Emerald backs human-centered robots with physical intelligence
Pleasanton, California – Cleantech venture capital pioneer Emerald Technology Ventures has invested into Mantis Robotics, a pioneer in Physical AI for robotic automation. The $5M round was led by Emerald with participation from the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund. This cash infusion will enable Mantis Robotics to scale its operations, enhance its product portfolio, and expand its presence in the rapidly growing industrial robotics market.
Mantis has entered the next frontier in robotics by creating the first adaptive, human-centered robots. The company makes industrial robotic arms that are inherently safe for human interaction, eliminating the need for costly and complex external safeguards such as fences or laser barriers. Mantis’ technology learns and understands its environment based on sensor data from a proprietary built-in sensor-suite. This enables Mantis Robots to detect obstacles and humans in its direct environment and adjust the robot’s behavior accordingly in real-time, making robot arms safe and autonomous.
The robot’s intuitive deployment software with a 3D real-time Digital Twin, requires no technical or coding knowledge to use, making them accessible for diverse industries and users. By reducing operational complexity, Mantis’ robot systems can result in savings of as much as 75% in a typical robotic deployment. The company’s transformative technology has the potential to advance industries far beyond manufacturing and warehousing, paving the way for a new era of human-machine collaboration.
“We built our company on the premise that robots should be an extension of the human capability,” said Gerry Vannuffelen, Founder & CEO of Mantis Robotics. “Our industry has benefited greatly from many new developments in AI-powered application software Unfortunately, these systems do not allow for safe human-robot interaction. We provide the link between AI and the physical world, by enabling robots to interact safely and capably with humans.”
“The investment into Mantis Robotics is another bet of Emerald on the huge potential of Physical AI. We believe Mantis Robotics’ unique technology will revolutionize robotics and will enable never-seen before levels of human-machine collaboration. Mantis Robotics unlocks entirely new automation use cases initially in manufacturing and in warehousing, and in soon virtually every other domain,” said Michal Natora, Senior Investment Director at Emerald.
“At Amazon, collaborative technology is key to running safe and efficient operations. Technology can serve its best purpose when it’s human-centric and able to work seamlessly to support employees as they deliver for our customers,” said Franziska Bossart, Head of the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund. “We are excited about Mantis Robotics’ science-driven approach to advancing human-machine collaboration, fostering safer and more ergonomic workplaces.”
Emerald has been deepening its presence in industrial robots as a lever for efficiency in sectors that form the foundation of the global economy but often lag on productivity growth. Its previous investment in this space was sewts, which makes robotic systems for textile handling.
More on Industrial IT, AI and Robotics at Emerald:
Emerald leads CHF 23.5 M investment in Embotech, autonomous driving innovator
Emerald leads €8.4 M round in Keto Software, Leader in AI-driven SPM Solutions
sewts to boost robotization of textile market with Emerald investment