Emerging from the prestigious halls of ETH Zurich, Swiss robotics company Anybotics has made significant strides in the realm of industrial automation since its inception in 2016. Its flagship product, Anymal, a quadruped autonomous inspection robot, is transforming inspections in complex industrial environments. With a blend of cutting-edge sensors and cameras, Anymal excels at monitoring critical equipment, from detecting thermal anomalies to identifying combustible gases. This capability is crucial for industries that cannot afford safety lapses or equipment downtimes.
Recently, Anybotics successfully secured an additional $60 million, sealing off a robust Series B funding round that now totals $110 million. This financial boost comes 18 months after the initial announcement of a $50 million raise. As the company continues to gain momentum, it has now raised a total of $130 million since its establishment. The newly acquired funds will not merely be a financial cushion but a strategic catalyst driving their expansion, particularly into the U.S. market, which is underscored by the recent opening of their San Francisco office.
Co-founder and CEO Dr. Péter Fankhauser emphasizes that this Series B extension is targeted at scaling their core business rather than diversifying their offerings. This methodical approach to growth underscores a significant distinction between their current funding and any future Series C endeavors, which will likely focus on broader applications and industries.
Anybotics’ impressive journey is also defined by its expanding customer base. The company reports that it has doubled its units sold in the last 18 months, with nearly 200 robots deployed across a variety of sectors including oil and gas, mining, and utilities. Notably, renowned entities such as Novelis and Stanford University have adopted Anybotics’ advanced robots for both operational and research initiatives.
Fankhauser shared that deployments range from single robots to large fleets, and many companies operate in multiple global locations—resulting in orders that can exceed ten or even twenty robots. This trend indicates a growing dependence on robotic solutions in industries traditionally characterized by human labor, illuminating a path toward increased operational efficiency and employee safety.
The introduction of autonomous robots like Anymal addresses significant challenges faced in the industrial sector. Routine inspections in potentially hazardous environments can expose personnel to risks. By automating these tasks, Anybotics not only enhances safety but also boosts operational efficiency through increased inspection frequency and comprehensive coverage. This automation results in reduced downtime—an essential factor for industries where every minute can mean considerable financial implications.
In a departure from the labor-intensive past, organizations are now leveraging robotic technology to ensure systematic maintenance protocols are seamlessly integrated within their operational frameworks.
As Anybotics gears up for future growth, the implications of technological advancements in robotics cannot be overstated. The expected developments accompanying their Series C funding may further diversify their portfolio, potentially leading to groundbreaking applications across multiple industries.
Investors such as Qualcomm Ventures and Supernova Invest are now part of the narrative, indicating confidence in Anybotics’ transformational journey in robotics. The company’s strategy to coalesce existing and emerging technologies will be crucial in staying ahead of competitors in this rapidly evolving market.
Anybotics stands at the forefront of industrial automation, poised for significant growth through strategic expansion and continued innovation. With a solid foundation of financial resources, state-of-the-art technology, and an expanding roster of clients, the company is not merely responding to industry demands but actively shaping the future of industrial inspections. As we look toward the horizon, stakeholders will be keenly observing how this robotic pioneer leverages its recent successes to drive further advancements and expand its influence across the global market.