Ali Agha (FieldAI)

Overview

Ali Agha is a notable expert in the field of robotics and autonomy, serving as the founder and CEO of FieldAI, a company specializing in the development of advanced AI systems for robotics applications. Before founding FieldAI, Agha spent several years at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where he led significant projects in robotic autonomy, including the DARPA Subterranean Challenge and NASA's Mars exploration initiatives. Agha is recognized for his contributions to building universal robot intelligence through FieldAI's pioneering efforts, particularly in developing "embodied AI" models for diverse robotic applications.

Recent Developments

August 2025: FieldAI raised $405 million in funding across multiple rounds, reaching a valuation of $2 billion. Notable investors included Bezos Expeditions, Prysm, and Temasek. The funding aims to support the development of universal robotic "brains" capable of adapting across various types of robots and environments.
Early 2025: FieldAI announced rapid expansion plans and substantial hiring efforts, intending to double its workforce and increase its presence across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The company's technology is being integrated into industrial domains such as construction and energy.
2024-2025: FieldAI's pioneering work in embodied AI and general-purpose robotics attracted investment from prominent figures like Bill Gates and organizations like Nvidia's venture capital arm. The company's unique approach emphasizes managing risk through physics-based models, setting a new standard in safety-critical robotic environments.

Personal Information

Attribute	Information
Full Name	Ali-akbar Agha-mohammadi
Born
Nationality
Occupation	CEO of FieldAI
Known For	Robotics, AI, Autonomous Systems
Net Worth	Not publicly disclosed
Education	PhD from Texas A&M University

Early Life and Education

Ali Agha, originally Ali-akbar Agha-mohammadi, pursued his early education in electrical engineering and robotics. He obtained a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on control systems and robotics. His academic journey led him to Texas A&M University, where he earned a PhD in Computer Engineering. During his tenure at Texas A&M, Agha focused on robotics and AI, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to autonomous systems. His early career was marked by a strong foundation in stochastic control systems and perceptional AI, which eventually translated into his work at NASA.

Career and Notable Achievements

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (2016-2023): Ali Agha served as a Robotics Technologist and Principal Investigator at NASA JPL, leading projects like the DARPA Subterranean Challenge and Mars exploration missions.
- Managed projects involving autonomous exploration of extreme environments and planetary missions.
- Developed innovative solutions in robotic autonomy under NASA's auspices.
FieldAI (2023-present): Founded FieldAI, focusing on developing general-purpose AI for robotics, securing substantial funding to advance research and deployment across diverse industrial sectors.
- Successfully raised over $400 million to propel robotics intelligence as a mainstream solution.

Current Work and Impact

Ali Agha currently leads FieldAI as its CEO, directing efforts to implement AI solutions across a spectrum of industrial applications. His work revolves around creating adaptable AI models that provide robots with the capability to operate safely in varying environments without explicit mappings or supervision. FieldAI's contributions are significant in the fields of industrial automation, safety-critical robotics, and advanced AI integration, positioning Agha as a pioneer of modern robotic autonomy.

Ali Agha Robotics

Ali Agha's contributions to robotics, particularly through FieldAI, include the development of universal robotic "brains" that generalize learning and adaptability across different robotic platforms. His company's focus on embodied AI—robots designed to operate in the physical world by understanding physics and environmental variables—has been crucial for advancements in safety and operational efficiency in robotics.

Ali Agha NASA

During his tenure at NASA, Agha was pivotal in advancing the autonomy capabilities of planetary and aerial exploration missions. He led significant initiatives under NASA's programs, focusing on developing autonomous robotic systems capable of exploring uncharted and hazardous territories on other planets and asteroids.

Conclusion

Ali Agha has significantly contributed to the fields of robotics and autonomous systems. His transition from a prestigious career at NASA to founding FieldAI highlights his commitment to advancing AI and robotics technology, affecting how robots integrate into industrial processes. As robotics continue to evolve, Ali Agha's work with FieldAI positions him and his company at the forefront of creating solutions that could redefine how robots are used globally.