Viam
"Build robots like you build software"
Viam is a New York software platform founded by MongoDB co-founder Eliot Horowitz that lets developers program any robot hardware via common SDKs.
Viam Inc. is a robotics software company founded in 2020 by Eliot Horowitz, co-founder and former CTO of MongoDB, with its headquarters and a robotics lab in New York City. The company builds a software platform that abstracts robot hardware behind a common set of APIs, letting engineers write applications once and run them across different sensors, actuators, and compute boards rather than writing custom drivers for every device. The platform ships multi-language SDKs for Python, Go, and TypeScript, along with a cloud-based fleet management layer that lets teams monitor, update, and remotely access robots deployed in the field, including over-the-air software updates and canary testing before wider rollout. Viam's stack also includes motion-control and computer-vision modules, plus a data-and-AI layer for collecting and labeling data generated by connected machines. One of the company's named production deployments is SurfaceAI, a robotic surface-finishing solution built on the Viam platform. In July 2026 Viam launched "Viam Education," a program intended to help developers learn to build robotics applications on the platform, extending the company's push to make robotics software accessible to engineers without deep embedded-systems backgrounds. Viam counts Kongsberg and the UBS Arena among organizations that have used its platform, and has been covered by outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and CNBC. The company has raised venture funding from investors including Union Square Ventures, Battery Ventures, and Neurone. Viam's engineering team works a hybrid schedule from its New York office, which includes a hardware testing lab. Company contact is handled through [email protected] and a support portal at support.viam.com. Viam's public messaging includes the lines "Build robots like you build software" and "Make the physical world programmable," reflecting its focus on developer tooling (SDKs, CLI, cloud console) rather than manufacturing robot hardware itself. Because Viam is a horizontal software and cloud platform rather than a single-purpose robot builder, its customer base spans multiple sectors, from industrial surface finishing to venue operations to education and developer training, with the common thread being that customers bring their own hardware and use Viam to manage the software, connectivity, and data layers around it. A specific employee headcount and a street-level headquarters address were not published in the sources reviewed for this profile.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
SurfaceAI
- Launch Year: 2025
Software-defined robotic workstation that uses real-time 3D vision to sand, spray, and finish boat hulls without rigid jigs or fixtures.
Viam Rover 2
Preassembled wheeled robot kit with dual encoded motors, webcam, 6-axis IMU and 20 lb payload for hands-on robotics programming education.
Contact Viam
WEBSITE
https://www.viam.comHEADQUARTERS
United States
Company Facts
Founded
2020
Primary Role
Software/Algorithm
Company Size
-
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
U.S. Nuclear Power Plants Embrace AI Integration for Operational Efficiency
The U.S. nuclear power sector is increasingly adopting AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency. Nearly all of the 94 nuclear reactors in the U.S. have been offered AI integration, with many accepting the opportunity. Atomic Canyon's NIVA, a virtual assistant for the nuclear industry, is now available across the fleet, while Nuclearn's products are utilized by over 65 partners, addressing workforce challenges and regulatory complexities. The integration of AI is crucial for the nuclear industry, which faces an aging workforce and hardware. According to Nuclearn CFO Jerrold Vincent, AI can help manage intricate regulations and streamline documentation processes, essential for regulatory compliance. The collaboration between technology firms and the nuclear sector aims to revitalize nuclear power, which is seen as vital for meeting the growing electricity demands of data centers. Looking ahead, the nuclear industry must navigate public perception challenges while leveraging AI to enhance operational capabilities. As the demand for advanced reactors increases, the successful integration of AI will be pivotal for the industry's future. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Nuclear-power Artificial-intelligence Epri
iiQKA.AI Vision Enhances Industrial Image Processing with User-Friendly Interface
iiQKA.AI Vision has introduced a standalone vision application within iiQWorks, designed to simplify industrial image processing. This application features a graphical user interface that allows users to implement vision applications efficiently, utilizing drag-and-drop functionality, pre-built templates, and guided workflows from setup to commissioning. The significance of this development lies in its ability to ensure process reliability through robust image processing capabilities, including precise 2D and 3D object recognition, automatic position determination, and gripper point calculation. The system is designed to perform reliably under varying component conditions and changing lighting, making it suitable for diverse industrial applications. Looking ahead, the seamless integration of iiQKA.AI Vision with iiQWorks and the robot controller facilitates a unified system from engineering to operation. This integration supports a consistent workflow from configuration to deployment, along with centralized management and monitoring via a web interface. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
First Coordinated Drilling Robot Achieves 10x Speed and 99% Accuracy
A groundbreaking drilling robot has been developed, showcasing the ability to perform coordinated operations with a speed ten times greater than traditional methods and an accuracy rate exceeding 99%. This innovation marks a significant advancement in drilling technology, potentially transforming various industrial applications. The introduction of this robot is crucial as it addresses the limitations of conventional drilling techniques, which often suffer from slower speeds and lower precision. By enhancing operational efficiency, this technology could lead to cost savings and improved outcomes in sectors that rely on drilling processes. Looking ahead, industry stakeholders should monitor the deployment and performance of this drilling robot in real-world scenarios. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotics Automation AI
IROS 2026 Best Paper Finalists: South Korea Leads
Ten papers made the IROS 2026 Best Paper and Best Student Paper shortlist, four from South Korea. What each one does and what it means for industry.
