Swedish startup creates robot dog that learns like animals, not algorithms

Swedish startup IntuiCell has created a revolutionary robot dog called Luna with a digital nervous system that learns and adapts naturally like living organisms rather than relying on massive datasets or pre-training. This represents one of the first practical applications of physical agentic AI—artificial intelligence capable of making decisions and taking actions toward specific goals autonomously—and could transform how robots learn to navigate unpredictable environments, from space exploration to disaster response.

The big picture: IntuiCell is pioneering an entirely different approach to robot learning by creating machines with nervous systems that learn through real-world interactions rather than pre-programmed responses or massive data centers.

• “What we have built is the first software that allows any machine to learn like humans and animals do,” explained CEO and co-founder Viktor Luthman.
• The company will hire an actual dog trainer to teach Luna to walk instead of relying on generative AI models and extensive datasets.

How it works: Luna functions through a digital nervous system that perceives, processes, and improves through direct interactions with its environment.

• The robot dog can currently stand on its feet and will progressively learn more complex behaviors through physical interaction.
• Unlike conventional AI systems, Luna operates without “pre-training, no offline simulations and no billion-dollar data centre in the background,” according to Luthman.

Why this matters: The technology potentially solves one of robotics’ most challenging problems—enabling machines to adapt to unpredictable environments without human intervention.

• This approach could make robots valuable in scenarios where conditions cannot be anticipated or pre-programmed, such as space exploration, underwater missions, or disaster zones.

Looking ahead: IntuiCell plans to expand its nervous system technology to more complex robotic applications, including humanoid robots.

• Luthman envisions sending intelligent machines to Mars to build habitats for humans, where robots would need to solve problems independently as they arise.

Background: IntuiCell was formed in 2020 as a spin-out from Lund University in Sweden and receives funding from Sweden’s Navigare Ventures, Norway’s SNÖ Ventures, and the European Union.