Tubular Network
US autonomous logistics startup founded 2020, deploying AI-routed robotic shuttle systems in tube networks to move parts within and between facilities.
Tubular Network was founded in October 2020 by Ben James and Dylan Mankey (co-founders) and Junfeng Jiao, and is based in Austin, Texas. The company was incubated through the Austin Technology Incubator at the University of Texas and has operated out of Newlab Detroit at Michigan Central.
The company develops a hyperlogistics system in which autonomous robotic shuttles travel through a network of interconnected tubes to transport parts and materials within manufacturing and industrial facilities. The system is designed as a zero-emissions, on-demand alternative to traditional conveyors and forklift-based internal logistics. Routes are managed by an AI control system that dispatches and coordinates the shuttles in real time.
Tubular Network has deployed two operational systems to date. One installation is at Ford's Michigan Central campus in Detroit. A second deployment services an aerospace manufacturing campus where it is used to transport rocket components between production areas. In that aerospace deployment, the system reduced vehicle idling time by 99% and carbon emissions by 94% compared to the prior logistics approach.
Founder Ben James previously won the Hyperloop Innovation Award presented by SpaceX, Tesla, and The Boring Company twice during his work on hyperloop transport concepts, providing the technical foundation for Tubular's tube-transit approach. Co-founder Dylan Mankey brings over 15 years of engineering leadership experience from Microsoft, Expedia Group, and Under Armour.
The company is at the seed stage with a small team of fewer than ten employees. Primary target sectors include automotive manufacturing, aerospace, and general industrial logistics where short-distance autonomous material transfer is needed.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Tubular Network Autonomous Shuttle System
- Launch Year: 2020
AI-routed robotic shuttles in tube networks for zero-emission on-demand logistics within facilities.
More related news
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
-
11
LogiMAT China 2027: April 21–23, Shenzhen RobotToday · Oct 05, 2026
-
12
LogiMAT 2027: March 16–18, Messe Stuttgart RobotToday · Oct 05, 2026
-
13
WRC 2026 Robot Systems: 149 Companies That Build Robots RobotToday · Aug 27, 2026
- 14
- 15
- 16
-
17
Robotics, Vision and Control Peter Corke — RSF Top 10 Robot Education Textbooks · No. 5 RobotToday · Jul 30, 2026
- 18
-
19
Piaggio Fast Forward Brings kilo® Autonomous Mobile Robot to Automate 2026 RobotToday · Jul 10, 2026
-
20
When a Materials Giant Meets Robotics: Covestro at Automate 2026 RobotToday · Jul 01, 2026
Contact Tubular Network
WEBSITE
https://www.tubular.networkPHONE
+1 313-338-8841HEADQUARTERS
United States
Company Facts
Founded
2020
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
-
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
