Founded in 2016 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich, Swiss robotics innovator Anybotics is making significant strides in the realm of autonomous inspections. With the recent closure of an additional $60 million in its Series B funding, bringing the total to an impressive $110 million, Anybotics is well-positioned to further its mission of enhancing safety and efficiency in industrial environments. This funding round, which follows an initial $50 million announcement 18 months earlier, showcases investor confidence in the company’s potential for growth and leader in robotic inspection solutions.
Central to Anybotics’ offering is Anymal, a quadruped robot designed for rigorous industrial tasks. Equipped with a plethora of sensors and cameras, Anymal excels in monitoring critical systems within sectors like oil and gas, utilities, mining, and manufacturing. The technology supports traditional inspection methods, enabling companies to detect thermal anomalies and hazardous substances such as combustible gases. By implementing automation into routine inspections, Anybotics not only minimizes human risk in perilous environments but also optimizes maintenance schedules, fostering increased productivity.
The modern industrial landscape presents myriad challenges, especially when dealing with the complexity and hazards inherent in various operations. Anybotics’ robots effectively address these issues by automating inspections in locations often deemed too dangerous or biologically risky for human workers. As Dr. Péter Fankhauser, the company’s co-founder and CEO, articulately states, the automation of these inspection processes reduces human exposure to perilous work conditions while maximizing maintenance efficiency. The rise in inspections made possible by such technologies leads to lower operational downtimes and a higher degree of reliability across industrial platforms.
As evidence of their growing impact, Anybotics reports a doubling of the number of robots sold since their last funding announcement, bringing current deployments to nearly 200. The company’s clientele spans a diverse range, including established firms like Novelis, Iamgold, and Stanford University, illustrating the adaptability of Anymal across various industries and applications. According to Fankhauser, customer deployments can vary from single units to extensive fleets, indicating a robust demand for automation across different settings, especially given that many clients operate multiple facilities worldwide.
Anybotics’ latest capital infusion not only signifies its accomplishments but also sets the stage for ambitious growth strategies, primarily focused on expanding its presence in the U.S. market. The establishment of a new office in San Francisco epitomizes this shift, enabling the company to tap into one of the most prominent tech ecosystems. This step is critical, considering the increasing demand for innovative inspection solutions in various industrial domains, as firms seek to modernize their processes alongside technological advancements.
Interestingly, Anybotics has opted to classify this funding round as an extension of the previous Series B rather than transitioning to a Series C. This distinction stems from the strategic intent behind the funding; the current focus is on scaling their core business rather than exploring new applications or industries. As Fankhauser mentioned, the forthcoming Series C is anticipated to target expansion into additional domains, hinting at even broader ambitions in the future. Investors are evidently keen on supporting this trajectory, with backing from notable firms such as Qualcomm Ventures and Supernova Invest, along with existing stakeholders like Bessemer Venture Partners and Nokia-backed NGP Capital.
With $130 million raised since its inception and a vibrant pipeline of opportunities ahead, Anybotics stands at the forefront of a seismic shift in the industrial inspection paradigm. The hedge against human risk through automation, coupled with the drive for higher operational efficiency, solidifies the company’s relevance in an evolving market. As companies continue to face pressures to increase productivity and decrease hazards, Anybotics’ advancements are not just timely but essential. The coming years promise to be pivotal as Anybotics seeks to leverage its capabilities, harness opportunities in new markets, and redefine the future of industrial inspections through innovative robotics.