SoftBank

SoftBank Group Corp. is a multinational telecommunications and internet corporation based in Tokyo, Japan. Established in 1981, it provides a wide range of services including mobile and fixed-line communications, broadband, and digital television. The company operates through several segments, including the SoftBank Vision Fund, which focuses on investing in technology sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and fintech. Additionally, SoftBank manufactures and distributes mobile devices and offers services in e-commerce, internet advertising, and IT solutions. The firm also engages in renewable energy by generating and supplying electricity. Beyond telecommunications, SoftBank has interests in various sectors, including media, professional sports, and fashion through platforms like ZOZOTOWN. With a global presence, SoftBank actively invests in growth-stage companies, aiming to foster innovation and technological advancement across diverse industries.

Past deals in Robotics

Jaka Robot

Series D in 2022
Jaka Robot develops, engineers, manufactures, and markets industrial robots. Its products include JAKA ZuTM robot, which is a wireless control system that collaborates with mobile applications; JAKA MES, which helps in information integration across various departments in a factory; conveyor systems; palletizing robot systems; and liner molding machines. The company caters to food and beverage, chemical, packaging, electronics, and mechanical processing industries. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Shanghai, China.

RightHand Robotics

Series C in 2022
RightHand Robotics, Inc. specializes in manufacturing robotic order-picking systems designed for various industrial applications, including e-commerce, food handling, and flexible manufacturing. The company offers innovative products such as the ReFlex SF, which features a 3D-printed palm equipped with servos and compliant fingers, and the ReFlex TakkTile, a tactile sensor that enhances the robots' ability to grasp items gently and make adjustments to avoid errors. Their technology allows robots to automatically grasp a wide range of items from bins and cases, eliminating the need for extensive data-entry or parameter-tuning, thereby making the systems cost-effective and adaptable to the evolving needs of businesses. Founded in 2015, RightHand Robotics is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a sales and business development office located in Frankfurt, Germany.

Sobot

Series D in 2022
Sobot Technologies specializes in developing artificial intelligence-based customer care solutions. The company provides a range of services, including online customer service robots, intelligent call-in robots, manual online customer services, intelligent outbound robots, cloud call centers, and work order systems. Additionally, Sobot offers customer service applications, call integration, localized deployment, and human resource operation management services. The firm caters to various industries, such as education and training, e-commerce, corporate services, domestic services, game entertainment, and banking. Founded in 2012, Sobot Technologies is headquartered in Beijing, China.

Fourier Intelligence

Series D in 2022
Shanghai Fourier Intelligence Co. Ltd. specializes in the development of exoskeleton and rehabilitation robotics products aimed at enhancing mobility and therapeutic outcomes for users with movement impairments. Key products include the ExoMotus X2, an exoskeleton robot designed for walking assistance, and the ArmMotus M2, which aids in arm rehabilitation, focusing on shoulder and elbow joint movement. The WristMotus M1-W facilitates normal wrist movements, while CycleMotus provides an intuitive interface for patients to continue rehabilitation at home after clinical discharge. Additionally, the company is involved in various initiatives such as the Fourier Intelligence Group Therapy (FiGT), the Fourier Intelligent Rehabilitation Hub (FiRH), and the Fourier Exoskeleton & Robotics Open Platform System (EXOPS), which are aimed at advancing education and development in exoskeleton and robotics systems. Founded in 2015 and based in Shanghai, Fourier Intelligence combines technology and design to address the needs of individuals with disabilities and enhance their quality of life.

Robin AI

Seed Round in 2021
Robin AI is a legal tech startup - we let you do your best work by automating everything else.

Robotic Research

Series A in 2021
Robotic Research, LLC, is a small engineering firm founded by Alberto Lacaze and Karl Murphy in 2002. Both worked together in the Intelligent Systems Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (Gaithersburg, MD) when they decided to make the move (across the street as it turned out) to pursue focused interest in unmanned vehicles.

Gaussian Robot

Series C in 2021
Gaussian Robot, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, specializes in the development and manufacture of commercial automatic sweeping robots. The company offers a range of products, including commercial cleaning robots, unmanned sanitation vehicles, security robot solutions, and building distribution robots. Gaussian Robot utilizes advanced technologies, such as simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), to enhance the capabilities of its autonomous robots. These innovations cater to various commercial applications, providing effective solutions for cleaning, surveillance, and facility management within the robotics industry.

Nuro

Series D in 2021
Nuro, Inc. is a technology company based in Mountain View, California, that specializes in the manufacture of self-driving vehicles designed for local goods transportation. Incorporated in 2016, Nuro focuses on transforming local commerce through autonomous delivery services. The company operates a fleet of electric, fully autonomous vehicles capable of delivering a wide range of products, from food to pharmaceuticals. Nuro's mission is to enhance everyday life by providing quick, affordable, and safe delivery solutions for merchants and their customers.

