ANA HOLDINGS Invests in Robotics AI Startup RLWRLD to Tackle Aviation Workforce Challenges

(IN SHORT) ANA HOLDINGS has invested in RLWRLD Inc., a South Korean startup developing Robotics Foundation Model (RFM) AI, through its ANA Future Frontier Fund. RLWRLD’s RFM technology offers next-generation AI solutions tailored to physical environments, making it ideal for addressing workforce challenges in aviation and other industries. Led by AI entrepreneur Jung-hee Ryu and Chief Scientist Professor Jinwoo Shin, RLWRLD plans to open a Japan office in 2025 to strengthen collaborations with local robotics and sensor firms. The investment aligns with ANA HD’s broader strategy to enhance innovation in non-airline ventures, particularly within automation and AI-powered aviation services.

(PRESS RELEASE) TOKYO, 2025-Apr-15 — /Travel PR News/ — ANA HOLDINGS INC. (ANA HD) has announced a strategic investment in South Korea-based startup RLWRLD Inc. through its corporate venture capital fund, ANA Future Frontier Fund L.P. This move marks ANA HD’s latest effort to drive innovation in aviation services and address pressing workforce challenges by leveraging cutting-edge Robotics Foundation Model (RFM) AI.

RLWRLD, founded in July 2024 and headquartered in Seoul, is pioneering the development of RFM technology designed specifically for physical environments such as manufacturing, logistics, and service sectors. Unlike traditional language-based Large Language Models (LLMs), RFMs enable AI systems to operate and make decisions in real-world, physical contexts—a critical advancement for industries facing labor shortages and operational complexities.

The startup is led by CEO Jung-hee Ryu, a renowned AI specialist and serial entrepreneur who previously founded OLAWORKS, which was acquired by Intel. RLWRLD’s research and development is spearheaded by Chief Scientist Professor Jinwoo Shin from the KAIST Graduate School of AI, supported by a top-tier team of AI researchers.

As RLWRLD prepares to open a Japan office in 2025, the partnership with ANA HD aims to accelerate collaborative opportunities with Japanese companies and institutions known for their strengths in robotics and sensor innovation. Through this investment, ANA HD intends to explore scalable Physical AI solutions that can revolutionize not only aviation operations but also create broader cross-industry value.

About RLWRLD Inc.

• Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
• Founded: July 2024
• CEO: Jung-hee Ryu
• Website: https://rlwrld.ai

About ANA Future Frontier Fund L.P.

• Established: April 2024
• Fund Size: ¥8 billion
• Duration: 10 years
• Key Focus Areas: New mobility (air mobility, MaaS, drones), fintech, carbon-neutral technologies, robotics, AI, autonomous systems
• Unlimited Partner: Global Brain Corporation
• Limited Partner: ANA HOLDINGS INC.
• Website: https://www.anahd-cvc.com/en

Inquiries from corporate customers: contact_afff@anahd.co.jp
Contact: ANA Corporate Communications, TEL +81-3-6735-1111, publicrelations@ana.co.jp

SOURCE: ANA HOLDINGS INC.