DIC backs fenceless robot startup Mantis Robotics in physical AI push
What's the deal? DICDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has made a strategic early-stage investment in Mantis RoboticsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, a US-based developer of fenceless, high-speed industrial robots. The deal was led by DICDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → D2S Ventures, the investment arm DIC set up through a partnership with Swiss venture firm Emerald Technology VenturesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.
What does Mantis do? It builds industrial robotic platforms that use proprietary safety control and 3D spatial sensing to let people and robots work side by side. That approach removes the need for the fences or segregated zones most industrial robots require, targeting both productivity and safety.
Why now? Mantis recently won safety certification for its flagship MR-1 robot, aimed at logistics, electronics equipment, and automotive manufacturing. DIC cited the commercial momentum after that certification as a key reason for backing the company.
What's the endgame? DIC has positioned physical AI as a core growth area. Earlier this year it launched a US$62 million startup fund and partnered with Emerald, which created DIC D2S Ventures.
The two companies plan to combine DIC's materials, sensing, and processing know-how with Mantis's safety and control technology. They will explore work on tactile and sensing systems, robotic fingers, and lightweight components.
What they're saying: "Mantis Robotics has developed unique technologies that enable safe human-robot collaboration while also ensuring outstanding productivity," said Shinsuke Kotera, president of DIC D2S Ventures.
Gerry Vannuffelen, co-founder and chief executive officer of Mantis Robotics, called DIC "a strategic partner at this pivotal inflection point in our commercial growth."
The signal: With labour shortages pushing automation across manufacturing and logistics, fenceless robots that share space with workers are drawing corporate interest. DIC's move signals that established materials firms see physical AI as a route to new business.
Read more: sa.marketscreener.com
Image credit: smjbk
