Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
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.
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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 significant as it represents Kalanick's ambition to expand Atoms beyond its origins in ghost kitchens, with plans to delve into heavy industry automation and potentially mining. The investment is seen as a continuation of Kalanick's vision to digitize the physical world, leveraging software to enhance productivity in various sectors. Looking ahead, Kalanick has hinted at building a “wheelbase for robots” with Atoms, although specific plans remain undisclosed. The involvement of prominent investors like Andreessen Horowitz suggests a strong belief in Kalanick's capabilities to innovate within traditional industries, making this a development to watch closely in the robotics and automation landscape.
AI Fundraising Venture a16z Andreessen Horowitz roboticsRobotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
