Canadian company bringing physical AI to existing industrial robots, plus dexterous hydraulic hands
Sanctuary AI, based in Vancouver, has developed the Phoenix humanoid and high-strength hydraulic hands, with a strategic partnership and equity investment from Magna. Co-founder Geordie Rose stepped down as CEO in November 2024, and chairman Daniel Friedmann became CEO in June 2026, replacing interim CEO James Wells. An investment from Zeon of Japan was announced on May 26, 2026. In June 2026 it began offering its AI software for other robot platforms, and it has reported validation at a Tier 1 automotive supplier. Its website now leads with physical AI for existing industrial robots and industrial hydraulic hands in development, rather than Phoenix and Carbon.
Researched as of November 3, 2026. Each item links to its source.
Chairman Daniel Friedmann, who led MDA (now MDA Space) for 20+ years, became CEO; interim CEO James Wells departed.
Source: betakit.comExpanded its Physical AI to existing industrial robots, reporting 99.5%+ success at a 2.54-second cycle time on a wire-plugging task for a global Tier 1 auto supplier.
Source: sanctuary.aiJapan's Zeon invested via its CVC Zeon Ventures and began technical collaboration on elastomer materials for human-like industrial robot hands (amount undisclosed).
Source: zeon.co.jpShowed the Gen 8 Phoenix with Microsoft at Hannover Messe 2025, running it for 43.5 hours on the show floor.
Source: sanctuary.aiImageGeneral-purpose humanoid with dexterous hydraulic hands, driven by the Carbon AI control system, that has demonstrated in-hand manipulation. As of November 2026 the official website no longer features Phoenix or Carbon, and they are not offered as current products.
Beyond its equity investment, Magna is piloting Phoenix in its manufacturing operations and jointly assessing cost and scalability.
Sanctuary reported validating its physical AI performance at an unnamed Tier 1 automotive supplier.
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