Innovation Works

Innovation Works is a venture capital firm based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, established in 1999. With over 20 years of experience, it has become a key player in Southwestern Pennsylvania's technology economy, focusing on investing in high-potential companies that can significantly impact the regional economy. As the largest investor in seed-stage companies in the region, Innovation Works supports a diverse range of sectors, including robotics, artificial intelligence, medical devices, retail technologies, and enterprise software. In addition to financial investment, the firm offers business expertise and resources to help manufacturers adopt new technologies, further fostering innovation and growth within the local economy.

Sophie Burkholder

Investment Associate

Kevin Dowling

Managing Director of Robotics Factory and Hardware

Peter Erin

Senior Investment Associate

Rich Luak

CEO

Jeffrey McDaniel

Investor

Megan Kahn Shaw

Managing Director, Life Sciences

Past deals in Robotics

Safe Space Technologies

Seed Round in 2022
Developer of smart disinfectant robots designed to provide a better alternative to traditional disinfection services. The company's robots use ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light disinfection technology to deactivate harmful pathogens and provide safer environments in workplaces, enabling users to disinfect their spaces more thoroughly.

Phlux Technologies

Seed Round in 2022
Phlux Technologies, Inc. specializes in designing and developing advanced 3D sensor technology aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency in industrial robotics and automation. Founded in 2020 and based in Pittsburgh, California, the company focuses on creating innovative safety products that replace traditional physical barriers around robots with three-dimensional digital fences. Utilizing proprietary optical sensing technology, artificial intelligence, and computer vision, Phlux Technologies' solutions establish safety zones around robotic systems and other equipment. This approach not only maximizes valuable floor space but also reduces setup times and boosts productivity. By enabling the development of smarter, more advanced robots and autonomous vehicles, Phlux Technologies is positioned to significantly impact the future of collaborative robotics and industrial automation.

ESTAT Actuation

Seed Round in 2021
ESTAT Actuation make robots more dynamic using breakthrough actuator technology.

Phlux Technologies

Seed Round in 2021
Phlux Technologies, Inc. specializes in designing and developing advanced 3D sensor technology aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency in industrial robotics and automation. Founded in 2020 and based in Pittsburgh, California, the company focuses on creating innovative safety products that replace traditional physical barriers around robots with three-dimensional digital fences. Utilizing proprietary optical sensing technology, artificial intelligence, and computer vision, Phlux Technologies' solutions establish safety zones around robotic systems and other equipment. This approach not only maximizes valuable floor space but also reduces setup times and boosts productivity. By enabling the development of smarter, more advanced robots and autonomous vehicles, Phlux Technologies is positioned to significantly impact the future of collaborative robotics and industrial automation.

Sterile Vision

Seed Round in 2021
Sterile Vision operates a medical platform designed to organize and track sterilizable tools and consumables throughout their entire use cycle in the perioperative environment. By leveraging computer vision and machine learning, the platform captures images of surgical instruments at various stages of sterilization, processing, and distribution. This technology enables precise identification and tracking of tools, significantly reducing the risk of loss and enhancing operational efficiency. The system not only streamlines the management of large tool trays but also helps clients optimize resources, ultimately leading to cost savings and improved workflow in surgical settings.

ESTAT Actuation

Seed Round in 2021
ESTAT Actuation make robots more dynamic using breakthrough actuator technology.

Identified Technologies

Seed Round in 2020
Identified Technologies Corporation specializes in developing self-piloting aerial mapping and land survey drones, providing comprehensive data scanning, capture, and analytics solutions. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a range of services that enhance project visibility and productivity for industries such as energy, mining, manufacturing, and construction. Its platform enables users to conduct 3D volumetric analysis, create 2D measurements, and generate detailed maps, while also ensuring FAA compliance and streamlined flight planning. The technology facilitates continuous job site monitoring, allowing clients to perform as-built versus planned comparisons and track project progress, ultimately improving profitability and operational efficiency.

