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DIC Corp. Invests in Mantis Robotics to Advance Physical AI Technologies
Original from AIInsider: Japan’s DIC Backs Mantis Robotics With Undisclosed Funding

DIC Corp. Invests in Mantis Robotics to Advance Physical AI Technologies

DIC Corp. has made a strategic investment in Mantis Robotics, marking the inaugural deal from its $62 million DIC D2S Ventures fund. This investment aims to enhance Mantis' development of fenceless industrial robots, particularly the MR-1, which has recently achieved safety certification. The collaboration will focus on integrating DIC's materials and sensing technologies with Mantis' robotics capabilities.

This partnership is significant as it highlights DIC's commitment to expanding into the physical AI sector, which is seen as a key growth area. Mantis Robotics, founded in 2020, is poised for commercial expansion across logistics, electronics, and automotive manufacturing, leveraging its innovative robotic solutions. The safety certification of the MR-1 is expected to drive further momentum in the industrial automation market.

Looking ahead, both companies plan to explore advanced tactile and sensing systems, robotic fingers, and lightweight components. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication, but the collaboration is anticipated to yield significant advancements in human-robot collaboration and productivity in industrial settings.

Editor's Note

The investment by DIC Corp. into Mantis Robotics underscores a growing trend in the robotics industry where established companies are seeking to integrate advanced materials and sensing technologies into automation solutions. This move could enhance competitive positioning in the rapidly evolving landscape of industrial automation and physical AI.

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Japanese specialty chemicals company developing advanced materials and sensor-integrated robotic components for manufacturing automation.

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Developer of the world's first certified fenceless high-speed industrial robot with embedded human-safe AI.

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