Innovation Works

Established in 1999, Innovation Works is a prominent investor in Southwestern Pennsylvania's technology sector. It provides capital and resources to early-stage companies with high growth potential and significant regional impact, particularly focusing on robotics, AI, medical devices, retail technologies, and enterprise software.

Sophie Burkholder

Investment Associate

Jeffrey McDaniel

Investor

Ven Raju

Investor

Megan Shaw

Managing Director, Life Sciences

Aaron Tainter

Investor

Past deals in Industrial Automation

CapSen Robotics

Seed Round in 2024
CapSen Robotics develops advanced computer vision systems that enable machines to comprehend and navigate cluttered environments. Their core technology, derived from MIT research on 3D object detection, empowers robots and automation systems in various industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and retail inventory management.

Journey Robotics

Pre Seed Round in 2024
Journey Robotics specializes in aerospace engineering, providing automated baggage-handling systems for airports. Their robotic arms equipped with vacuum grips and machine vision technology enhance safety, efficiency, and passenger experience while reducing labor strain.

Sensible Photonics

Pre Seed Round in 2024
Sensible Photonics is a company focused on developing innovative fiber optic sensing technologies aimed at enhancing the monitoring of grid equipment and energy storage solutions. The company manufactures noninvasive sensors that monitor transformers, batteries, and other electrical assets, providing real-time temperature readings and predictive analytics. These sensors enable the proactive identification of potential failures, including thermal runaway, allowing for timely maintenance and improved reliability. By offering insights into the health of critical electrical equipment, Sensible Photonics enhances operational efficiency, extends equipment lifespan, and contributes to financial savings and safety for its clients.

Phlux Technologies

Seed Round in 2023
Founded in 2020, Phlux Technologies specializes in developing innovative 3D sensor technology for robotics and automation. Its products enhance safety and efficiency by enabling robots to navigate effectively, protecting workers from hazards, and detecting obstacles.

Finish Robotics

Seed Round in 2023
Finish Robotics is a company that develops mobile robotics technology aimed at addressing the labor shortage in the construction industry. It specializes in creating semi-autonomous, collaborative robots constructed from standard industrial components. These robots are designed to assist contractors in overcoming challenges related to labor availability, thereby enhancing productivity on construction sites. By leveraging innovative robotics solutions, Finish Robotics seeks to provide effective tools that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of construction operations.

Voaige

Non Equity Assistance in 2023
Voaige develops robotics solutions for industrial automation, offering safe, affordable, and versatile robotic arms designed to address labor shortages. The company also provides an automation platform that integrates vision, artificial intelligence, and robotics to solve complex industrial use cases. The platform features a modular architecture, continuous learning capabilities, and real-time perception tools, enabling reliable automation, operational consistency, and opportunities for process optimization. The team comprises AI PhDs and robotics engineers from Carnegie Mellon University, reflecting a focus on applying cutting-edge AI to real-world manufacturing challenges.

Grasp Robotics

Non Equity Assistance in 2023
Grasp Robotics is evolving into a robotics firm with a wide range of robotic solutions targeted to certain sectors and applications where robots are unable to perform critical jobs.

Voaige

Seed Round in 2022
Voaige develops robotics solutions for industrial automation, offering safe, affordable, and versatile robotic arms designed to address labor shortages. The company also provides an automation platform that integrates vision, artificial intelligence, and robotics to solve complex industrial use cases. The platform features a modular architecture, continuous learning capabilities, and real-time perception tools, enabling reliable automation, operational consistency, and opportunities for process optimization. The team comprises AI PhDs and robotics engineers from Carnegie Mellon University, reflecting a focus on applying cutting-edge AI to real-world manufacturing challenges.

Safe Space Technologies

Seed Round in 2022
Safe Space Technologies develops smart disinfectant robots that serve as a superior alternative to traditional disinfection services. Utilizing ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light disinfection technology, these robots effectively neutralize harmful pathogens, thereby creating safer environments in various workplaces. The company focuses on enhancing the disinfection process, allowing users to achieve a more thorough sanitation of their spaces.

CapSen Robotics

Seed Round in 2022
CapSen Robotics develops advanced computer vision systems that enable machines to comprehend and navigate cluttered environments. Their core technology, derived from MIT research on 3D object detection, empowers robots and automation systems in various industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and retail inventory management.

