OpenMind, a company developing an open artificial intelligence operating system for robots, today announced the beta mode release of its open-source OS, which it said will allow anyone to program robots.
The company called its OS the “Android for robots,” providing a universal platform that allows any robot to reason, perceive and act in the real world. The operating system, dubbed OM1, provides all the necessary components and framework for developers to prototype, test and deploy robotics applications without being tied to any specific platform.
“OM1 gives developers a shortcut to the future,” said Chief Technology Officer Boyuan Chen. “Instead of stitching together tools and drivers, you can immediately start building intelligent behaviors and applications.”
The OS can be used to power real-world intelligence for any robot, including drones, quadrupeds and humanoids. It integrates various large language models, computer and robotic vision AI models and agentic workflow models that provide advanced reasoning modularly so that developers can plug-and-play according to use case.
The software supports numerous popular models, including those from OpenAI, Google LLC, DeepSeek, ElevenLabs Inc. and xAI Corp., alongside the ability for developers to bring their own. Ready-to-use preconfigured reasoning agents bring life to robots from platforms such as quadruped robot maker Unitree Robotics, the personal robotic kit TurtleBot and more.
The beta system, available on GitHub, allows developers to prototype voice-controlled quadrupeds and drones in minutes. They can test and deploy drones that talk to each other and collaborate about navigation with real-time mapping and obstacle avoidance. For developers interested in the humanoid robot industry, the framework also integrates LLMs for natural voice and body language interaction.
Developers can build applications quickly and simulate them in Gazebo from Open Source Robotics Foundation Inc., an open-source library of robotics simulation tools. Using the simulator, developers can research and design the different ways robots will interact with the world by providing 3D rendered environments to test and understand how their AI applications will work before deploying.
Billions of dollars have been invested in robotics hardware and software, with around $6 billion in capital poured into robotics companies and startups in the first seven months of 2025, according to the research firm Crunchbase. The biggest round this year went to Apptronik Inc., a robotics spinoff from The University of Texas at Austin, known for its flagship Apollo robot, which raised $403 million between its Series A and extension. Crunchbase predicts that, given this trajectory, this year’s funding will most likely eclipse last year’s funding levels of $7.5 billion.
“Robots shouldn’t just move — they should learn, adapt, and collaborate,” said OpenMind Chief Executive Jan Liphardt. “With this release, we’re giving developers the foundation to make that a reality.”
Liphardt said he believes an open OS for robotics will lower barriers for entry and transform the industry. With a single operating system that works across all robot types and manufacturers, developers and enterprise businesses do not need to worry about lock-in. Developers will also be able to contribute, share and extend capabilities using OM1’s open-source framework.
Photo: OpenMind
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