Bengaluru-based autonomous robotics startup, Ati Motors, has successfully raised $20 million in a Series B funding round led by Walden Catalyst Ventures and NGP Capital. Existing investors including True Ventures, Exfinity Venture Partners, Athera Venture Partners, and Blume Ventures also participated in the round.
Expanding AI Product Portfolio and Global Reach
The company plans to utilize the capital raised to accelerate product development and expand its footprint across new geographies, including key markets such as the US, Mexico, India, Thailand, and Singapore.
“We aim to expand our product portfolio and deepen our presence in markets where we are already seeing strong traction,” said Saurabh Chandra, Founder and CEO of Ati Motors. “Additionally, we have one of the best datasets on physical AI from factories, and we plan to leverage this data to develop next-generation AI models that provide exceptional value to our customers.”
Sherpa Tug Robots Leading the Way in Industrial Automation
Ati Motors has already deployed hundreds of its flagship Sherpa Tug robots across 40 leading manufacturers, including industry giants Forvia and Hyundai. These autonomous robots are designed to attach to factory trolleys, tow multiple loads both indoors and outdoors, and handle payloads of up to three tonnes.
The Sherpa Tug has been engineered to work in dynamic factory environments, boasting waterproof capabilities and covering over 500,000 kilometers across diverse industrial settings.
Global Expansion and Product Diversification
In addition to the Sherpa Tug, Ati Motors offers a range of industrial robots, including bin movers, pallet movers, and lifting platforms, each catering to diverse industrial use cases. To support its global expansion, the company has recently established operations in Mexico and strengthened its presence in key regions such as the US, India, and Southeast Asia. Ati Motors is also expanding its North American headquarters in Detroit.
AI and Robotics Transforming Industrial Workforce
Ati Motors’ robots integrate cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision, and advanced hardware to perform complex tasks on factory floors. The company’s products cater to sectors such as automotive, electrical, appliance, and aerospace industries.
Saurabh Chandra emphasized the increasing demand for autonomous robots in factories globally, driven by the difficulty of filling dull, dirty, and dangerous jobs. Ati Motors aims to bridge the gap between human workers and robots by creating solutions that can perform at human-level standards in real-world factory settings.
Previous Funding and Robotics Ecosystem Growth
Ati Motors previously raised $3.5 million in a pre-Series A round in 2021, led by Blume Ventures and Exfinity Venture Partners. The startup also received seed funding from Village Global, a California-based early-stage fund supported by high-profile investors such as Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos.
The new round of funding comes amid growing interest and investment in AI and robotics across various industries, particularly in manufacturing and logistics.
Global Robotics Market and Future Outlook
The increasing demand for autonomous robots is evident across the global robotics market, with other Indian startups like Haber and Perceptyne also securing significant funding to accelerate their development in the robotics space. Ati Motors is well-positioned to be a leader in industrial automation, combining advanced AI technology with innovative robotics solutions.
“Ati Motors represents the future of industrial automation,” said Shankar Chandran, Partner at Walden Catalyst Ventures. “Their unique combination of advanced AI and robotics, along with a deep understanding of manufacturing environments, positions them perfectly to lead the next wave of industrial automation.”
Ati Motors’ $20 million Series B funding marks an important step in the company’s journey to revolutionize industrial automation with its cutting-edge AI-powered robots. With its expanding product offerings and international presence, Ati Motors is set to transform the way industries automate and optimize manufacturing processes.
