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Hlabs: Manufactures robot actuators and electronics, including FOC control boards with open-source software for robotics developers.
Key people at Hlabs.
Hlabs was founded in 2025 by Paul Hetherington (Founder).
Paul Hetherington founded HLabs in 2025, an Austin, TX, USA-based company that manufactures actuators and electronics specifically for robots. The firm is dedicated to creating developer-friendly products, offering advanced FOC (Field-Oriented Control) boards for actuators, which are fully complemented by robust open-source software. These specialized offerings cater directly to robotics developers and engineers who require advanced and precise motion control solutions for their projects. HLabs' commitment to US-based manufacturing ensures high-quality components and streamlines the development process for complex robotic systems, emphasizing exceptional ease of integration and customization. This strategic approach aims to significantly lower barriers for innovation in robotic design and implementation, providing essential and critical components for next-generation automation. The organization is noted to operate efficiently with one dedicated employee, maintaining a focused expertise in its specialized robotics field.
Hlabs was founded in 2025 by Paul Hetherington (Founder).
Key people at Hlabs.
HLabs is a developer-friendly robotics startup founded in 2025 in Austin, Texas, focused on creating accessible robotics hardware and software solutions that empower developers to build innovative robotic applications. Backed by Y Combinator’s Winter 2026 batch, HLabs aims to simplify robotics development by providing modular, easy-to-use products and tools that serve robotics developers, researchers, and companies seeking to accelerate their robotics projects. Their solutions address the complexity and high entry barriers in robotics development, enabling faster prototyping and deployment, thus fueling growth in the robotics ecosystem[3][5].
HLabs was founded by Paul, a seasoned entrepreneur and second-time Y Combinator founder who previously led Mystic, a robotics startup, as CEO for six years. The idea for HLabs emerged from Paul’s deep experience in robotics and a recognition of the need for more developer-friendly robotics platforms that reduce complexity and speed innovation. The company quickly gained traction by joining Y Combinator’s Winter 2026 batch, positioning itself within a strong network of robotics startups and investors focused on advancing robotics technology[3][5].
HLabs rides the wave of increasing demand for robotics automation across industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and research. The timing is critical as robotics technology becomes more affordable and integrated with AI and machine learning, driving the Industry 4.0 revolution. By lowering the barriers for developers, HLabs accelerates innovation and adoption of robotics solutions, influencing the broader ecosystem by enabling startups and enterprises to build smarter, more adaptable robots faster[3][5].
Looking ahead, HLabs is poised to expand its product lineup and deepen its developer ecosystem, potentially becoming a key enabler in the robotics industry’s growth. Trends such as AI integration, robotics-as-a-service, and increased automation needs will shape their trajectory. Their influence is likely to grow as they help democratize robotics development, making it easier for a wider range of innovators to contribute to and benefit from robotics advancements[3][5]. This aligns with their mission to make robotics development more accessible and impactful, tying back to their core focus on developer-friendly robotics solutions.