Nuro

Series D in 2021
Nuro, Inc. is a technology company based in Mountain View, California, that specializes in the manufacture of self-driving vehicles designed for local goods transportation. Incorporated in 2016, Nuro focuses on transforming local commerce through autonomous delivery services. The company operates a fleet of electric, fully autonomous vehicles capable of delivering a wide range of products, from food to pharmaceuticals. Nuro's mission is to enhance everyday life by providing quick, affordable, and safe delivery solutions for merchants and their customers.

Opentrons

Series C in 2021
OpenTrons is a developer of a pipetting robot technology designed to automate experiments. The company's technology is automated laboratory equipment that automates experiments by using Python language, enabling scientific researchers to make the process faster and less tiresome.

Keenon Robotics

Series D in 2021
Keenon Robotics is a developer and innovator company that dedicated to develop commercial service robots.

Agile Robots

Series C in 2021
Agile Robots AG, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Gilching, Germany, specializes in developing artificial intelligence-based software for robotic solutions. The company focuses on creating intelligent robot systems that incorporate perception, intelligence, and actuation. Its core products include a lightweight 7-degree-of-freedom robotic arm, a general-purpose robot controller, and a robot vision system. Agile Robots emphasizes full-body force sensitivity and vision intelligence, enabling their robotic systems to interpret the shape, material, and measurements of various objects. This technology facilitates applications in manufacturing, medical assistance, and service robotics. With an additional office in Beijing, China, Agile Robots is dedicated to advancing the integration of AI with physical robotics.

AInnovation

Series D in 2021
AInnovation owns and operates a company that offers products and services based on artificial intelligence to different companies. Its platform uses technologies such as recognition of vision in computers, learning machines, and processing natural languages and offers advantages on efficiency and algorithm that permit companies to improve productivity and performance, enabling businesses to enhance efficiency and value and achieve digital transformation.

XAG

Series D in 2020
XAG Co., Ltd. designs and develops drones, robots, autonomous driving solution, and artificial intelligence (AI) based equipment for agricultural industry. The company offers unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipment for various types of applications, such as model aircraft for weekend hobbyists and large-scale professional UAVs for commercial and industrial applications. The company offers aerial imaging and monitoring products, including flight control systems, multi-task weatherproof UAV systems, brushless gimbals, and frames; and commercial UAVs for lifting and logistics applications. Its commercial and industrial products and services are used for low-altitude airspace logistics, police force assistance, medical rescue assistance, forest fire prevention, geological prospecting, aerial photography, surveying, and arctic expedition. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Guangzhou, China.

Nuro

Series C in 2020
Nuro, Inc. is a technology company based in Mountain View, California, that specializes in the manufacture of self-driving vehicles designed for local goods transportation. Incorporated in 2016, Nuro focuses on transforming local commerce through autonomous delivery services. The company operates a fleet of electric, fully autonomous vehicles capable of delivering a wide range of products, from food to pharmaceuticals. Nuro's mission is to enhance everyday life by providing quick, affordable, and safe delivery solutions for merchants and their customers.

Brain Corp

Series D in 2020
Brain Corp, founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Diego, California, develops a cloud-based artificial intelligence platform that powers self-driving robots. Its flagship product, BrainOS, is an operating system designed to integrate with standard hardware and sensors, providing robots with advanced navigation capabilities in complex environments. The company's technology is utilized in various sectors, including delivery, healthcare, security, and personal services, particularly enhancing the functionality of commercial floor scrubbers. By specializing in robotics, machine learning, and indoor navigation, Brain Corp aims to support the production, deployment, and maintenance of autonomous machines across different industries. The company also has offices in Amsterdam and Tokyo, reflecting its global presence in the robotics market.

Bear Robotics

Series A in 2020
Bear Robotics addresses the increased pressure faced by the restaurant industry around wages, labor supply, and cost efficiencies. It aims to revolutionize the restaurant and food service industry using robotics and AI. The company makes robots that help customers receive an improved dining experience, employees with greater job satisfaction, and owners of restaurants with an increase in profits. Bear Robotics started in 2017 and is headquartered in Redwood City, California.

