Hyundai Eyes Boston Dynamics IPO, LG Acquires Bear Robotics, and UVeye Raises $191M

January 30, 2025 - Robotics Brief

Hi there,

This edition of the Robotics Brief brings you the latest developments in the robotics and AI sectors. Hyundai Motor is considering an initial public offering for its robotics unit, Boston Dynamics, as part of its strategy to enhance its robotics capabilities. Meanwhile, iotaMotion, Inc. has expanded its iotaSOFT® Insertion System to 25 centers across the U.S. and secured Series B funding to improve cochlear implant surgery outcomes.

In other news, LG Electronics has acquired a majority stake in Bear Robotics, aiming to strengthen its robotics business by leveraging the startup's advanced software solutions. BonV Aero has received funding from Unicorn India Ventures to advance its eVTOL and drone technologies, focusing on defense and logistics applications. Additionally, UVeye has raised $191 million to expand its AI-powered vehicle inspection systems globally, with plans to install hundreds of new systems by 2025.

Hyundai Considers IPO for Boston Dynamics
Hyundai Motor is contemplating an initial public offering for its robotics unit, Boston Dynamics, to boost its robotics capabilities. The company has not set a timeline or confirmed plans yet. Read more
iotaMotion Expands and Secures Funding for Cochlear Implant Tech
iotaMotion, Inc. has expanded its iotaSOFT® Insertion System to 25 centers in the U.S. and secured Series B funding to enhance its operations, aiming to improve cochlear implant surgery outcomes. Read more
LG Electronics Acquires Majority Stake in Bear Robotics
LG Electronics has increased its stake in Bear Robotics from 21% to 51%, gaining management control of the AI robotics startup. This strategic move aims to bolster LG's robotics business by leveraging Bear Robotics' advanced software solutions. Read more
BonV Aero Receives Funding for eVTOL and Drone Tech
BonV Aero, a drone manufacturer based in Odisha, has secured investment from Unicorn India Ventures to advance its eVTOL and autonomous drone technologies, focusing on defence, logistics, and emergency response applications. Read more
UVeye Raises $191 Million for AI Vehicle Inspection
UVeye, based in Teaneck, New Jersey, has secured $191 million in funding to expand its AI-powered vehicle inspection systems globally. The investment, led by Woven Capital, aims to install hundreds of new systems by 2025. Read more
SoftBank to Invest $500 Million in SkildAI
SoftBank is negotiating a $500 million investment in SkildAI, a robotics software company now valued at $4 billion. The company has previously raised $300 million and has attracted interest from investors like Jeff Bezos. Read more
Figure AI to Enhance Humanoid Robot Safety
Figure AI has announced the creation of a Center for the Advancement of Humanoid Safety to address safety concerns of humanoid robots in workplaces. The center will focus on certifying robots to industrial safety standards and improving their interaction with human workers. Read more
Rockwell Automation Acquires Clearpath Robotics
Rockwell Automation has acquired Clearpath Robotics, a Canadian firm known for its autonomous mobile robots. This acquisition aims to boost Rockwell's autonomous production logistics solutions. Read more
Kodiak Robotics Delivers Driverless Trucks to Atlas Energy
Kodiak Robotics has launched its first commercial driverless truck operations, delivering two autonomous trucks to Atlas Energy Solutions in West Texas. The trucks have completed 100 loads without human drivers, marking a significant development in the autonomous vehicle industry. Read more
1X Acquires Kind Humanoid
1X, a robotics company supported by OpenAI, has acquired the Norwegian startup Kind Humanoid. This acquisition marks a significant move in the humanoid robotics industry. Read more
Bonsai Robotics Secures $15M for Orchard Tech
Bonsai Robotics has raised $15 million in Series A funding to advance its autonomous harvesting technology for tree crops, addressing labor shortages in agriculture. Read more
BOW Secures £4 Million Seed Funding
BOW, a robotics software company, has raised £4 million in seed funding led by Northern Gritstone to advance its universal robotics platform and SDK. Read more

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