Phlux Technologies

Seed Round in 2022
Founded in 2020, Phlux Technologies specializes in developing innovative 3D sensor technology for robotics and automation. Its products enhance safety and efficiency by enabling robots to navigate effectively, protecting workers from hazards, and detecting obstacles.

Finish Robotics

Seed Round in 2022
Finish Robotics is a company that develops mobile robotics technology aimed at addressing the labor shortage in the construction industry. It specializes in creating semi-autonomous, collaborative robots constructed from standard industrial components. These robots are designed to assist contractors in overcoming challenges related to labor availability, thereby enhancing productivity on construction sites. By leveraging innovative robotics solutions, Finish Robotics seeks to provide effective tools that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of construction operations.

ESTAT Actuation

Seed Round in 2021
ESTAT Actuation is a company founded in 2019 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in the development of electroadhesive clutches. These innovative clutches are designed to enhance the performance of robots and machinery by reducing the size and cost of actuators. By providing engineers with lightweight and low-power actuation hardware, ESTAT Actuation enables clients to improve the capabilities and affordability of their robotic systems and machines.

Phlux Technologies

Seed Round in 2021
Founded in 2020, Phlux Technologies specializes in developing innovative 3D sensor technology for robotics and automation. Its products enhance safety and efficiency by enabling robots to navigate effectively, protecting workers from hazards, and detecting obstacles.

ESTAT Actuation

Seed Round in 2021
ESTAT Actuation is a company founded in 2019 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in the development of electroadhesive clutches. These innovative clutches are designed to enhance the performance of robots and machinery by reducing the size and cost of actuators. By providing engineers with lightweight and low-power actuation hardware, ESTAT Actuation enables clients to improve the capabilities and affordability of their robotic systems and machines.

Identified Technologies

Seed Round in 2020
Identified Technologies Corporation specializes in self-piloting aerial mapping and land survey drones, providing comprehensive data scanning, capture, access, and analytics solutions. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company develops technologies that enhance project visibility and team productivity across various industries, including energy, mining, manufacturing, and construction. Its offerings include advanced features such as 3-D volumetric analysis, 2-D distance measurement, contour line mapping, and digital surface models. The platform also facilitates job site tracking, as-built versus as planned comparisons, and progress forecasting, enabling businesses to improve project monitoring and profitability.

Hebi Robotics

Seed Round in 2020
Hebi Robotics designs and supplies robotic technology to accelerate development and customization of robotic systems. The company develops intelligent, connected building blocks and robot kits, including arms, mobile bases, and walking robots, as well as modular sensors that use elastic actuators to control torque, position, and velocity. Its offerings combine hardware and software tools that enable engineers, researchers, and industrial integrators to control actuators at the joint level or as a synchronized system, delivering flexible, reconfigurable solutions that reduce development time and costs.

Wise Telemetry

Seed Round in 2020
Wise Telemetry, LLC is a provider of gas sensor systems designed for gas distributors to monitor real-time supply and usage data at customer sites. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a solution that automatically determines and communicates a gas cylinder's size, fill level, and usage rate without requiring user input or special programming. This capability enhances delivery route planning, usage tracking, and future demand predictions, allowing clients to optimize their operations and achieve cost savings. Wise Telemetry's technology is applicable across various sectors, including medical, manufacturing, energy, and construction. Originally known as BreatheWise, LLC, the company rebranded in May 2017 to reflect its focus on telemetry solutions.

CapSen Robotics

Seed Round in 2020
CapSen Robotics develops advanced computer vision systems that enable machines to comprehend and navigate cluttered environments. Their core technology, derived from MIT research on 3D object detection, empowers robots and automation systems in various industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and retail inventory management.

Rapid TPC

Seed Round in 2020
Rapid TPC, LLC is a manufacturer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in the development of an automated platform technology for producing thermoplastic composite parts. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on creating lightweight, high-strength components using advanced materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, and aramid fibers. Rapid TPC employs automation in its production processes to efficiently manufacture composite parts reinforced with various polymers and organic fibers. This innovative approach enables clients to overcome production bottlenecks, scale their sales volumes, and meet increasing demand without the constraints typically associated with manufacturing limitations. Through its expertise in forming and prototyping, Rapid TPC supports a range of industries seeking durable and lightweight solutions.

