Vertex Ventures is a global network of operator-investors who manage portfolios in the U.S., China, Israel, India and Southeast Asia. The firm is a trusted partner to some of the world’s most innovative entrepreneurs, supporting them with unmatched operating experience and deep access to the capital, talent, partners and customers they need to build truly global businesses.

Vertex Ventures

Investors of Gaorong Capital include world-class sovereign wealth funds, university endowment funds, family foundations, pension funds and fund of funds, as well as successful entrepreneurs, including founders and managements of Tencent, Alibaba, Baidu, JD, Xiaomi, Focus Media and VIPShop. They will provide with valuable industry resources, entrepreneurial experience, and global perspectives.

Gaorong Capital

Volcanics Venture was founded in May 2016. They identify, invest in, and serve the most promising companies and outstanding entrepreneurs in Internet Innovation, Intelligent Technology and Healthcare industry.  Managing Partners Suyang Zhang, Yeshun Dong and Ying Wu have been working closely for years as first-class USD/RMB fund managers. They have more than 60 years of aggregated VC investment and corporate management experience, as well as in-depth understanding of three focused fields.  Volcanics Venture brings a powerful combination of global perspective and local experience to investment management, striving to provide sustainable value-added service to their portfolio companies and bring superior return to their limited partners.

Volcanics Venture

Vertex Ventures China invests in high-growth internet and technology start-ups across mainland China, and provides funding support and value-add services to portfolio companies in their growth stage. Based in Beijing and Shanghai, Vertex Ventures China collaborates with the Vertex network of ventures funds across US, Israel, Southeast Asia, and India, and under auspices of Vertex Holdings providing local knowledge with global perspective.

Vertex Ventures China

Warburg Pincus LLC is a leading global private equity firm focused on growth investing. The firm has more than $60 billion in private equity assets under management. The firm’s active portfolio of more than 200 companies is highly diversified by stage, sector, and geography. Warburg Pincus is an experienced partner to management teams seeking to build durable companies with sustainable value. Founded in 1966, Warburg Pincus has raised 19 private equity funds, which have invested more than $90 billion in over 930 companies in more than 40 countries.  The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, Berlin, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Mauritius, San Francisco, São Paulo, Shanghai, and Singapore. For more information please visit www.warburgpincus.com.

Warburg Pincus

Banyan Capital Partners is a British Columbian private equity firm investing in middle-market companies.

Banyan Capital Partners

GGV Capital is a global venture capital firm that separated into two distinct firms and separate brands as of March 29, 2024. The Asia partnership, Granite Asia, is headquartered in Singapore and invests in the APAC region, including Southeast Asia, Japan, China, India, and Australia. The U.S. partnership, Notable Capital, is based in Silicon Valley with offices in San Francisco and New York, and invests in the U.S., Israel, Europe, and Latin America.

GGV Capital

D1 Capital Partners is an investment firm that deploys capital in both public and private markets. It invests on behalf of investors globally, including endowments and foundations, family offices, sovereign wealth funds, outsourced CIOs, hospitals, and pensions. D1 has a fundamental and research-intensive investment strategy with a focus on medium to long-term returns. Its research centers on the consumer, business services, financial services, healthcare, industrials, real estate and technology, media, and telecom sectors.

D1 Capital Partners

China V Fund Management Co., Ltd. is a private equity fund headquartered in Beijing and founded by five former senior bankers from Wall Street. With 3 billion RMB assets under management, China V Fund focuses on private equity investment and M&A opportunities both domestically and internationally spanning clean energy automobiles, logistics, refining manufacturing,  TMT, consumer, among other industries. We have established close partnerships with many institutional investors, financial institutions and corporate enterprises.

V Fund Management

Redview Capital is a private equity investment fund that focuses on traditional growth investment opportunities and the Chinese market. The company was founded in January 2016.

Redview Capital

Intel Capital invests in innovative startups targeting cloud and AI infrastructure, edge, 5G, autonomy, cybersecurity, client & gaming, enterprise applications, silicon design and manufacturing, and a wide range of other disruptive technologies.