Berkshire Grey

Series B in 2020
Berkshire Grey, Inc. specializes in developing artificial intelligence-driven robotic and automated material handling systems aimed at enhancing omnichannel fulfillment. Founded in 2013 and based in Lexington, Massachusetts, the company offers a range of solutions, including AI software, robotic arms, mobile robotic systems, and advanced sorting technologies. Its systems leverage artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning to automate tasks traditionally performed by humans, thereby increasing accuracy and throughput in logistics and supply chain operations. Berkshire Grey's technology is designed to handle diverse products and packaging types, providing a significant competitive advantage to its customers. The company primarily generates its revenue from North America and operates as a subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp.

Accel Robotics

Series A in 2019
Accel Robotics Corporation, founded in 2015 and headquartered in La Jolla, California, specializes in artificial intelligence solutions for retail environments. The company has developed an advanced visual intelligence platform that enhances customer experiences through its OMNIO robot, which facilitates a checkout-free shopping process. Shoppers can enter a store, select items, and leave without traditional checkouts, receiving receipts via text or app notifications. This technology empowers retailers to streamline operations, extend their market reach, and increase revenue while providing customers with a convenient shopping experience. Accel Robotics also maintains offices in Tokyo, Japan, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, focusing on areas such as computer vision, product design, and software development.

Automation Anywhere

Series B in 2019
Automation Anywhere, Inc. specializes in business process automation solutions, positioning itself as a leader in Robotic Process Automation (RPA). The company provides a comprehensive platform that integrates RPA, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and analytics, allowing organizations to automate complex, repetitive tasks through software bots. Its offerings include Automation Anywhere Enterprise for IT and business process automation, as well as various tools for testing and process documentation. The company supports a wide range of clients across industries, having deployed over 1.8 million bots for more than 4,000 customers globally. Automation Anywhere, founded in 2003 and headquartered in San Jose, California, operates in over 40 countries and collaborates with a network of approximately 2,000 partners to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer experiences.

Nuro

Series B in 2019
Nuro, Inc. is a technology company based in Mountain View, California, that specializes in the manufacture of self-driving vehicles designed for local goods transportation. Incorporated in 2016, Nuro focuses on transforming local commerce through autonomous delivery services. The company operates a fleet of electric, fully autonomous vehicles capable of delivering a wide range of products, from food to pharmaceuticals. Nuro's mission is to enhance everyday life by providing quick, affordable, and safe delivery solutions for merchants and their customers.

Boston Dynamics

Venture Round in 2019
Boston Dynamics, Inc. designs and builds robots. It provides Handle, a mobile box handling robots for logistics; SpotMini, a small package robot; Atlas, a humanoid robot; Pick, deep-learning depalletizing robot; Spot, a kicking and ticking robot; LS3, legged squad support systems; WildCat, a quadruped robot, BigDog, a rough-terrain robot; SandFlea, that leaps small buildings in a single bound; and RHex, a devours rough terrain. Boston Dynamics Inc. has a strategic alliance with Trimble. The company was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Boston Dynamics Inc. operates as a subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp.

Automation Anywhere

Series A in 2018
Automation Anywhere, Inc. specializes in business process automation solutions, positioning itself as a leader in Robotic Process Automation (RPA). The company provides a comprehensive platform that integrates RPA, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and analytics, allowing organizations to automate complex, repetitive tasks through software bots. Its offerings include Automation Anywhere Enterprise for IT and business process automation, as well as various tools for testing and process documentation. The company supports a wide range of clients across industries, having deployed over 1.8 million bots for more than 4,000 customers globally. Automation Anywhere, founded in 2003 and headquartered in San Jose, California, operates in over 40 countries and collaborates with a network of approximately 2,000 partners to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer experiences.

5x5 Technologies

Series A in 2018
5x5 Technologies Inc, founded in 2016 and headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, specializes in the development of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced technology solutions. The company focuses on 3D spatial computing and artificial intelligence to enhance the capabilities of drones, enabling organizations in sectors such as Telecom, Energy, Transportation, and Government to optimize asset management, inspection, and analysis. Its Ávrio engineering platform generates detailed digital graphs that facilitate improved decision-making and operational efficiency. By providing innovative tools like 3D analytics and DVRs, 5x5 Technologies aims to empower clients to achieve significant revenue growth and cost reductions that were previously unattainable.

Fetch Robotics

Series B in 2017
Fetch Robotics, Inc. is a company based in San Jose, California, that specializes in developing and manufacturing autonomous mobile robot solutions for the warehousing and intralogistics sectors. Founded in 2014, the company focuses on collaborative robots that enhance material handling and data collection processes. Its product offerings include the Fetch cloud robotics platform, VirtualConveyor for material transport, and DataSurvey for data collection. Fetch Robotics aims to provide reliable and safe autonomous mobile robot solutions, leveraging its expertise to improve efficiency in industrial operations. The company is recognized as a venture-backed startup in Silicon Valley, contributing significantly to advancements in robotics technology.