Rapid Flow Technologies

Seed Round in 2020
Rapid Flow Technologies spun out of Carnegie Mellon University with the goal of introducing new Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies into the marketplace. Rapid Flow was created to commercialize the Surtrac adaptive traffic signal control technology developed in the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon as part of the Traffic21 research initiative. The company’s founders include the original inventors of Surtrac, who have successfully expanded the initial pilot deployment of Surtrac in Pittsburgh to a network of 50 intersections over the past three years. Rapid Flow holds an exclusive license to the patented Surtrac technology from Carnegie Mellon University, and the University has a stake in the company. In addition to Surtrac, Rapid Flow is also engaged in the development of ubiquitous Bluetooth AVI sensor network technology for ITS performance modeling and other applications through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

EKTO VR

Seed Round in 2020
EKTO VR, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based company founded in 2018 that specializes in developing innovative mobility solutions for virtual reality (VR) environments. The company's flagship product, Traverse, is a motorized wearable device designed to enhance locomotion in VR by simulating the sensation of walking. It features wearable robotic boots equipped with rotating plates that adjust to the user's walking direction and wheels that assist in leg movement. This technology allows users to remain stationary while engaging in immersive VR experiences, thereby reducing the risk of motion sickness commonly associated with VR gaming. EKTO VR aims to create a more engaging and comfortable experience for users in virtual environments.

Hebi Robotics

Seed Round in 2020
Hebi Robotics specializes in creating intelligent, modular building blocks for robotic solutions, enabling faster, more efficient, and cost-effective development. Their products feature well-defined interfaces and internet-enabled connectivity, allowing users to concentrate on high-level tasks instead of intricate implementation details. This approach not only accelerates the development process but also enhances the customization of robots to meet specific needs, leading to improved performance. By focusing on flexibility and reconfigurability, Hebi Robotics aims to simplify the creation of robots, making them more useful and safe for various applications. Overall, their innovative tools help reduce development time and costs by ensuring that only essential components are utilized in each project.

CapSen Robotics

Seed Round in 2020
CapSen Robotics, Inc. provides a 3D computer vision system that enables computers to understand the physical world in all of its cluttered glory; and a CapSen Detection Cloud Service. It offers cluttered object detection, scanning (large objects), scanning (small objects), and cluttered object tracking solutions; and serves factory automation, vehicle scanning and measuring, and retail inventory applications. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Agot

Seed Round in 2020
Agot is a developer of computer vision systems tailored for the food service industry. The company focuses on enhancing the operations of food service brands by minimizing online order errors, increasing order volume and customer ratings, and improving the accuracy of pickup time estimates. Additionally, Agot provides actionable analytics that help enterprises address key operational challenges, ultimately streamlining processes and enhancing the overall customer experience.

Root Health

Seed Round in 2019
Root Health, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing an AI-driven virtual assistant aimed at enhancing clinical research by improving participant recruitment and retention. Founded in 2017 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Root Health's AI assistant automates various aspects of participant management, including recruitment, enrollment, and remote monitoring, while also providing personalized communication to foster relationships at scale. The technology enables around-the-clock support, smart insights, scheduling, and data capture, facilitating more efficient and safer clinical trials. By prioritizing patient experience, Root Health aims to deliver compassionate care throughout the clinical trial process globally.

RoadBotics, Inc.

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
RoadBotics empowers governments and communities to make objective, data-driven decisions about their public infrastructure assets. We automate image mapping and road assessments, generating interactive maps, unbiased ratings, and practical tools to save time and taxpayer dollars for hundreds of communities across the country and around the world.

ESTAT Actuation

Seed Round in 2019
ESTAT Actuation make robots more dynamic using breakthrough actuator technology.

SOCO.AI

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Developer of an AI platform designed to automate complex conversations and tasks that go well beyond the capabilities of current chatbots in the market. The company's platform uses authoring tools for non-AI experts to build next-generation dialog systems without programming and enhance online customer interactions and fundamentally change how businesses attract, retain and interact with customers in areas ranging from marketing to medical diagnosis, enabling any enterprises or individuals to easily create customized deep learning-driven chatbots at very low cost.

EKTO VR

Pre Seed Round in 2019
EKTO VR, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based company founded in 2018 that specializes in developing innovative mobility solutions for virtual reality (VR) environments. The company's flagship product, Traverse, is a motorized wearable device designed to enhance locomotion in VR by simulating the sensation of walking. It features wearable robotic boots equipped with rotating plates that adjust to the user's walking direction and wheels that assist in leg movement. This technology allows users to remain stationary while engaging in immersive VR experiences, thereby reducing the risk of motion sickness commonly associated with VR gaming. EKTO VR aims to create a more engaging and comfortable experience for users in virtual environments.

