AI and language models to plan and control tasks.
How much has Sanctuary AI raised?
Sanctuary raised a US$58.5 million Series A in March 2022 and a C$30 million contribution from the Government of Canada, and has raised more than C$100 million in total.
Who is the CEO of Sanctuary AI?
Sanctuary AI's chief executive is James Wells. Co-founder Geordie Rose led the company at Phoenix's 2023 launch before leadership changed during 2024 and 2025.
Can you buy a Sanctuary Phoenix?
Sanctuary has offered Phoenix mainly as labour as a service to commercial customers rather than as a robot to buy, and has not published a purchase price.
Is Sanctuary AI still operating?
Yes. After layoffs, a chief executive change and a proposed asset sale in 2024 and 2025, Sanctuary AI was reported to be hiring again in January 2026.
Verified Data & Editorial Assurance
Compiled from verified corporate filings, official Sanctuary AI datasheets, and robotics engineering registries. Information has been verified against official manufacturer documentation. For commercial procurement or proprietary integrations, contact the manufacturer directly.