Top French robotics company enters liquidation

(MENAFN) Aldebaran, a once-prominent French robotics firm known for its development of emotionally responsive humanoid robots, has officially entered liquidation, according to French media reports. The Paris Commercial Court approved the shutdown on Monday, ending the company’s operations and terminating the contracts of its 106 remaining employees.

Previously placed under bankruptcy protection in January and receivership in February, Aldebaran now faces asset liquidation to settle debts exceeding €60 million ($68 million). Its remaining valuable holdings, such as patents, are set to be auctioned off.

Two potential buyers—Franco-Swiss entrepreneur Jean-Marie Van Appelghem and Canadian investor Malik Bachouchi—sought to acquire the company. However, Van Appelghem’s offer lacked support from management and the receiver, while Bachouchi's proposal was ultimately rejected by the court.

Aldebaran was at its peak between 2012 and 2022 while owned by Japan’s Softbank Robotics Group. After its acquisition by Germany’s United Robotics Group (URG), part of the RAG-Stiftung, conditions reportedly worsened. According to Aldebaran’s employee committee and staff members, URG reduced investment and imposed unrealistic profitability targets, despite long development cycles.

The company gained early acclaim with its humanoid robots such as Nao, an educational tool; Pepper, a customer service robot capable of detecting human emotions; and Plato, designed for healthcare and hospitality. Despite global deployment in over 70 countries, total sales were estimated at just 30,000 units, according to L’Express.

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