WiBotic Inc., which makes wireless charging and power-optimization systems for robots, today said that it has obtained Series A funding of $5.7 million. The Seattle-based company said it plans to use the investment to hire more staffers, continue developing its technology, and reach new customers.
Wireless charging is more resilient and reliable than contact-based systems, and it can simplify charging logistics, reduce maintenance costs, and increase robot productivity, claimed WiBotic. The company’s hardware and software are designed to work with aerial drones, autonomous mobile robots, and marine systems. One customer using WiBotic’s charging stations is Waypoint Robotics Inc. in Nashua, N.H.
“WiBotic will use the Series A funding to accelerate the company’s growth, expand our sales team, advance hardware and software engineering, and fulfill increased customer demand,” stated Ben Waters, CEO of WiBotic. “By providing mission-critical technologies for autonomous charging and fleet energy management, we help organizations quickly scale up robotic fleets [and] improve robot uptime while reducing recurring charging and maintenance costs.”
Investors flip the switch for WiBotic
Investors in WiBotic’s Series A round included Junson Capital, SV Tech Ventures, Rolling Bay Ventures, Aves Capital, The W Fund, and WRF Capital, among others.
“WiBotic provides highly reliable wireless power solutions and really understands the complexities associated with managing hundreds or thousands of batteries in a fleet that all need to get charged up,” said Geoff Entress, Series A investor and managing director at Rolling Bay Ventures. “This is a market that’s well positioned for growth. According to ABI Research’s recent “Commercial and Industrial Robotics” market data report, the robotics market is projected to hit a market valuation of $277 billion by 2030. This is driving increased demand for wireless charging technology that works seamlessly, with minimal human intervention.”
In addition, Mark Rogers, chief revenue officer at Coolfire Solutions, has joined the company’s board of directors. He has expertise partnering with startups to enhance their sales strategies and revenue streams and was previously senior vice president of business development at Mendix, which Siemens later acquired. Rogers has also held senior roles at Microsoft including global head of Microsoft Azure product management and leader of global independent software vendors and developer marketing for Microsoft Windows.
“With the addition of Mark to our board of directors, WiBotic has gained a proven leader who will contribute significantly to our vision, technology, and business growth,” said Waters. “We’re thrilled to have attracted prominent investors, as well as a talented and experienced team of thought leaders and advisors, as we take our products to the next level of maturity.”
Unfortunately, the marketing machine works too ambitious… actually WiBotic is not close to be a leader in wireless charging and power optimization solutions for the robotics industry. Maybe they focus “to be”…
Some other manufacturers are far ahead and advanced in wireless charging technologies for AMRs and AGVs.
German Wiferion has 3kW systems, though their dimensions are large targeting smaller AMRs. Japan’ Daihen has similar or more output, though also face dimension issues. Delta’s similar size 1kW system can be challenged by WiBotic.
However, Belgium’s iN2POWER offers a full range from 250W to 48kW, from a feather light weight 4″‘ diameter (and only 0.8″ thick) unit to compact larger format (10″ x 10″ x and only 3.8″ thick) in various power output range. With an almost 2” airgap and 1” tolerance, these units are perfect for charging system for AMRs with less precise guidance systems and remain within the efficiency range of 94-96%. The high-density WPT systems charge batteries from 10A up to 750A! in 15-60V and soon up to 120VDC range.
As a start-up from 2016, they reasonably reached further than WiBotic.
The advantages of wireless systems also provide flexibility, safety and reliability beside lowering operational and maintenance costs.
In combination with most recent Lithium batteries (LFP, LTO) – which allow 2 to 9 C rate, – powerful wireless charging solutions can seriously reduce long operational off-time due ultra-fast charging, additionally reducing battery capacity and weight compared to other battery types.
Anyway, congrats to the WiBotic team!
Are you really seeing successful charging (sustained) at rates of 2C to 9C? I was surprised to hear of a battery that could handle 2C (Murata), much less 9C.
9C sounds too good to be true!