ATI Motors Secures $20M Funding - India Robotics Growth

Ati Motors Secures $20 Million in Funding for Global Expansion

Ati Motors announced a successful $20 million funding round on Wednesday. This investment is intended to facilitate the growth of the Indian-based autonomous mobile robot (AMR) startup into international markets.

The company is strategically positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for localized manufacturing across the U.S., India, and Southeast Asia. This trend is driven by nations seeking to reduce their reliance on Chinese supply chains.

India's Growing Robotics Industry

In 2023, India’s Ministry of Information Technology introduced the National Strategy for Robotics. This policy aims to establish the country as a leading force in the global robotics arena by the year 2030.

Currently, India holds the position of the seventh-largest robotics market globally. Annual industrial robotics installations experienced a substantial 59% year-over-year increase, reaching 8,500 units in 2023, according to data from the International Federation of Robotics.

Despite this growth, India still trails behind major robotics powers such as China, Japan, and the United States.

Focus on Replacing Manual Labor

“We view the existing methods of operation as our primary competition, rather than other robotic solutions,” stated Saurabh Chandra, founder and CEO of Ati Motors, during a recent interview.

“Our robots are typically implemented to replace manual tasks, such as human-operated vehicles or the physical pushing of materials.”

Robot Development and Capabilities

Established seven years ago, Ati Motors operates a manufacturing and research & development facility in Bengaluru. The company has developed a portfolio of seven distinct robot models.

Two of these models are currently undergoing final testing and are scheduled for release this quarter. These robots are designed to efficiently transport trolleys, bins, and pallets within factory and warehouse environments.

Ati Motors’ robots are equipped with 3D lidar sensors, providing them with comprehensive spatial awareness. This allows for reliable operation even in challenging conditions, including inclement weather like rain, which can disrupt traditional manufacturing processes.

The robots are also capable of navigating diverse flooring surfaces and overcoming obstacles such as gradients, cracks, and oil spills, as explained by Chandra to TechCrunch.

Full-Stack Engineering Approach

“We handle the entire technology stack internally,” Chandra emphasized. “This complete, multi-disciplinary engineering capability is a key differentiator for us.”

The company designs both the software and hardware for its robots in-house, including the sophisticated sensor-fusion algorithms. Like many in the field, Ati Motors utilizes Nvidia’s Jetson platform for edge computing.

Furthermore, they provide dedicated fleet management software that is designed to integrate with mobile robots from other manufacturers, offering customers enhanced interoperability.

Collaboration and Interoperability

“The future will see a proliferation of robots in manufacturing facilities. It’s unlikely that any single company will be able to produce all of these robots independently. Therefore, collaboration from the outset is essential,” Chandra noted.

Company History and Business Model

Founded in February 2017, Ati Motors initially focused on developing tugging robots. However, responding to customer feedback and market demands, the company broadened its product line to include pallet movers and lifters.

Ati Motors offers a robots-as-a-service (RaaS) model, allowing companies to lease its AMRs. Customers also have the option to purchase the systems outright.

Customer Base and Expansion Plans

Ati Motors reports having deployed “hundreds” of its Sherpa robots with over 40 manufacturers. Notable customers include Airbus, Ceat Tyres, Forvia, Hyundai, Samsung, and TVS Motor.

The automobile sector represents 80% of its customer base, and the U.S. currently generates the majority of its revenue. Consequently, the startup intends to strengthen its presence in North America, with a planned expansion in Detroit.

Series B Funding Details

The $20 million Series B funding round was jointly 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.