BERKELEY — Ambi Robotics, the first robotics company to deploy Sim2Real artificial intelligence (AI) in commercial production for parcel sortation, has landed $32 million in additional funding. Existing investors Tiger Global and Bow Capital are joined by Ahren and the company’s strategic partner, Pitney Bowes. The funding will fuel the deployment growth of AI-powered parcel sorting systems as customer demand increases ahead of peak holiday and throughout 2023.
“Consumer shopping behavior is demanding a more modern warehouse. The strains of surging parcel volume shouldn’t rest on the shoulders of the supply chains’ most valued asset – people,” says Jim Liefer, CEO of Ambi Robotics. “It’s humbling to see such sophisticated investors stepping forward and contributing to the success of our mission to empower people to handle more.”
This announcement comes on the heels of a $23 million deployment expansion deal with global shipping and mailing company Pitney Bowes. Ambi Robotics is completing the installation of more than 80 all-new AmbiSort A-Series parcel sorting solutions across the US to empower warehouse workers with automated sorting systems amid the rise of constant commerce demand.
“Ambi Robotics is an important part of an innovation strategy that is helping Pitney Bowes improve service to our clients and efficiently grow our Global Ecommerce business,” said Gregg Zegras, EVP and President, Global Ecommerce at Pitney Bowes. “In Ambi Robotics, we see the same commitment to client-led innovation that has helped Pitney Bowes evolve and win in the marketplace for over 100 years. We look forward to continuing to work together to drive innovation in our Global Ecommerce hubs.”
Ambi Robotics is deploying its next-generation AmbiSort A-Series v3, an upgraded model of the company’s flagship product, which is fully American National Safety Institute (ANSI) safety compliant. AmbiSort systems are full-stack sorting solutions, combining robotic picking, item analysis, and quality control with a proprietary ‘soft-touch’ end effector that handles boxes, flats, polybags, and other deformable or rigid items. Each warehouse associate can work alongside three to four AmbiSort A-Series systems, increasing the average throughput-per-employee to over 1,200 items safely sorted per hour with more than 99% accuracy. AmbiSort systems are powered by AmbiOS, the company’s advanced operating system that leverages simulation-to-reality (Sim2Real) AI technology to rapidly teach robots to pick and pack millions of unique items on day one of deployment.
“We have unwavering dedication to supporting DeepTech companies at the intersection of groundbreaking science and the highest-end technology – a sweet spot that drives positive impact in the world,” says Alice Newcombe-Ellis, Founding and General Partner at Ahren. “Since the team’s breakthrough discoveries in Sim2Real AI, Ambi Robotics has remained focused on applying its technology to solving real-world problems, enabling critical services companies to execute on an overflowing supply chain and deliver to individuals globally.”
The additional funding will be used to expand the company’s engineering, customer support, operations, and supply chain experts.
