Bay Area Robotics Association Launches to Unite Robotics, Embodied AI, and Investment Ecosystems

Image Courtesy: Public Domain

The Bay Area Robotics Association (BARA) has officially launched as a member-driven industry platform connecting corporates, roboticists, investors, and startups. BARA members will help to shape robotics and embodied AI in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and beyond. BARA was unveiled  at the Humanoids Summit Silicon Valley, an industry event where leading minds in humanoid robotics, embodied AI and physical AI are convening from around the world.

“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.”

Reflecting the growing international alignment around real-world deployment and commercialization in robotics, BARA launches with MassRobotics as its primary U.S. collaborator, AI Robot Association (AIRoA) as its primary Japan collaborator, and Shanghai SG Robotics (Robot China Network) as its primary China collaborator. BARA’s initiative also is strengthened by the broader national standards ecosystem in the United States, including ongoing work at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that supports interoperability, measurement science, and deployment readiness across robotics sectors.

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 also will receive concise ecosystem updates and access to a private directory designed to streamline targeted introductions and collaboration.

Ms. Joyce Sidopoulos, Co-Founder and Chief of Operations at MassRobotics, added: “Partnering with BARA allows us to connect two of the most influential robotics hubs in the world. 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.”

Prof. Tetsuya Ogata, Chairman at AIRoA, noted: “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.”

Mr. Marco Zhao, President at Shanghai SG Robotics (Robot China Network), 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.”