Saronic's $600M Boost, Korea's Robot Alliance, and Ant Group's Humanoid Entry

Hi there,

Welcome to this edition of the Robotics Brief, where we delve into the latest advancements and strategic moves in the world of robotics and AI. This week, we spotlight Saronic Technologies as they secure a substantial $600 million in Series C funding to propel their autonomous shipbuilding capabilities with Port Alpha. Meanwhile, the Korean government is making strides in the robotics sector by forming the 'Humanoid Robot Alliance', aiming to bolster its global competitiveness through collaboration with major corporations and SMEs.

In other news, Geek+ has embarked on its first South African venture, partnering with European Conveyors and Components to enhance parcel handling efficiency at Takealot's Johannesburg facility. Additionally, Field AI, backed by Nvidia, is in talks to raise funds at a $2 billion valuation, reflecting its rapid growth and focus on AI models for robotics. Stay tuned as we continue to bring you the latest updates from the dynamic world of robotics and AI.

Saronic Technologies Raises $600 Million for Autonomous Shipbuilding

Saronic Technologies has secured $600 million in Series C funding to develop Port Alpha, a next-generation shipyard for autonomous vessels, enhancing U.S. shipbuilding capabilities. Read more

Korean Government Forms Humanoid Robot Alliance

The Korean government has initiated the 'Humanoid Robot Alliance' to enhance its global competitiveness in robotics by collaborating with major corporations and SMEs. Read more

Geek+ Partners with ECC for Takealot Project in South Africa

Geek+ has launched its first project in South Africa, collaborating with European Conveyors and Components to introduce intelligent sorting robots at Takealot's Johannesburg facility, aiming to automate parcel handling and improve efficiency. Read more

Field AI Seeks $2 Billion Valuation with Nvidia's Support

Field AI, a robotics startup backed by Nvidia, is in talks to raise funds at a $2 billion valuation, up from $500 million last year. The company focuses on AI models for robotics and is already generating revenue. Read more

Zen Technologies Invests in Vector Technics and Bhairav Robotics

Zen Technologies has announced investments in Vector Technics and Bhairav Robotics, acquiring significant stakes to enhance India's defense manufacturing capabilities in UAV propulsion and autonomous robotics. Read more

Ant Group Enters Humanoid Robot Market in China

Ant Group, associated with Alibaba, is launching into the humanoid robot sector in China via its new subsidiary, Shanghai Ant Lingbo Technology. This initiative is part of a broader trend among Chinese tech companies, encouraged by government support for economic and technological advancement. Read more

Apptronik Secures $350 Million for AI Humanoid Robots

Apptronik, an Austin-based startup, has raised $350 million in Series A funding to advance its Apollo humanoid robots. The funding will help scale operations and integrate robots into industries, with support from Google’s DeepMind and partnerships with Mercedes-Benz and GXO Logistics. Read more

AYRO Launches Robotics Division for AI-Driven Manufacturing

AYRO, Inc., based in Round Rock, Texas, has initiated a robotics division focused on AI-driven automated manufacturing of electric vehicles and accessories. The company has secured its first order for advanced EV chargers necessitating robotic assembly, aiming to boost manufacturing capabilities and market reach. Read more

TCS Partners with MassRobotics for Robotics Innovation

Tata Consultancy Services has teamed up with MassRobotics to boost innovation in the robotics field. The collaboration will see TCS working at MassRobotics' Boston facility to develop robotics applications in sectors like retail and transportation. Read more

Anscer Robotics Secures $2 Million Seed Funding

Anscer Robotics, a Bengaluru-based startup, has raised $2 million in seed funding led by Info Edge Ventures. The funds will be used to expand market reach and develop new product lines. Read more

Vedanta Aluminium Introduces AI Drone for Mine Safety

Vedanta Aluminium has launched an AI-powered drone to enhance safety at its Jamkhani coal mine in Odisha. The drone offers real-time aerial monitoring and alerts for improved safety in mining operations. Read more

RC Mowers Appoints New Autonomous Engineering Director

RC Mowers has appointed Richard Lukas, Ph.D., as its new autonomous engineering director to enhance its landscaping solutions and address industry labor shortages. Read more

Genesis Robotics Seeks $80 Million for AI Simulation Platform

Theophile Gervet, formerly of Mistral, is raising $80 million for Genesis Robotics, a startup developing an AI simulation platform for robot training. The project involves collaboration with over 20 research labs. Read more

TIER IV Completes Robotaxi Pilot Tests in Tokyo

TIER IV has completed pilot tests for a robotaxi service in Tokyo's Odaiba and Nishi-Shinjuku. The tests are part of a phased approach to integrate autonomous taxis into Japan's transport network. Read more

BITO and Locus Robotics Partner for Warehouse Automation

BITO Lagertechnik and Locus Robotics have announced a strategic partnership to integrate their solutions for automated order fulfillment, aiming to boost productivity and efficiency in logistics. Read more

Momenta Invests in NODE Robotics for Autonomous Operations

Momenta has led an investment in NODE Robotics, a company based in Stuttgart, to enhance AI-powered operations for Autonomous Mobile Robots and Automated Guided Vehicles. The investment will support NODE's global expansion and fleet automation improvements. Read more

Cyngn Deploys Autonomous Vehicles in Multiple Sectors

Cyngn Inc. has announced the deployment of its DriveMod Tuggers and Forklifts across the Manufacturing, Consumer Packaged Goods, Logistics, and Defense sectors, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and meet sector-specific demands. Read more

Meta Forms Team for Humanoid Robotics

Meta is establishing a new team in its Reality Labs division to work on humanoid robotics, focusing on developing robots for household tasks. The team will be led by Marc Whitten and will collaborate with companies like Unitree Robotics and Figure AI. Read more

Figure AI Seeks $1.5 Billion Funding at $39.5 Billion Valuation

Figure AI, a robotics startup, is in discussions to raise $1.5 billion, potentially valuing the company at $39.5 billion. The funding round is anticipated to be led by Parkway Venture Capital and Align Ventures. Read more

Double Tap Invests in Black Forest Systems

The Finnish-Ukrainian investment firm Double Tap has invested in the Ukrainian drone startup Black Forest Systems, known for its Vyirok drone. This move supports the Finnish Drone Systems Development Strategy 2030 and Ukraine's defense capabilities. Read more

Saronic's $600M Boost, Korea's Robot Alliance, and Ant Group's Humanoid Entry - Robotics Brief #5

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