ESTAT Actuation

Seed Round in 2019
ESTAT Actuation is a company founded in 2019 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in the development of electroadhesive clutches. These innovative clutches are designed to enhance the performance of robots and machinery by reducing the size and cost of actuators. By providing engineers with lightweight and low-power actuation hardware, ESTAT Actuation enables clients to improve the capabilities and affordability of their robotic systems and machines.

CleanRobotics

Seed Round in 2019
CleanRobotics, Inc., based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in the development of TrashBot, an autonomous waste management system that enhances the recycling process. Utilizing robotics, computer vision, and artificial intelligence, TrashBot effectively identifies and segregates sorting waste from recyclables. This innovative approach not only reduces waste hauling costs for businesses but also supports recycling plants by making recycling more affordable and efficient. The system incorporates cloud-connected technology, cameras, and sensors to scan materials, providing valuable data for recyclers and promoting sustainable waste management solutions to address ongoing environmental challenges.

Identified Technologies

Seed Round in 2018
Identified Technologies Corporation specializes in self-piloting aerial mapping and land survey drones, providing comprehensive data scanning, capture, access, and analytics solutions. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company develops technologies that enhance project visibility and team productivity across various industries, including energy, mining, manufacturing, and construction. Its offerings include advanced features such as 3-D volumetric analysis, 2-D distance measurement, contour line mapping, and digital surface models. The platform also facilitates job site tracking, as-built versus as planned comparisons, and progress forecasting, enabling businesses to improve project monitoring and profitability.

CapSen Robotics

Seed Round in 2018
CapSen Robotics develops advanced computer vision systems that enable machines to comprehend and navigate cluttered environments. Their core technology, derived from MIT research on 3D object detection, empowers robots and automation systems in various industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and retail inventory management.

Wise Telemetry

Seed Round in 2018
Wise Telemetry, LLC is a provider of gas sensor systems designed for gas distributors to monitor real-time supply and usage data at customer sites. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a solution that automatically determines and communicates a gas cylinder's size, fill level, and usage rate without requiring user input or special programming. This capability enhances delivery route planning, usage tracking, and future demand predictions, allowing clients to optimize their operations and achieve cost savings. Wise Telemetry's technology is applicable across various sectors, including medical, manufacturing, energy, and construction. Originally known as BreatheWise, LLC, the company rebranded in May 2017 to reflect its focus on telemetry solutions.

Rapid TPC

Seed Round in 2018
Rapid TPC, LLC is a manufacturer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in the development of an automated platform technology for producing thermoplastic composite parts. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on creating lightweight, high-strength components using advanced materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, and aramid fibers. Rapid TPC employs automation in its production processes to efficiently manufacture composite parts reinforced with various polymers and organic fibers. This innovative approach enables clients to overcome production bottlenecks, scale their sales volumes, and meet increasing demand without the constraints typically associated with manufacturing limitations. Through its expertise in forming and prototyping, Rapid TPC supports a range of industries seeking durable and lightweight solutions.

Velocity Robotics

Seed Round in 2018
Velocity Robotics, Inc. is a construction technology company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, established in 2015. The company develops and manufactures advanced construction workflow tools and automated positioning systems that leverage robotics and Internet of Things technology. Their products are designed to enhance precision and efficiency in various construction tasks, including on-site and prefabricated metal stud framing, decorative panel installation, and finish carpentry. By integrating automation and measurement capabilities, such as Bluetooth tape measures and smart miter saw fences, Velocity Robotics aims to eliminate human error, improve productivity, and reduce material waste in the commercial construction sector. Their innovative solutions enable project managers to track team performance and material utilization effectively, thereby streamlining workflows across the organization.

Onward Robotics

Venture Round in 2017
Onward Robotics specializes in innovative automation technology that integrates humans and robots into a unified system, aimed at transforming fulfillment processes. The company offers a solution called Meet Me, which combines proprietary software with mobile robots designed for person-to-goods operations. This technology enhances efficiency in warehousing, distribution, and e-commerce by enabling robots to navigate human-centric environments, accurately identify and pick items, and operate at speeds comparable to human workers. As a result, Onward Robotics provides organizations with increased productivity, flexibility, and speed, helping them maintain a competitive edge in the logistics and manufacturing sectors.

