The Series D funding round was led by Temasek, TrueLight Capital, Softbank Vision Fund 2, and Prosperity7 Ventures
JAKA Robotics claims to have more than 10,000 collaborative robots in operation around the world. (Credit: JAKA Robotics)
China-based JAKA Robotics has raised nearly $150m in Series D financing to research and develop a new generation of collaborative robots (cobots) to bolster Industry 4.0 and industrial automation.
The Series D funding round was led by Temasek, Softbank Vision Fund 2, TrueLight Capital, and Aramco Ventures’ $1bn Prosperity7 Ventures fund. An undisclosed strategic investor also took part in the financing.
JAKA Robotics said that the proceeds from the financing will further underpin its globalisation as well as the research and development of new generations of collaborative robots with increased intelligence and flexibility.
Prosperity7 Ventures executive director Aysar Tayeb said: “Robotics has tremendous growth potential as a future megatrend, especially as human-machine interaction plays a critical role in the age of Industry 4.0.
“Prosperity7 will leverage its Aramco-funded connections to help JAKA Robotics scale and globalise. We are always looking to partner with pioneers in their respective industries to enable continued growth and transformation and have a positive impact on people’s lives.”
Founded in 2014, JAKA Robotics claims to have over 10,000 collaborative robots in operation around the world. The robots are said to be used in the production lines of popular brands in the automotive, semiconductor, electronics, and other industries.
The Chinese firm has set up technology centres in Germany and Japan and is said to be working with over 300 automation companies to offer localised services globally.
JAKA Robotics’ collaborative robots are based on the company-developed nine core technologies and six core algorithms and form a complete product matrix with payload ranging from 1kg to 18 kg.
JAKA Robotics Li Mingyang said: “Our cobots have extensive communication interfaces and are equipped with vision systems, force sensors and other external devices. The perception equipment and robot design can be deeply integrated.
“It enables robots to independently carry out task planning in a complicated, unstructured environment, realizing the progress from human-machine cooperation to human-machine integration, covering more production areas.”