Person

Josh Merel

Robot locomotion expert and former Google DeepMind researcher; co-authored Nature paper on AI-powered virtual rat. Previously worked at CTRL-labs, which was acquired by Facebook in 2019.

United States · 1 current role · 1 founding

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Physical AI footprint (3)

The physical AI companies Josh is connected to that DEPLOY verifies. The full record is one click away.

Fauna Roboticsverified→
Founder
Fauna Robotics was a New York-based humanoid robot developer that built [Sprout](/models/fauna-sprout), a compact, safety-first humanoid platform for developers
Seed · $30M1 model
Metaverified→
Former Employee at CTRL-labs (acquired by Facebook 2019)
[Meta platforms](/companies/meta-platforms) (NASDAQ: META) is a technology conglomerate operating Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
4 verified deployments · Ray-Ban Meta at United States (multiple hotel chains) →1 model
Googleverified→
Former Researcher at Google DeepMind
Google (Alphabet, NASDAQ: GOOGL) develops AI, cloud computing, and autonomous driving technology.
4 verified deployments · Pixel Watch at United States (multiple hotel chains) →21 models

Current roles (1)

Fauna Robotics CTO & Co-founderReported, not verified

Foundings (1)

Fauna Roboticscofounder

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Co-founders (1)

Rob Cochran co-founded Fauna Robotics

Former / Previously (2)

Meta Employee at CTRL-labs (acquired by Facebook 2019)2017-07-02 to 2019-07-02Reported, not verified
Google Researcher at Google DeepMind2015-07-02 to 2017-07-02Reported, not verified

Sources (1)

https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2026/not-ready-for-robots-in-homes-the-maker-of-a-friendly-new-humanoid-thinks-it-might-change-your-mind/

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