Warehouse robot startup Ati raises $20M in Series B funding

The rise of autonomous warehouse robots has accelerated as companies seek to optimize their logistics operations and reduce labor costs. Ati Motors, a manufacturer of autonomous warehouse robots, has demonstrated significant market traction with its Sherpa robot line, nearly tripling its orders in 2024.

Funding Details: Ati Motors has secured a $20 million Series B investment round, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory.

• The funding round was co-led by Walden Catalyst Ventures (WCV) and NGP Capital (NGP)
• Additional participants included existing investors True Ventures, Exfinity Venture Partners, Athera Venture Partners, and Blume Ventures

Product Capabilities: The Sherpa robots represent a versatile solution for various industrial applications, combining advanced sensing technology with practical functionality.

• Units feature 360-degree cameras and LIDAR sensors for continuous environmental mapping
• Robots include autonomous obstacle avoidance and automatic parking capabilities
• The larger 1,000 kg models are suitable for diverse applications, from warehouse operations to airport luggage transport

Technical Specifications: The Sherpa robots incorporate several key operational features designed for practical industrial use.

• Modular lithium-ion batteries provide up to 8 hours of continuous operation
• Battery swap operations can be completed quickly by human operators
• The system is designed to integrate with existing workplace infrastructure and workflows

Market Position: Industry leaders have expressed confidence in Ati Motors’ approach to industrial automation.

• Upal Basu of NGP Capital highlighted the company’s successful deployment across diverse industrial environments
• The combination of Edge AI, LIDAR, and robotics addresses critical manufacturing sector needs
• The company has established partnerships with major retailers like Amazon and IKEA

Future Implications: While Ati Motors’ growth trajectory suggests strong market potential, the intersection of robotics and AI in industrial automation raises important considerations about workforce dynamics and automation integration strategies.