Intel Capital

Vertex Growth is part of a global network of venture capital funds, which includes Vertex Ventures and Vertex Ventures HC. The funds are based across global innovation hubs in China, Israel, Southeast Asia and India, and the US. This creates a unique platform for our portfolio companies to realize their full potential by leveraging the combined experience and resources of our extensive network of global partners.

Vertex Growth Fund

Qingyue Capital Investment is an investment firm.

Qingyue Capital Investment

CPE is a leading alternative asset manager, with asset classes spanning private equity, mezzanine and the public market. Founded in 2008 by a world class team of investment professionals and supported by over 200 domestic and international investors, CPE knows China like no one else and is a globally minded long-term value investor. The firm uses its sector expertise to generate deal flow and drive the value creation work during the post-investment stage. CPE follows a disciplined investment approach to preserve and grow its investors’ capital. The firm’s private equity portfolio of more than 100 companies is highly diversified by sector and stage of investment. CPE takes pride in its forward-looking investment philosophy and works hard to create value over the long-term for its investors and a better world. For more information, please visit www.citicpe.com.

Geek+

Geek+ develops autonomous mobile robots for warehouse, factory, and supply chain management. Geek+ applies advanced robotics and AI technologies to develop tailored solutions to a wide range of industries, including e-commerce, apparel, retail, logistics, 3PL, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing. Geek+ helps big brands optimize their logistic solutions using reliable products paired with high-quality after-sales services. Geek+ has delivered the largest number of logistics robots among its peers in China. The company's customers include e-commerce platforms, third-party logistics providers, express delivery companies, offline retailers, and manufacturers of apparel, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and electronics products. Geek+ has also established strategic partnerships with a number of key customers to co-develop customized AI and robotic solutions across different industries and applications.

Based in China, Geek+ develops AI-based advanced robotics solutions, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and related software targeting manufacturing and logistics operations. Geek+ robotic solutions include smart forklift robots (the F Series), AMRs (the M Series), smart sorting robots (the S Series), smart goods-to-person picking robots (the P Series), integrated storage and picking solutions (the X Series), smart tote-to-person picking robots (the RS Series), and collaborative picking robots (the A series).&nbsp;

Using data and automation to achieve 24/7 production.

Smart Factory

Geek+ is a Chinese startup that develops AI-based advanced robotic solutions, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and related software targeting manufacturing and logistics operations. Geek+ robotic solutions include smart forklift robots&nbsp;(the F Series), AMRs&nbsp;(the M Series), smart sorting robots&nbsp;(the S Series), smart goods-to-person picking robots&nbsp;(the P Series), integrated storage and picking solutions&nbsp;(the X Series), smart tote-to-person picking robots&nbsp;(the RS Series), collaborative picking robots&nbsp;(the A Series), and a&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35585">Vision-Only Robot Solution.</a>

AI, robotics, and IoT to streamline the flow of goods and information

Logistics Tech

Geek+ launches vision-only robot solution with Intel.. Geek+.. product 

Intel

To enhance logistics efficiency, a pioneering Vision Only Robot Solution utilizes Intel's RealSense camera for improved navigation, obstacle avoidance, and machine learning capabilities.

Companies that provide autonomous mobile robots (AMR) or self-driving vehicles (SDV) used in manufacturing/ factory operations.

Med24

Implemented the first shelf-to-person in Denmark, “PopPick,” at Med24.dk, an online pharmacy wholesaler, marking its first project in the Nordics.

Companies developing automation technology for warehouses like robots (including inventory drones), cobots, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), and related software.

Sistem Teknik

Geek+ partners with System Teknik to deploy shelf-to-person robots for Med24.dk in Denmark

Whale Dynamic

Bosch

To developed a special version of Geek+'s MP1000R moving robot that incorporates Bosch Rexroth's laser localization software called ROKIT Locator.

The Numina Group

Partnered with Geek+, an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) solutions provider, to offer Geekplus robotics solutions to companies across North America and increase same-day and peak order shipment capacity.