Harmonic Drive to Present on Integrated Actuators at RoboBusiness 2026
At RoboBusiness 2026, Marcel Almonte from Harmonic Drive will lead a session on integrated drive actuator design. Scheduled for October 20 at 10:30 a.m. PT in Santa Clara, California, the session will explore the benefits of integrated actuators in reducing engineering complexity and enhancing system performance. This presentation is significant as it addresses the critical decision-making process in selecting motion architectures for robotics. Attendees will learn how integrated actuators can streamline system integration, reduce cabling complexity, and accelerate time-to-market, ultimately leading to more efficient robotic designs. Participants should watch for practical insights on selecting motion solutions tailored to specific application requirements and constraints. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Actuators / Motors / Servos Events Motion Control News Robot Components Technologies
Elmo Motion Control Introduces Innovative Titanium and Platinum Servo Solutions
Elmo Motion Control has unveiled its latest innovations, the Titanium multi-axis motion controller family and the Platinum servo drive series. These products integrate multi-axis control, high computing power, and functional safety into a compact design, enabling machine builders to enhance performance while minimizing component complexity. This development is significant as it addresses the growing demands in sectors like semiconductors, robotics, medical devices, and defense, where traditional machine designs often rely on multiple controllers and external safety systems. Elmo's integrated approach allows for smaller, faster, and safer machines, ultimately reducing the total cost of ownership for OEMs. Looking ahead, the focus will be on how these advancements can further streamline installation and commissioning processes, particularly with the introduction of Elmo’s Application Studio III (EASIII). No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
IEEE CASE 2027 Linz: Aug 23–27 | Automation Science
IEEE CASE 2027, the 23rd Conference on Automation Science and Engineering, runs Aug 23–27, 2027 in Linz, Austria. Chairs, deadline and scope.
Transforming Industrial Maintenance: The Role of Agentic and Physical AI in Repair Efficiency
The industrial sector has long relied on predictive maintenance to foresee equipment failures, but this approach often leads to administrative bottlenecks. Alerts generated by AI models trigger slow, manual processes that hinder timely repairs. To overcome these challenges, industries are shifting towards a model that incorporates agentic AI and physical AI, enabling autonomous orchestration of logistics and execution of repairs. Agentic AI allows for the autonomous management of maintenance tasks, optimizing scheduling and logistics without human intervention. This transition is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, as it transforms maintenance from a reactive process into a self-optimizing engine. For instance, in high-volume manufacturing, agentic AI can immediately address issues flagged by predictive models, significantly reducing downtime and improving return on investment. Looking ahead, the integration of agentic and physical AI is set to redefine maintenance operations. As organizations adopt these technologies, they must ensure safety through deterministic bounding to mitigate risks associated with autonomous decision-making. The future of industrial maintenance will likely see a seamless blend of AI-driven logistics and physical execution, paving the way for more efficient and effective repair processes.
