T-robotics, an innovative company in the field of industrial robotics, has announced a funding round of $5.4 million, led by Emergent Ventures and Engine Ventures, with participation from Berkeley Skydeck and Raisewell. This investment will be used to expand its operations in the U.S. and Europe and launch its first commercial product in 2025.
The company has also been selected as the winner of the ABB AI Startup Challenge, standing out among over 100 global applicants thanks to its innovative approach to robot programming using artificial intelligence and natural language.
Simplifying Industrial Automation
Despite the exponential growth of the robotics sector, with over 4.3 million robotic arms in use globally, these devices continue to be underutilized due to the complexity of their programming and their dependence on controlled environments. T-robotics aims to change this reality with its ActGPT software, an agnostic solution that integrates industrial robots with pre-trained AI models, enabling programming through natural language commands.
Asad Tirmizi, co-founder and CEO of T-robotics, emphasized:
“For decades, industrial robots have been limited to specific tasks. We believe that by incorporating pre-trained AI capabilities, robots can better understand and adapt to tasks, becoming more productive and autonomous partners.”
Innovation for Industry 4.0
T-robotics’ ActGPT technology allows robots to interpret multimodal inputs (vision, haptics, and language), enhancing their ability to solve complex problems. This reduces the technological barrier, allowing non-technical users to easily configure robots.
Key features of the software include:
- No-code programming: Allows operators to reprogram complex tasks through a conversational interface.
- Pre-trained models: Specialized in key applications such as material handling or machine maintenance, accelerating adoption in factories.
- Performance optimization: Integrates advanced functions to adapt to unpredictable environments, improving operational efficiency.
Use Cases and Collaboration with ABB
The partnership with ABB, a global leader in automation, will enable T-robotics to significantly reduce programming times in manufacturing environments and launch its first commercial product in 2025. Use cases include:
- Advanced Manufacturing: Enhances the precision and adaptability of robotic arms in complex processes.
- Automated Production: Reduces the need for advanced technical skills, facilitating real-time robot reprogramming.
Disruptive Potential in the Industry
Reed Sturtevant, general partner at Engine Ventures, noted:
“The combination of AI and industrial robotics represents a fundamental shift in performance and return on investment. T-robotics simplifies automation and opens new opportunities for the industry.”
T-robotics is also collaborating with major system integrators and manufacturers such as ABB, ensuring scalable adoption and reducing entry barriers for companies.
Leadership in AI and Robotics
Founded in 2024 by Asad Tirmizi and Lars Tingelstad, veterans of the robotics industry, T-robotics combines deep technical expertise with an innovative approach. Tirmizi, an expert in robotics and haptics, and Tingelstad, specialized in mechatronics and automation, lead the mission to transform the industry through advanced AI.
Anupam Rastogi, managing partner at Emergent Ventures, added:
“The convergence of AI with the vast installed base of industrial robots is a unique opportunity. T-robotics’ technology unlocks tremendous value by making robots smarter and more autonomous.”
About T-robotics
Headquartered in San Francisco and Trondheim, T-robotics is redefining industrial robotics by combining advanced artificial intelligence and pre-trained skill models that enable robots to perform complex tasks autonomously. Its software simplifies automation without the need for coding, helping companies increase productivity and efficiency across various sectors.