Based in China, Geek+ develops AI-based advanced robotics solutions, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and related software targeting manufacturing and logistics operations. Geek+ robotic solutions include smart forklift robots (the F Series), AMRs (the M Series), smart sorting robots (the S Series), smart goods-to-person picking robots (the P Series), integrated storage and picking solutions (the X Series), smart tote-to-person picking robots (the RS Series), and collaborative picking robots (the A series).&nbsp;The company also offers several software solutions for smart manufacturing, including: 1) Robot Management System (RMS)ーa scheduling and task management platform that helps with activities like path planning, traffic management, and task allocation supporting both local and cloud deployments, 2) Intelligent Warehouse Execution System (WES)ーa platform that links factories and warehouses integrating picking, moving, sorting, and forklifting systems, 3) Data Platform (DP)ーa data analytics platform that stores and analyzes data generated by RMS, WES, and the robots to generate visual reports, facilitate simulation, and business intelligence analysis, and 4) Simulation Platform (SP)—a simulation platform for robot systems.The robots are offered on a robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) basis, and software is offered as application programming interfaces (API) and software development kits (SDK).&nbsp;As of August 2024, Geek+ operated in over 40 countries with offices in the US, Germany, the UK, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Geek+ generated USD 150 million in revenue in 2021.Key customers and partnershipsAs of August 2024, Geek+ served over 1,000 companies, including Siemens, Dell, Yanfeng, Konica Minolta, and Inlaylink, which used the technology for manufacturing operations.&nbsp;The company entered several partnerships to expand its market presence, including Bosch Rexroth (March 2022) and Systemex Automation (July 2022) to strengthen its presence in North America, Korber Supply Chain to expand its presence in South America (July 2022), and Ferag APAC to expand its Asia-Pacific market <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27661">(March 2024).</a>

Avathon (formerly SparkCognition) offers a suite of AI-powered data analytics solutions for businesses, specializing in the industrial sector. The company’s offerings include: 1) Industrial AI Suite, which enables users to connect datasets with configurable AI models, identify and contextualize risks to equipment, analyze maintenance actions, monitor performance, and visualize multi-asset systems, without requiring coding experience, and 2) Visual AI Advisor, which leverages computer vision to analyze real-time data from existing camera infrastructure for a number of different use cases, such as safety monitoring, visual inspection, and machine monitoring.&nbsp;In May 2023, the company launched the Generative AI Suite, a solution specifically tailored for the industrial sector, which enables users to build and deploy custom large language models (LLMs) on either private or on-premise cloud environments. Users also autonomously augment data sets by generating text, images, audio, and other signals and create imagery for use in simulated real-world environments. It claims to&nbsp;reduce the foundational information needed for decision-making by up to 20x.Since 2021, the company has acquired a number of companies to further develop its product offering. This includes Indian visual AI startup&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/9370?industryIds=6">Integration Wizards</a> (March 2022) to expand its intellectual property (IP) portfolio to improve vision capabilities as well as digital knowledge platform Maana (July 2021), software developer for the renewable energy industry Ensemble Energy (May 2021), and financial technology company AIM2 (February 2021).&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34997">In October 2024,&nbsp;</a>Avathon unveiled a new system-level AI platform that provides solutions for managing and monitoring critical industrial infrastructure. The AI platform addresses various industrial issues, including maximizing the uptime of capital-intensive assets, enabling efficient manufacturing ramp-up, and ensuring worker safety in industrial settings.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsSparkCognition’s clientele comprises large companies such as Boeing, Hitachi, and British Petroleum. It has also built partnerships with Google for cloud platform services, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise to offer AI predictive maintenance on HPE Edgeline Converged Edge Systems, and OSIsoft to integrate SparkCognition’s machine learning technology with OSIsoft’s PI system to improve data and process data analytics.&nbsp;

