Robot Manufacturer Industrial Manufacturing Logistics & Supply Chain Collaborative Humanoid
Travis Kalanick's ATOMS Secures $1.7 Billion to Develop Advanced Robotics Solutions
Original from RoboticsBusinessReview.com: Uber co-founder raises $1.7B for new robotics startup ATOMS

Travis Kalanick's ATOMS Secures $1.7 Billion to Develop Advanced Robotics Solutions

ATOMS, a robotics startup founded by Travis Kalanick, has successfully raised $1.7 billion in equity investment. This funding aims to support the development of robots designed to enhance productivity across various industries, including food infrastructure and mining operations.

The significance of this investment lies in Kalanick's vision to create robots that provide value to their owners and society. ATOMS plans to serve as an OEM, focusing on 'atoms-based' computing solutions tailored for industrial applications. Notably, Uber, Kalanick's former company, participated in this funding round, marking a reconnection with its co-founder.

Looking ahead, ATOMS intends to innovate in the field of physical automation, with plans to develop specialized robots capable of performing significant tasks. Kalanick has emphasized the need for customized solutions in industrial settings, suggesting that while humanoid robots may excel in domestic environments, specialized robots will be essential for high-demand operations like large-scale food production. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

Editor's Note

The robotics sector is witnessing a surge in investment, particularly in startups focusing on automation and specialized robotics. Kalanick's ATOMS represents a significant shift towards creating robots that can operate effectively in industrial environments, which could reshape supply chains and operational efficiencies across various sectors.

RobotToday Initiative

Robotics needs a service framework.

RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.

Share

Related Articles/News

Travis Kalanick's Atoms Secures $1.7 Billion Funding Led by Andreessen Horowitz

Travis Kalanick's Atoms Secures $1.7 Billion Funding Led by Andreessen Horowitz

Travis Kalanick's robotics venture, Atoms, has successfully raised $1.7 billion in a funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz, with Ben Horowitz joining the board. Notably, Uber participated in this round, marking a reconnection between Kalanick and the company he founded, which ousted him as CEO in 2017 due to various controversies. This funding is signi...

AI Fundraising Venture
The Most Important AI at WAIC Wasn't a Robot

The Most Important AI at WAIC Wasn't a Robot

At WAIC 2026, AI-native platforms quietly replaced interpreter hardware — what invisible AI infrastructure means for robotics and embodied AI.

Artificial Intelligence
Europe's Critical Moment in Robotics: Facing Competition from China and the US

Europe's Critical Moment in Robotics: Facing Competition from China and the US

As humanoid robots from China surge with over 100,000 units produced annually, Europe finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. Despite having a strong foundation in industrial robotics, Europe risks losing its chance to define the next generation of robots. In the past two years, China has advanced humanoid robots from concept to mass production, with over 4...

Humanoid Robots Industrial Robotics AI
WAIC 2026 Ten Flagship Exhibits

WAIC 2026 Ten Flagship Exhibits

WAIC 2026 named ten Flagship Exhibits from 3,000+ products — spanning domestic AI superclusters, humanoid robots, general-purpose agents, AI wearables, and protein design AI. Engineering breakdown by RobotToday.

Market and Business News
AI for Science 2026: The Global Race for Scientific Discovery

AI for Science 2026: The Global Race for Scientific Discovery

2026 AI for Science landscape report: WAIC 2026 exhibitor breakdown, MIT Boltz-2 and CMU Coscientist case studies, US/China/EU policy comparison, Anthropic Claude Science, and US academic cautionary views.

Artificial Intelligence
ROBOTTODAY Weekly July 13 – 17, 2026

ROBOTTODAY Weekly July 13 – 17, 2026

This week in robotics: Hyundai takes full ownership of Boston Dynamics, Xpeng targets 1,000 Iron humanoids a month, LimX Dynamics raises $200M pre-IPO, and Agility opens a Silicon Valley physical-AI hub. July 13–17, 2026.

RobotToday Weekly
WAIC 2026: Embodied Intelligence Enters Industrial Deployment Era

WAIC 2026: Embodied Intelligence Enters Industrial Deployment Era

WAIC 2026 in Shanghai (July 17–20) saw 200+ embodied intelligence companies, 300+ live robots, and first confirmed humanoid deployments in logistics and pharmacy. RobotToday engineering analysis.

Market and Business News
Jinke Smart Agriculture Reduces Robotics Investment from 650 Million to 60 Million Amid Market Challenges

Jinke Smart Agriculture Reduces Robotics Investment from 650 Million to 60 Million Amid Market Challenges

On July 10, Jinke Smart Agriculture's stock surged, prompting speculation about its acquisition of Jiangsu Huibo Robotics. Initially, Jinke planned to invest 650 million yuan to gain control over Huibo, which specializes in humanoid robotics for pig farming. However, by late June, the investment was drastically reduced to 60 million yuan, raising concerns...

Humanoid Robots Agricultural Robotics Pig Farming
Zipline Expands Drone Delivery Operations with New Executives from Tesla, Uber, and Waymo

Zipline Expands Drone Delivery Operations with New Executives from Tesla, Uber, and Waymo

Zipline is enhancing its drone delivery services in the U.S. by hiring former executives from Tesla, Uber, and Waymo to support its expansion. The company has achieved over 2.5 million commercial deliveries and is currently making one delivery every 20 seconds. With a factory capable of producing 24,000 drones annually, Zipline anticipates a 15-fold growt...

