Aniai & Chef Robotics Raise Funds, Robomart Partners with Pix Moving
Aniai & Chef Robotics Raise Funds, Robomart Partners with Pix Moving
Nala Robotics tries GenAI, Amazon and iRobot call off tie-up
After a few tough weeks for restaurant robotics, things are looking up: Aiai and Chef Robotics just raised impressive cash hauls, while Robomart has signed an interesting new MoU. And we’ve got some industry-shaping news from Nala Robotics and Amazon / iRobot as well.
Aniai Raises $12M for Robotic Cooking
Aniai, a company specializing in AI and automation for the foodservice sector, has raised $12 million in pre-Series A funding, bringing its total funding to $15 million. The round was led by InterVest, with participation from SV Investment, Ignite Innovation, and existing investor Capstone Partners. Aniai aims to use this investment to open its first manufacturing facility in South Korea, primarily for producing its robotic hamburger cooking solution, the Alpha Grill. This expansion is part of Aniai's strategy to enhance production capabilities and enter global markets, including North America. CEO Gunpil Hwang notes that the funding will boost production and incorporate advanced AI into their products to improve kitchen efficiency.
Chef Robotics Raises Nearly $15M
Not to be outdone, Chef Robotics, a San Francisco-based startup established in 2019, has closed a $14.75 million funding round, increasing its total capital to $22.5 million. This investment, a mix of equity and debt, will be channeled towards advancing the company's Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) model and expanding its team of engineers and technicians. CEO Rajat Bhageria distinguishes Chef Robotics from its competitors by focusing on food assembly rather than cooking, underpinned by their proprietary ChefOS software. The software utilizes various sensors and data models to adapt to the intricacies of food preparation. While specific sales figures remain undisclosed, the company has reported a significant increase in recurring revenue and has deployed its robots in food companies across multiple U.S. and Canadian cities, including some Fortune 500 firms.
Robomart Partners with Pix Moving
Robomart, a U.S. company specializing in autonomous mobile retail stores, has entered into a strategic partnership with PIX Moving, an autonomous vehicle manufacturer. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, aims to expand Robomart's fleet using PIX's manufacturing capabilities. The initial focus will be on launching unmanned mobile stores in California, including automated ice cream parlors, cafes and quick service restaurants. Robomart's technology, which includes checkout-free systems and advanced sensors, is designed to streamline the shopping process. Robomart Founder Ali Ahmed explained that the company will be utilizing the PIX Robobus as a base for its Oasis and Haven models, offering a path to autonomy; deliveries are planned for late 2025.
Nala Robotics Pivots to GenAI
Chicago-based Nala Robotics has been operating one of the few robotic commercial kitchens in the U.S. for over two years, incorporating its robotic fryers, dishwasher-loading robots, and automated sandwich / bowl / pizza assemblers. Now the company has done a partial pivot to provide comprehensive systems that span from ingredient handling to delivery. In an effort to make robotics more accessible for small and midsize businesses, especially in the face of rising minimum wages, the company is focusing on cost-effective automation. CEO Sunkara emphasizes the integration of Generative AI in recipe development and operational efficiency, and the company is exploring advancements in human-machine interaction and self-improving robots.
Amazon Pulls Out of iRobot Deal
iRobot Corp. has abandoned its planned acquisition by Amazon.com Inc., with the companies citing "undue and disproportionate" regulatory scrutiny, ending a deal once valued at up to $1.7 billion. Amidst this development, iRobot co-founder Colin Angle steps down as CEO, with Glen Weinstein taking over as interim CEO. While the company will get a $94M termination fee, it’s announcing a major restructuring plan, including a 31% workforce reduction and a strategic shift to focus on core robotic floorcare products, in an effort to realign operations and drive profitability. While Amazon was facing regulatory headwinds in the E.U., recent developments made it look like America’s FTC was threatening the deal as well.
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