CleanRobotics

Seed Round in 2019
CleanRobotics, Inc., based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, manufactures TrashBot, an autonomous system designed to streamline the recycling process. This innovative device utilizes robotics, computer vision, and artificial intelligence to effectively distinguish between landfill waste and recyclables. By automating waste sorting, TrashBot makes recycling more affordable for businesses and enhances profitability for recycling facilities. The system is equipped with cloud-connected technology that employs cameras and sensors to analyze discarded items, providing valuable data to recyclers. This approach not only reduces waste hauling costs for businesses but also offers sustainable solutions to pressing environmental challenges.

Agot

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Agot is a developer of computer vision systems tailored for the food service industry. The company focuses on enhancing the operations of food service brands by minimizing online order errors, increasing order volume and customer ratings, and improving the accuracy of pickup time estimates. Additionally, Agot provides actionable analytics that help enterprises address key operational challenges, ultimately streamlining processes and enhancing the overall customer experience.

Switcheroo

Seed Round in 2018
Switcheroo LLC provides home lighting automation solutions in the United States. It offers its products online. The company was founded in 2015 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

RoadBotics, Inc.

Seed Round in 2018
RoadBotics empowers governments and communities to make objective, data-driven decisions about their public infrastructure assets. We automate image mapping and road assessments, generating interactive maps, unbiased ratings, and practical tools to save time and taxpayer dollars for hundreds of communities across the country and around the world.

Identified Technologies

Seed Round in 2018
Identified Technologies Corporation specializes in developing self-piloting aerial mapping and land survey drones, providing comprehensive data scanning, capture, and analytics solutions. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a range of services that enhance project visibility and productivity for industries such as energy, mining, manufacturing, and construction. Its platform enables users to conduct 3D volumetric analysis, create 2D measurements, and generate detailed maps, while also ensuring FAA compliance and streamlined flight planning. The technology facilitates continuous job site monitoring, allowing clients to perform as-built versus planned comparisons and track project progress, ultimately improving profitability and operational efficiency.

EXGwear

Seed Round in 2018
EXGwear is a robotics company that specializes in the fields of artificial intelligence and the internet of things. Its technology is designed for brain-computer-interface-enabled compact wearable IoTs and assistive robotic devices.

CapSen Robotics

Seed Round in 2018
CapSen Robotics, Inc. provides a 3D computer vision system that enables computers to understand the physical world in all of its cluttered glory; and a CapSen Detection Cloud Service. It offers cluttered object detection, scanning (large objects), scanning (small objects), and cluttered object tracking solutions; and serves factory automation, vehicle scanning and measuring, and retail inventory applications. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

RoadBotics, Inc.

Seed Round in 2018
RoadBotics empowers governments and communities to make objective, data-driven decisions about their public infrastructure assets. We automate image mapping and road assessments, generating interactive maps, unbiased ratings, and practical tools to save time and taxpayer dollars for hundreds of communities across the country and around the world.

Velocity Robotics

Seed Round in 2018
Velocity Robotics, Inc. is a construction technology company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that develops and manufactures advanced workflow tools and automated positioning systems utilizing robotics and Internet of Things technology. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on enhancing precision and efficiency in various construction operations, including metal stud framing, soffit fabrication, decorative panel installation, finish carpentry, and aluminum window frame installation. Their innovative tools, such as a Bluetooth-enabled tape measure and smart miter saw fence, help eliminate human error in measurement, improve productivity, and reduce waste. By providing valuable data for project managers, Velocity Robotics aims to streamline workflows across the construction sector, bridging practical fabrication needs with high-tech solutions.

Onward Robotics

Venture Round in 2017
IAM Robotics, LLC is a robotics company founded in 2012 and based in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, specializing in mobile picking robots designed for autonomous order fulfillment and material handling. The company's flagship product, Swift, autonomously navigates warehouse aisles to pick products and retrieve bins, enhancing efficiency in logistics operations. In addition to Swift, IAM Robotics offers Swiftlink, a software interface that facilitates robot operation, and Flash, a product dimensioner and photo booth for accurate inventory management. The company serves various industries, including pharmaceuticals, health and beauty products, e-commerce, and grocery, aiming to optimize warehouse processes through innovative robotic solutions.