Uber Expands Beyond Ride-Hailing with Hotels, Boat Rentals, and Financial Services

Uber Expands Beyond Ride-Hailing with Hotels, Boat Rentals, and Financial Services

Uber has been diversifying its offerings beyond ride-hailing and delivery, introducing hotel bookings through a partnership with Expedia, concierge features, and boat rentals in Europe. This shift aims to enhance the travel experience for users, who often require rides and food during their trips. Uber's Chief Product Officer, Sachin Kansal, emphasized th...

TC Transportation AI
Uber's Opposition to D.C. Robotaxi Bill Pits It Against Waymo's Support

Uber's Opposition to D.C. Robotaxi Bill Pits It Against Waymo's Support

A proposed bill in Washington, D.C. aims to permit autonomous vehicles, becoming a focal point for Uber's robotaxi strategy. Uber opposes the bill, claiming it would favor Waymo and threaten human drivers' jobs. The company advocates for a hybrid model that integrates human drivers with robotaxis, emphasizing consumer choice. This legislative effort is si...

Government & Policy Transportation Exclusive
Uber and Waymo Face Tensions as Robotaxi Partnerships Shift in Major Cities

Uber and Waymo Face Tensions as Robotaxi Partnerships Shift in Major Cities

The recent end of the Uber-Waymo partnership in Phoenix marks a significant shift in the robotaxi landscape, with both companies still maintaining services in Atlanta and Austin. The future of these agreements remains uncertain, as tensions rise between Uber executives and Waymo, suggesting potential conflicts in policy and market access as partnerships d...

Transportation Elon Musk Uber

Related Suppliers

Otto Motors (acq by Uber)

OTTO Motors (now OTTO by Rockwell Automation) manufactures autonomous mobile robots for industrial material handling. With millions of operational hours, its AMR fleet management platform integrates into manufacturing and distribution workflows.

Logistics & Supply Chain Healthcare & Senior Care Mobile Robot (AGV/AMR)

Babloa

Balboa Inspection and Maintenance offers tethered in-line pipeline inspection and robotic services using EMAT ultrasonic, MFL sensors, laser profilometry, and visual tools. Targets oil/gas pipelines, boilers, and facility lines for wall loss, damage, and integrity assessment.

Industrial Manufacturing Logistics & Supply Chain

RT Robotics (SE)

RT Robotics offers modular SmartShift tool-changing systems and automation components. Their technology focuses on mechanical precision and rapid deployment, enabling robots to switch between diverse tasks effortlessly, thereby increasing operational flexibility and return on investment for multi-process manufacturing lines.

Commercial Service Robots Robot Manufacturer System Integrator

Smart Robotics

The product portfolio includes advanced automation solutions for warehouse operations, featuring Smart Palletizers, Smart Mixed Case Palletizers, and Smart Item Picking systems. These systems utilize proprietary AI algorithms and robust hardware to optimize throughput and efficiency. Designed for industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and apparel, the solutions facilitate seamless palletizing, depalletizing, and item picking, enhancing operational scalability and return on investment.

EXOesqueleto REHAB

EXOesqueleto REHAB is a South American medical developer of active orthoses designed to improve the quality of life of people with motor disabilities, contributing to the advancement of their mobility, independence, and physical and emotional rehabilitation. Integration, inclusion, and equity are specifically listed as company values.

Industrial Robotics Company

The company specializes in no-code robotic solutions for small-batch production, enabling process automation without extensive programming. Key offerings include robotic systems for parts manufacturing, CNC machining, and packaging. Technologies focus on user-friendly interfaces and flexible integration, enhancing operational efficiency and maintaining quality. Applications encompass adhesive spraying, sanding, and welding, supporting diverse industrial automation needs.

Automated Industrial Robotics (AIR)

Provider of industrial automation and robotics solutions including custom robotic systems, precision assembly, high-speed filling, end-of-line automation, and integration for manufacturing in medical, life sciences, and high-tech sectors.

Industrial Manufacturing Logistics & Supply Chain Robot Manufacturer

Automation Solutions of America, Inc.

Provider of full-service factory automation system integration through Automation Solutions of America (ASA) subsidiary, including custom control systems, assembly/test equipment, UL508A-certified control panels, life sciences automation, and smart systems with real-time data visualization and process control.

Convergix Automation Solutions - Canada

Automation solutions for life sciences, industrial & consumer manufacturing. Robotics, vision systems, and digital transformation services across 18 global locations.

Industrial Manufacturing Logistics & Supply Chain Robot Manufacturer

Robotic Arts

Robotic Arts is a sole-practitioner robotics engineering venture developing consumer and educational robotic platforms. The ATOM project is a compact ROS-based mobile robot base evolved from a four-wheeled skid-steer design, combining advanced control systems with cost-effective manufacturing for research and education.

ATMOS Space Cargo GmbH

Builds reusable orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs/space tugs) such as Quark series for payload deployment, orbit raising/phasing/inclination change, rendezvous, docking, and satellite life extension. Provides high delta-V propulsion for small-to-medium spacecraft transfer between LEO, MEO, GEO; demonstrated integrated hardware/software for orbital maneuvering.

Healthcare & Senior Care Education & Research Logistics & Supply Chain

Cobalt Robotics

AI-based physical security automation platform. Connects to cameras and access-control systems to provide real-time incident detection, root-cause analysis, and automated response workflows for enterprise security operations.

Commercial Service Robots Healthcare & Senior Care Human-Machine Interaction