RPA Holdings Japan

Venture Round in 2017
RPA Holdings, Inc., a holding company, engages in robot outsourcing and transformation business in Japan. It operates PRESCO, an online advertising/affiliate business, as well as offers office-work outsourcing. The company was founded in 2000 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Brain Corp

Series C in 2017
Brain Corp, founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Diego, California, develops a cloud-based artificial intelligence platform that powers self-driving robots. Its flagship product, BrainOS, is an operating system designed to integrate with standard hardware and sensors, providing robots with advanced navigation capabilities in complex environments. The company's technology is utilized in various sectors, including delivery, healthcare, security, and personal services, particularly enhancing the functionality of commercial floor scrubbers. By specializing in robotics, machine learning, and indoor navigation, Brain Corp aims to support the production, deployment, and maintenance of autonomous machines across different industries. The company also has offices in Amsterdam and Tokyo, reflecting its global presence in the robotics market.

Schaft

Acquisition in 2017
Schaft is a robotics company that evolved from the JSK Robotics Laboratory at the University of Tokyo, where significant advancements in humanoid robotics were made under the leadership of Professor Masayuki Inaba. Co-founders Junichi Urata and Yuto Nakanishi, who began their work in the lab around a decade ago, contributed to the development of various humanoid robots, including projects named Kotaro, Kojiro, Kenzo, and Kenshiro. The company specializes in creating robotic technology and hardware tailored for industrial applications, focusing on humanoid bipedal robots. These machines are designed to assist clients in safely performing tasks in hazardous environments, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Boston Dynamics

Acquisition in 2017
Boston Dynamics, Inc. designs and builds robots. It provides Handle, a mobile box handling robots for logistics; SpotMini, a small package robot; Atlas, a humanoid robot; Pick, deep-learning depalletizing robot; Spot, a kicking and ticking robot; LS3, legged squad support systems; WildCat, a quadruped robot, BigDog, a rough-terrain robot; SandFlea, that leaps small buildings in a single bound; and RHex, a devours rough terrain. Boston Dynamics Inc. has a strategic alliance with Trimble. The company was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Boston Dynamics Inc. operates as a subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp.

CloudMinds

Series A in 2017
CloudMinds Technology Inc. develops and operates cloud robotic solutions. It offers mobile-intranet cloud services that provides end-to-end secure mobility services for enterprise customers, including virtual backbone network and cloud artificial intelligence (XaaS Cloud + human augmented robot intelligence); cloud artificial intelligence solutions, such as human augmented robot intelligence and cloud robot services; and DATA A1 cloud robot control unit. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Irvine, California. CloudMinds Technology Inc. operates as a subsidiary of CloudMinds Technologies Co., Ltd.

CloudMinds

Seed Round in 2016
CloudMinds Technology Inc. develops and operates cloud robotic solutions. It offers mobile-intranet cloud services that provides end-to-end secure mobility services for enterprise customers, including virtual backbone network and cloud artificial intelligence (XaaS Cloud + human augmented robot intelligence); cloud artificial intelligence solutions, such as human augmented robot intelligence and cloud robot services; and DATA A1 cloud robot control unit. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Irvine, California. CloudMinds Technology Inc. operates as a subsidiary of CloudMinds Technologies Co., Ltd.

Fetch Robotics

Series A in 2015
Fetch Robotics, Inc. is a company based in San Jose, California, that specializes in developing and manufacturing autonomous mobile robot solutions for the warehousing and intralogistics sectors. Founded in 2014, the company focuses on collaborative robots that enhance material handling and data collection processes. Its product offerings include the Fetch cloud robotics platform, VirtualConveyor for material transport, and DataSurvey for data collection. Fetch Robotics aims to provide reliable and safe autonomous mobile robot solutions, leveraging its expertise to improve efficiency in industrial operations. The company is recognized as a venture-backed startup in Silicon Valley, contributing significantly to advancements in robotics technology.

Aldebaran Robotics

Acquisition in 2012
Aldebaran Robotics designs, manufactures, and sells autonomous humanoid robots for entertainment purposes. The robots are also used for reception, assistance, home care, and autism therapy. Aldebaran Robotics’ products include NAO: a 58-cm tall humanoid robot developed to serve as a friendly companion that moves, recognizes, hears, and talks to human beings; Pepper: a social robot that converses with humans, recognizes them, and reacts to their emotions while moving and living autonomously; and Romeo: a 140-cm humanoid robot intended to deepen research on assistance for the elderly and those who have lost autonomy that has the ability to open doors, climb stairs, and grab objects on a table. Aldebaran Robotics was founded in 2005 and is based in Paris, France.