Rapid Flow Technologies

Convertible Note in 2017
Rapid Flow Technologies spun out of Carnegie Mellon University with the goal of introducing new Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies into the marketplace. Rapid Flow was created to commercialize the Surtrac adaptive traffic signal control technology developed in the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon as part of the Traffic21 research initiative. The company’s founders include the original inventors of Surtrac, who have successfully expanded the initial pilot deployment of Surtrac in Pittsburgh to a network of 50 intersections over the past three years. Rapid Flow holds an exclusive license to the patented Surtrac technology from Carnegie Mellon University, and the University has a stake in the company. In addition to Surtrac, Rapid Flow is also engaged in the development of ubiquitous Bluetooth AVI sensor network technology for ITS performance modeling and other applications through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Identified Technologies

Venture Round in 2017
Identified Technologies Corporation specializes in developing self-piloting aerial mapping and land survey drones, providing comprehensive data scanning, capture, and analytics solutions. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a range of services that enhance project visibility and productivity for industries such as energy, mining, manufacturing, and construction. Its platform enables users to conduct 3D volumetric analysis, create 2D measurements, and generate detailed maps, while also ensuring FAA compliance and streamlined flight planning. The technology facilitates continuous job site monitoring, allowing clients to perform as-built versus planned comparisons and track project progress, ultimately improving profitability and operational efficiency.

Kaarta

Seed Round in 2016
Kaarta, Inc. specializes in advanced 3D reality capture technology, enabling the creation of accurate 3D models from real-world data without relying on external signals like GPS or Wi-Fi. The company offers a range of products, including software for processing point cloud data and generating 3D models, as well as portable scanning systems such as Contour and Stencil 2, which facilitate real-time mapping of complex environments. Kaarta's innovative technology, grounded in robotics and advanced algorithms, allows users from various fields—such as architecture, engineering, construction, and mobile robotics—to obtain precise spatial information efficiently. By converting physical spaces into digital representations, Kaarta enhances understanding and collaboration among stakeholders, ultimately streamlining workflows and reducing costs. Founded in 2015 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kaarta was previously known as Real Earth, Inc. before rebranding in 2016.

Digital Dream Labs

Seed Round in 2016
Digital Dream Labs provides hands-on educational technology for children ages 4 to 9. Its products satisfy the need for engaging, language- and system-agnostic designs that allow pre-readers to interface with both on-screen environments and other devices such as educational robots, smart speakers and other smart devices, and drones. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

CapSen Robotics

Angel Round in 2016
CapSen Robotics, Inc. provides a 3D computer vision system that enables computers to understand the physical world in all of its cluttered glory; and a CapSen Detection Cloud Service. It offers cluttered object detection, scanning (large objects), scanning (small objects), and cluttered object tracking solutions; and serves factory automation, vehicle scanning and measuring, and retail inventory applications. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Digital Dream Labs

Seed Round in 2015
Digital Dream Labs provides hands-on educational technology for children ages 4 to 9. Its products satisfy the need for engaging, language- and system-agnostic designs that allow pre-readers to interface with both on-screen environments and other devices such as educational robots, smart speakers and other smart devices, and drones. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Hebi Robotics

Seed Round in 2015
Hebi Robotics specializes in creating intelligent, modular building blocks for robotic solutions, enabling faster, more efficient, and cost-effective development. Their products feature well-defined interfaces and internet-enabled connectivity, allowing users to concentrate on high-level tasks instead of intricate implementation details. This approach not only accelerates the development process but also enhances the customization of robots to meet specific needs, leading to improved performance. By focusing on flexibility and reconfigurability, Hebi Robotics aims to simplify the creation of robots, making them more useful and safe for various applications. Overall, their innovative tools help reduce development time and costs by ensuring that only essential components are utilized in each project.

