Neura Robotics to raise up to $1.4B from Nvidia-backed consortium

Overview

German automation startup Neura Robotics is raising a funding round worth up to $1.4 billion from a group of investors that includes Amazon, Nvidia, Qualcomm Technologies and cryptocurrency issuer Tether. The round is also expected to draw participants from outside the tech sector, including the European Investment Bank and Belgian research institute imec. Neura plans to use the proceeds to improve its Neuraverse software platform, expand manufacturing and open robot training hubs.

Key Takeaways

Neura Robotics is raising up to $1.4 billion from an Nvidia-backed consortium.
Investors include Amazon, Nvidia, Qualcomm Technologies and Tether.
The European Investment Bank and Belgian research institute imec are among the non-tech participants.
Neura sells more than half a dozen robots, including the 4NE1 humanoid and the MiPA wheeled robot.
Proceeds will fund the Neuraverse platform, more manufacturing capacity and Neura Gyms training hubs.

Stats & Key Facts

#Funding round worth up to $1.4 billion
#4NE1 humanoid covers 3.1 miles per hour and carries up to 220 pounds
#MAV1500 carries up to 1.5 tons per trip
#LARA and MAiRA robotic arms pick up 6.6 pounds and 41.8 pounds respectively
#Orderbook and strategic deployment pipeline worth more than $1 billion

Neura Robotics to raise up to $1.4B from Nvidia-backed consortium

The Funding Round

Neura detailed the round and its backers.

›The round is worth up to $1.4 billion.
›Backers include Amazon, Nvidia, Qualcomm Technologies and Tether.
›The European Investment Bank and imec are among the participants.

The company said today that the consortium spans both tech and non-tech investors. The European Investment Bank is the European Union's lending arm, and imec is a Belgian research institute.

Neura's Robot Lineup

The company sells more than half a dozen robots.

›The 4NE1 is a humanoid robot that moves at 3.1 miles per hour and carries up to 220 pounds.
›MiPA is a wheeled robot aimed mainly at consumer use cases.
›The MAV series handles warehouse merchandise transport.

Neura's robots use onboard AI models to navigate their surroundings. The 4NE1 is positioned for tasks ranging from folding laundry to assembling cars. MiPA navigates with a camera array backed by infrared, ultrasonic and lidar sensors, and users can attach modules such as a backpack, shelf, desk and tools to a section of its chassis.

In the warehouse market, the most advanced robot in the MAV lineup, the MAV1500, carries up to 1.5 tons per trip and uses laser scanners to map its environment and avoid collisions.

Hardware for Manufacturers

Neura also makes robotic arms.

›LARA can pick up 6.6 pounds.
›MAiRA can pick up 41.8 pounds.
›A visual interface removes the need for manual programming.

Teaching a factory robot a new task has historically required engineers to write a significant amount of code. Neura provides a visual customization interface to remove that manual programming step.

The Neuraverse Platform

Customers manage fleets through Neura's software.

›Neuraverse can create digital twins of robots.
›Digital twins are refreshed continuously with machine telemetry.
›The platform eases ongoing maintenance such as software updates.

Engineers use the virtual twins to refine a robot's configuration before deployment. After setup, Neuraverse handles ongoing maintenance tasks like issuing software updates.

How the Money Will Be Used

Neura outlined several spending priorities.

›Enhance the Neuraverse platform.
›Expand manufacturing capacity.
›Open robot training facilities called Neura Gyms.

The Neura Gyms hubs are intended to help enterprises apply the company's systems to their projects. Neura says it has an orderbook and strategic deployment pipeline worth more than $1 billion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Neura Robotics raising?

Neura is raising a funding round worth up to $1.4 billion.

Who is investing in the round?

The consortium includes Amazon, Nvidia, Qualcomm Technologies and Tether, along with the European Investment Bank and Belgian research institute imec.

What is the 4NE1?

The 4NE1 is Neura's humanoid robot that moves at 3.1 miles per hour and carries up to 220 pounds, with uses ranging from folding laundry to assembling cars.

What will Neura do with the money?

Neura plans to enhance its Neuraverse software platform, expand manufacturing capacity and open robot training facilities called Neura Gyms.

Where is Neura Robotics based?

Neura Robotics is based in Germany.

The round positions Neura to scale its robot lineup and software with backing from a broad group of investors.