Wise Telemetry

Convertible Note in 2017
Wise Telemetry, LLC is a provider of gas sensor systems designed for gas distributors to monitor real-time supply and usage data at customer sites. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a solution that automatically determines and communicates a gas cylinder's size, fill level, and usage rate without requiring user input or special programming. This capability enhances delivery route planning, usage tracking, and future demand predictions, allowing clients to optimize their operations and achieve cost savings. Wise Telemetry's technology is applicable across various sectors, including medical, manufacturing, energy, and construction. Originally known as BreatheWise, LLC, the company rebranded in May 2017 to reflect its focus on telemetry solutions.

Identified Technologies

Venture Round in 2017
Identified Technologies Corporation specializes in self-piloting aerial mapping and land survey drones, providing comprehensive data scanning, capture, access, and analytics solutions. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company develops technologies that enhance project visibility and team productivity across various industries, including energy, mining, manufacturing, and construction. Its offerings include advanced features such as 3-D volumetric analysis, 2-D distance measurement, contour line mapping, and digital surface models. The platform also facilitates job site tracking, as-built versus as planned comparisons, and progress forecasting, enabling businesses to improve project monitoring and profitability.

SolePower

Convertible Note in 2016
SolePower develops connected work boots that power embedded sensors through a kinetic insole charger that harvests energy from walking. The system provides real-time location, status, and environmental data to improve safety and efficiency on industrial worksites, helping reduce incident rates and increase visibility for workflow optimization. Pilot units integrate GPS, Ultra Wideband, RFID, inertial measurement, Sub‑GHz RF, a thermocouple, Wi‑Fi, and an altimeter, with the aim of replacing multiple standalone wearables with a single self-charging platform. The company collaborates with SR Max and the US Army to advance safety footwear and related industrial applications.

Wise Telemetry

Seed Round in 2016
Wise Telemetry, LLC is a provider of gas sensor systems designed for gas distributors to monitor real-time supply and usage data at customer sites. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a solution that automatically determines and communicates a gas cylinder's size, fill level, and usage rate without requiring user input or special programming. This capability enhances delivery route planning, usage tracking, and future demand predictions, allowing clients to optimize their operations and achieve cost savings. Wise Telemetry's technology is applicable across various sectors, including medical, manufacturing, energy, and construction. Originally known as BreatheWise, LLC, the company rebranded in May 2017 to reflect its focus on telemetry solutions.

CapSen Robotics

Angel Round in 2016
CapSen Robotics develops advanced computer vision systems that enable machines to comprehend and navigate cluttered environments. Their core technology, derived from MIT research on 3D object detection, empowers robots and automation systems in various industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and retail inventory management.

Rapid TPC

Seed Round in 2016
Rapid TPC, LLC is a manufacturer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in the development of an automated platform technology for producing thermoplastic composite parts. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on creating lightweight, high-strength components using advanced materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, and aramid fibers. Rapid TPC employs automation in its production processes to efficiently manufacture composite parts reinforced with various polymers and organic fibers. This innovative approach enables clients to overcome production bottlenecks, scale their sales volumes, and meet increasing demand without the constraints typically associated with manufacturing limitations. Through its expertise in forming and prototyping, Rapid TPC supports a range of industries seeking durable and lightweight solutions.

Hebi Robotics

Seed Round in 2015
Hebi Robotics designs and supplies robotic technology to accelerate development and customization of robotic systems. The company develops intelligent, connected building blocks and robot kits, including arms, mobile bases, and walking robots, as well as modular sensors that use elastic actuators to control torque, position, and velocity. Its offerings combine hardware and software tools that enable engineers, researchers, and industrial integrators to control actuators at the joint level or as a synchronized system, delivering flexible, reconfigurable solutions that reduce development time and costs.

Onward Robotics

Seed Round in 2015
Onward Robotics specializes in innovative automation technology that integrates humans and robots into a unified system, aimed at transforming fulfillment processes. The company offers a solution called Meet Me, which combines proprietary software with mobile robots designed for person-to-goods operations. This technology enhances efficiency in warehousing, distribution, and e-commerce by enabling robots to navigate human-centric environments, accurately identify and pick items, and operate at speeds comparable to human workers. As a result, Onward Robotics provides organizations with increased productivity, flexibility, and speed, helping them maintain a competitive edge in the logistics and manufacturing sectors.

