The Pixmo mobile manipulator from Anyware Robotics uses a vacuum gripper and vision guidance to acquire boxes from the container. | Source: Anyware Robotics
Anyware Robotics last week announced it has secured $12 million in seed funding. The funding fuels the expansion of Pixmo, the company’s multi-purpose mobile robot that automates container and truck unloading operations.
Pixmo combines an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) base, a collaborative robot (cobot) arm, an array of 3D perception sensors, and an AI brain to efficiently handle labor-intensive box unloading tasks.
In March 2024, Anyware Robotics announced a new conveyor add-on for Pixmo unloading robots, which it designed to achieve superior throughput by optimizing box handling mechanics. Rather than requiring complex pick-and-place movements, Pixmo employs an innovative “pull” motion that significantly increases speed and reliability.
“Warehouse operations, particularly container unloading, face critical challenges with worker safety, labor shortages, and operational efficiency,” said Thomas Tang, CEO and co-founder of Anyware Robotics. “Our solution reduces receiving labor expenses by up to 60% and, more importantly, protects workers from injury-prone tasks in harsh conditions where extreme temperatures abound. We’re excited to see Pixmo making a big impact for our customers.”
The round is led by GFT Ventures, with participation from Foothill Ventures, Black Forest Ventures, Alumni Ventures, and other investors.
Anyware shares information about first public customer
Anyware Robotics has partnered with Western Post US as its first commercially disclosed customer, automating their floor-loaded container unloading process on the receiving dock.
“Our company will handle over forty-five thousand containers in 2025. We’ve sought solutions for years that uphold our efficiency commitments to customers while ensuring a safe work environment for our staff,” said Young Liu, CEO of Western Post US. “We are excited to have Pixmo deployed at our warehouses to unload containers safely, efficiently, and sustainably.”
Container and trailer unloading will not be the only application Pixmo handles for its customers. Future software releases will enable the multi-purpose robot to perform additional tasks such as mobile palletization, mobile depalletization, case picking, and container loading – creating a versatile robotic workforce that can be dynamically deployed based on operational demands, the company claimed.
“What truly impressed us is Anyware’s ability to go from concept to commercial-ready solution with remarkable speed. The team’s deep understanding of warehouse pain points and pragmatic approach, coupled with their proprietary AI technology, positions them to rapidly transform an industry plagued by labor challenges and inefficiencies,” added Jay Eum, Founding Managing Partner of GFT Ventures, who will join the Board of Directors.
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