Persona AI announced a research collaboration with Under Armour Inc. (NYSE: UAA) to develop performance materials for humanoid robots operating in industrial environments, according to a company press release.

The Houston-based robotics company stated its robots are designed for physically intensive environments including welding, heavy manufacturing, extreme heat exposure, and hazardous material handling. The collaboration aims to evaluate how external material layers may enhance durability, thermal regulation, and overall humanoid performance.

The joint effort focuses on early-stage research examining how textiles behave under conditions such as heat, friction, and repetitive motion. Persona AI said the partnership seeks to establish standards for robot-specific performance gear.

"We chose to work with Under Armour because of their track record of innovation with these types of performance materials," said Nicolaus Radford, CEO of Persona AI. "As we develop humanoids for intense and potentially hazardous environments, this collaboration helps us understand how advanced materials can enhance long-term reliability."

Kyle Blakely, Senior Vice President of Innovation, Design Studio, Development, and Testing at Under Armour, stated the collaboration represents "an opportunity to apply our innovation expertise in a new context." He noted that robotics presents design challenges around thermal management, abrasion resistance, and flexibility.

Persona AI describes itself as developing intelligent humanoid robots for industrial applications, drawing from experience in robotics for space and deep-ocean exploration environments.