SolePower

Seed Round in 2015
SolePower develops connected work boots that power embedded sensors through a kinetic insole charger that harvests energy from walking. The system provides real-time location, status, and environmental data to improve safety and efficiency on industrial worksites, helping reduce incident rates and increase visibility for workflow optimization. Pilot units integrate GPS, Ultra Wideband, RFID, inertial measurement, Sub‑GHz RF, a thermocouple, Wi‑Fi, and an altimeter, with the aim of replacing multiple standalone wearables with a single self-charging platform. The company collaborates with SR Max and the US Army to advance safety footwear and related industrial applications.

Identified Technologies

Seed Round in 2015
Identified Technologies Corporation specializes in self-piloting aerial mapping and land survey drones, providing comprehensive data scanning, capture, access, and analytics solutions. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company develops technologies that enhance project visibility and team productivity across various industries, including energy, mining, manufacturing, and construction. Its offerings include advanced features such as 3-D volumetric analysis, 2-D distance measurement, contour line mapping, and digital surface models. The platform also facilitates job site tracking, as-built versus as planned comparisons, and progress forecasting, enabling businesses to improve project monitoring and profitability.

Identified Technologies

Seed Round in 2014
Identified Technologies Corporation specializes in self-piloting aerial mapping and land survey drones, providing comprehensive data scanning, capture, access, and analytics solutions. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company develops technologies that enhance project visibility and team productivity across various industries, including energy, mining, manufacturing, and construction. Its offerings include advanced features such as 3-D volumetric analysis, 2-D distance measurement, contour line mapping, and digital surface models. The platform also facilitates job site tracking, as-built versus as planned comparisons, and progress forecasting, enabling businesses to improve project monitoring and profitability.

RE2 Robotics

Pre Seed Round in 2014
RE2 Robotics, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a Carnegie Mellon University spin-off founded in 2001 by Jorgen Pedersen. The company specializes in the development of intelligent mobile manipulation systems that enhance remote interaction with various environments, including ground, aerial, and underwater settings. Its innovative robotic technologies are designed to improve safety and efficiency across multiple industries, including aviation, construction, defense, energy, and medical sectors. RE2 Robotics primarily serves military clients, having deployed over 400 robotic arms for explosive ordnance disposal missions. The company's intuitive systems and advanced autonomy capabilities enable users to perform dangerous tasks remotely, thereby enhancing worker safety and reducing operational costs.

SolePower

Seed Round in 2013
SolePower develops connected work boots that power embedded sensors through a kinetic insole charger that harvests energy from walking. The system provides real-time location, status, and environmental data to improve safety and efficiency on industrial worksites, helping reduce incident rates and increase visibility for workflow optimization. Pilot units integrate GPS, Ultra Wideband, RFID, inertial measurement, Sub‑GHz RF, a thermocouple, Wi‑Fi, and an altimeter, with the aim of replacing multiple standalone wearables with a single self-charging platform. The company collaborates with SR Max and the US Army to advance safety footwear and related industrial applications.

SenSevere

Seed Round in 2013
SenSevere develops hydrogen and hydrocarbon sensors for chemically and thermally severe environments. SenSevere sensors deliver real-time safety and compliance monitoring solutions in the power generation, environmental, and chemicals manufacturing industries. SenSevere's hydrogen sensor assists in detecting faulty conditions that may lead to explosions in industrial processes, enabling electrochemical and energy markets to provide chemical detection in industrial processes at locations where no monitoring previously existed due to the harshness of the operating environment.

RedZone Robotics

Venture Round in 2004
RedZone Robotics, Inc. is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with an additional office in Auckland, New Zealand, specializing in wastewater asset management solutions. Founded in 1987, it provides a range of services including multi-sensor inspection, advanced pipeline assessment, and specialized reporting. The company develops proprietary robotic and software tools designed for the wastewater industry, enabling municipalities, contractors, and engineering firms to effectively manage their sewer pipeline systems. By offering high-performance inspection products and data collection services, RedZone Robotics empowers clients to make informed maintenance and capital expenditure decisions, ultimately maximizing their return on investment and reducing the risk of system failures.
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