Niryo :: Accessible 6-Axis Collaborative Robotic Arms

Niryo is a French robotics company founded in 2017 by Marc-Henri Frouin, initially as a student project at ISEN engineering school. The company has grown into a recognized specialist in accessible 6-axis collaborative robotic arms. With design, development, and assembly carried out entirely in France (specifically in the north of France), Niryo emphasizes sovereign robotics, full control of its technological stack, component traceability, and industrial cybersecurity. The company has deployed more than 4,000 robots in over 70 countries, trained more than 70,000 engineers and students, and secured significant funding rounds, including €10 million in 2023 to accelerate its entry into the industrial market. Niryo operates with two distinct yet complementary platforms: the Ned ecosystem, focused on education and training, and the newer Nate Platform, aimed at professional industrial automation. Its mission is to make robotics intuitive, affordable, and practical for learning, automation, and innovation across education and industry. By combining compact hardware, user-friendly software, modular components, embedded Physical AI (vision and adaptive intelligence), and comprehensive support services, Niryo delivers rapid return on investment while bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world industrial applications.

Niryo’s robot-based products are divided between its educational and industrial lines. For education, the flagship Ned2 (and its successor Ned3 Pro) is a compact, quiet 6-axis collaborative robot designed specifically for classrooms, vocational schools, community colleges, and universities. Built on open-source ROS (Robot Operating System), it supports multiple programming environments including Blockly for beginners, Python, MATLAB, and full ROS development. The robot features a sturdy metal chassis, magnetic tool-changing system, integrated I/O for sensors, LED status rings, and an intuitive NiryoStudio interface. It is supplied in various bundles: Discovery Bundle, Classroom Packs (5–15 robots), and the new Integration Pack that allows safe, autonomous operation of didactic production lines without complex industrial safety systems. Educational content is delivered through the NiryoAcademy platform, offering ready-to-use courses on programming, automation, AI, vision, and cybersecurity. Accessories such as different grippers, vacuum pumps, electromagnets, vision kits, and conveyors enable diverse hands-on projects like pick-and-place, sorting by color, assembly simulation, and micro-factory setups. These solutions are used by over 600 educational institutions worldwide.

For industry, Niryo launched the Nate Platform in 2025–2026, a fully modular robotics ecosystem designed for SMEs, OEMs, machine builders, and integrators. The platform includes the NR Series industrial robotic arms, NA Series high-performance modular actuators (usable for custom arms or even humanoids), NPG Series parallel-finger industrial grippers, and turnkey Smart Machines — pre-configured robotic cells for applications such as machine tending (CNC loading/unloading), packaging, boxing, palletizing, quality control, and sorting. The ecosystem is completed by NiryoStudio for Nate, which offers block-based or Python programming, project organization, fleet monitoring, predictive maintenance, and simplified integration with existing PLCs and sensors. A major differentiator is the integration of Physical AI — embedded vision and intelligence modules that allow robots to perceive their environment, adapt to variations in parts or lighting, and improve performance without constant reprogramming.

Niryo stands out for its pragmatic approach: offering the “right technology” at the right cost (starting around €3,900 for educational arms), rapid deployment, modular scalability, and strong customer success support included with purchases. The company provides additional services including custom integration, training, and co-development through its Deploy Robotics brand. With a strong focus on Physical AI, French manufacturing sovereignty, and a complete ecosystem from components to turnkey cells, Niryo enables laboratories, agri-food producers, logistics operators, and educators to implement flexible, cost-effective automation while preparing the next generation of robotics professionals.