Digital Dream Labs

Seed Round in 2015
Digital Dream Labs provides hands-on educational technology for children ages 4 to 9. Its products satisfy the need for engaging, language- and system-agnostic designs that allow pre-readers to interface with both on-screen environments and other devices such as educational robots, smart speakers and other smart devices, and drones. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Onward Robotics

Seed Round in 2015
IAM Robotics, LLC is a robotics company founded in 2012 and based in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, specializing in mobile picking robots designed for autonomous order fulfillment and material handling. The company's flagship product, Swift, autonomously navigates warehouse aisles to pick products and retrieve bins, enhancing efficiency in logistics operations. In addition to Swift, IAM Robotics offers Swiftlink, a software interface that facilitates robot operation, and Flash, a product dimensioner and photo booth for accurate inventory management. The company serves various industries, including pharmaceuticals, health and beauty products, e-commerce, and grocery, aiming to optimize warehouse processes through innovative robotic solutions.

Identified Technologies

Seed Round in 2015
Identified Technologies Corporation specializes in developing self-piloting aerial mapping and land survey drones, providing comprehensive data scanning, capture, and analytics solutions. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a range of services that enhance project visibility and productivity for industries such as energy, mining, manufacturing, and construction. Its platform enables users to conduct 3D volumetric analysis, create 2D measurements, and generate detailed maps, while also ensuring FAA compliance and streamlined flight planning. The technology facilitates continuous job site monitoring, allowing clients to perform as-built versus planned comparisons and track project progress, ultimately improving profitability and operational efficiency.

Identified Technologies

Seed Round in 2014
Identified Technologies Corporation specializes in developing self-piloting aerial mapping and land survey drones, providing comprehensive data scanning, capture, and analytics solutions. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a range of services that enhance project visibility and productivity for industries such as energy, mining, manufacturing, and construction. Its platform enables users to conduct 3D volumetric analysis, create 2D measurements, and generate detailed maps, while also ensuring FAA compliance and streamlined flight planning. The technology facilitates continuous job site monitoring, allowing clients to perform as-built versus planned comparisons and track project progress, ultimately improving profitability and operational efficiency.

RE2, Inc.

Pre Seed Round in 2014
RE2 Robotics, located in Pittsburgh, PA, is a Carnegie Mellon spin-off. We were founded in 2001 by Jorgen Pedersen on the principles of developing innovative robotic technologies that save lives and improve quality of life. Our team designs mobile manipulation technologies that enable robot users to remotely interact with the world -- whether on the ground, in the air, or underwater. Our intuitive systems are easy to operate and enable users to remotely perform dangerous tasks. Our main customer is the Military and over 400 of our robotic arms have been deployed overseas for EOD missions.

Digital Dream Labs

Seed Round in 2013
Digital Dream Labs provides hands-on educational technology for children ages 4 to 9. Its products satisfy the need for engaging, language- and system-agnostic designs that allow pre-readers to interface with both on-screen environments and other devices such as educational robots, smart speakers and other smart devices, and drones. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

4moms

Seed Round in 2006
4moms is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in developing robotics technology-based products for children from prenatal to preschool age. The company aims to meet the practical needs of parents by introducing innovative solutions in the juvenile industry. With a team of over forty engineers, designers, and developers, 4moms has created a range of childcare products, including baby gear and toys. Its products are available in more than 500 retail locations across 24 countries, contributing to the broader $8.9 billion U.S. juvenile products market.

4moms

Seed Round in 2005
4moms is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in developing robotics technology-based products for children from prenatal to preschool age. The company aims to meet the practical needs of parents by introducing innovative solutions in the juvenile industry. With a team of over forty engineers, designers, and developers, 4moms has created a range of childcare products, including baby gear and toys. Its products are available in more than 500 retail locations across 24 countries, contributing to the broader $8.9 billion U.S. juvenile products market.

RedZone Robotics

Venture Round in 2004
RedZone Robotics, Inc. specializes in wastewater asset management solutions, focusing on providing advanced inspection services for sewer pipelines. Established in 1987 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with an additional office in Auckland, New Zealand, the company offers a range of services, including multi-sensor inspection, advanced pipeline assessment, and customized reporting. RedZone employs proprietary robotic technology and software tools to facilitate data collection and analysis, helping municipal clients, contractors, and engineering firms across North America optimize their wastewater management practices. By delivering critical insights into the condition of pipeline systems, RedZone enables clients to make informed maintenance and capital expenditure decisions, ultimately reducing costs and minimizing the risk of system failures.
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