Factory / Analytics
Exploring Custom Motor Solutions and Advanced Motion Control Technologies
Mosrac Motor Co., Ltd. specializes in custom frameless motor solutions tailored to various applications, focusing on torque, voltage, size, structure, and materials. Their engineers collaborate with clients to design motors that meet specific requirements, making Mosrac a reliable partner for high-performance motors. The H-811.I2HS hexapod from PI USA (Physik Instrumente) offers six-axis motion and high dynamics, ideal for precision applications in photonics, optics, and automation. This compact system features patented overload protection, ensuring reliability during operation and setup, which is crucial for demanding environments. Additionally, KNF vacuum pumps and Harmonic Drive's miniature speed reducers are highlighted for their durability and precision in automation applications. With innovations in motor technology and control solutions, companies like MMP Inc. and Elmo Motion Control Inc. are pushing the boundaries of performance and efficiency in robotics and automation systems. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
ROSCon Korea 2027: Feb 17–19 at DGIST, Daegu
ROSCon Korea 2027, Korea's official ROS developer conference, runs Feb 17–19, 2027 at DGIST in Daegu, after a sold-out 2026 debut.
Tuning the Brain Like a Radio: Synapse Symphony’s Plan to Treat Chronic Pain at Home
COO Vishal Jain on Synapse Symphony's DARPA-rooted wearable brain-stimulation headset for chronic pain, its FDA plans, and a second use: motor-health checks.
RobotToday Weekly September 21 – 25, 2026
Cognex buys RealSense, Qualcomm acquires PickNik, the IFR counts 5 million factory robots, AGIBOT deploys 300 robots at Chimelong, and Tekever raises $580 million.
Glacian: Physics Model Vets AI Data Center Cooling
Glacian Technologies pairs AI with a physics-based digital twin that rejects unsafe commands. CEO Jie Zhao on cutting data center cooling energy 15-30%.
Siemens on Robots, Agentic AI and the "Last 3%" Problem
Siemens tells RobotToday at IMTS 2026 why AI robot demos are only the tip of the iceberg, and why agentic AI depends on PLM data and business context.
Viam Unveils BoxBot, a Box-Opening Robot, at IROS 2026
Viam is set to introduce BoxBot, a robot designed for opening taped cardboard boxes, at IROS 2026 in Pittsburgh from September 27 to October 3. This innovative robot arm utilizes image-based visual servoing and a vision-language-action (VLA) model, trained on 125 teleoperated demonstrations collected in approximately five hours. The significance of BoxBot lies in its ability to automate the box-opening process, which can enhance efficiency in various sectors, including logistics and warehousing. By employing an open-source VLA without the need for custom architecture, Viam aims to streamline robotic applications and make them more accessible to developers and businesses. As Viam continues to develop BoxBot, industry stakeholders should monitor its performance and potential applications in real-world scenarios. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Innovation Works Venture Expo 2026: 58 Pittsburgh Startups Pitch to Investors
58 health, deep tech and robotics startups pitched at Innovation Works Venture Expo 2026 in Pittsburgh. Full company list, program and 2025 funding data.
SimScale Engineering AI Moves Physics Simulation to the Exact Moment a Design Decision Gets Made, Inside Onshape
SimScale’s Engineering AI Agent runs CFD, thermal, EMag and FEA from one prompt inside PTC’s Onshape, starting from CAD that isn’t simulation-ready.
China’s Dexterous Hand Industry, 2026 Part 3 — The Players
Five vendor archetypes, MIR’s composite top ten, eight company profiles and six field deployments — every firm linked to the RobotToday supplier directory.
Viam Introduces Educational Initiatives for Developers to Create Robotics Applications
Viam has launched Viam Education, a new initiative aimed at assisting developers in creating robotics applications on its platform. This program, spearheaded by Shannon Bradshaw, SVP of Product and Education, includes Viam 101, which provides engineers with a structured approach to robotics development. The significance of Viam Education lies in its commitment to making robotics more accessible to engineers. By offering free online courses, live events, hackathons, and dedicated office hours in New York City, Viam aims to empower developers and enhance their skills in building applications using the Viam platform. Looking ahead, Viam's educational offerings are expected to evolve, potentially introducing more advanced courses and resources. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Tech Mahindra and Viam partner to scale advanced robotics and automation solutions
Tech Mahindra has announced a strategic partnership with Viam, enabling its global enterprise clients to leverage advanced robotics and automation capabilities through Viam's innovative physical AI platform. This collaboration, which aims to enhance operational efficiency and streamline processes for businesses, will provide clients with direct access to cutting-edge technology designed to optimize workflows and improve productivity. The partnership is expected to significantly impact various industries by integrating AI-driven solutions into everyday operations. This initiative reflects Tech Mahindra's commitment to driving digital transformation and innovation within its client base, positioning them at the forefront of technological advancements.