Avathon

Sight Machine offers a manufacturing data platform that captures and contextualizes data from factories to deliver a system-wide view of the manufacturing process as well as individual assets. The platform transforms raw plant data as well as data from machines of various manufacturers into a standardized data foundation and provides actionable insights for a range of use cases such as predictive maintenance, quality improvement, and capacity utilization. Users can analyze all assets, data sources, and processes by creating digital twins, thereby improving processes, quality, and productivity.&nbsp;In October 2022, Sight Machine introduced <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13696?industryIds=6">Blueprint</a>, a tool developed in collaboration with NVIDIA and Microsoft, which uses AI for high-speed, automated data labeling. The company claims that this solution enables manufacturers to analyze up to 100x more of their data than traditional methods.&nbsp; Key customers and partnershipsSight Machine caters to at least 15 verticals, such as food and beverage, electronics, and automotive. Its global clientele includes Fortune 500 companies such as Nissan, Heineken, Westrock Co., and Asian Paints.&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/21955">In September 2023</a>, Sight Machine partnered with LS Electric, a power and automation solutions provider, to create an AI-driven Big Data analytics platform tailored for the manufacturing and energy sectors. In December 2023, the company went on to partner with Teamviewer, a remote collaboration solutions provider, to offer a joint product that combines the latter’s remote connectivity and industrial AR solutions with its real-time data and analysis for industrial processes.&nbsp;Sight Machine has established partnerships with large global companies such as Microsoft, Google, Databricks, Siemens, and AWS to integrate with their data analytics platforms and Fujitsu to help with wide deployments. In July 2023, the platform also became a certified Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing partner and released Factory CoPilot, integrating its Manufacturing Data Platform with Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to offer GenAI capabilities for manufacturing analysis and real-time insights. The company went on to launch the<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33441"> Sight Machine connector for Databricks</a> (in September 2024), to integrate its manufacturing data platform with the latter’s data intelligence platform.

Sight Machine

Overview offers smart cameras and AI to enable users to monitor manufacturing equipment and robots and identify defects in real time before significant damage or downtime is incurred. The technology has a repository of machine data so that there is a traceable visual record of all units.&nbsp;With AI, the cause of production issues and quality concerns can be identified either on-site or remotely. The company claims over time, the deep learning computer vision algorithms allow for any sudden substantial increases in production and improved yields. Moreover, it reportedly offers 100% visual traceability and an over 99.9% uptime.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsAs of September 2024, the solution was used by a number of enterprises, including Schaeffler, ThermoFischer, Honda, Caterpillar, and Tyson.&nbsp;

Overview

Bright Machines combines robotics, machine learning, and computer vision to provide automation applications for the electronics manufacturing industry. Its flagship product is the “Bright Machines Microfactory,” a pre-integrated, programmable assembly line that can be deployed in existing and new production facilities. The Microfactory runs on the company's proprietary “Brightware” cloud-based software platform, offering a scalable solution that enables manufacturers to enhance supply chain resilience and adapt production capacity according to market demand. This software-defined manufacturing allows factories to change the products that they manufacture if needed. The company offers its service on a subscription-based microfactory-as-a-service (MaaS) business model.The company reportedly generated USD 83 million in revenue in 2021. In May 2021, Bright Machines reported that its revenue doubled each year since its inception (2018) and forecasts a 5-year CAGR (2020-2025) of over 84%.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsBright Machines served over 40 manufacturing companies as of October 2022.The company collaborated with Microsoft Azure in May 2024 to leverage the latter’s infrastructure to deliver a full-stack environment for all stages of the manufacturing lifecycle.The company also has distribution/sales partnerships with Anstar Corporation (April 2021), SMT Capital (April 2021), MaRC Technologies (May 2021), PAC Global (May 2021), Restronics (June 2021), <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/3618">BROCK Electronics</a> (June 2021), <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/4740">Murray Percival</a> (July 2021), <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/4412">Competitive Edge Manufacturing Equipment</a> (CEME; July 2021).Key competitors: None comparable (Bright Machines is the only company in the smart factory industry that offers microfactories-as-a-service, which combines intelligent software with adaptive hardware to automate manufacturing processes.)

Bright Machines

Augury offers AI-based predictive maintenance solutions. It uses wireless halo sensors to record the vibration, temperature, and magnetism of machines and upload them to the cloud, where AI will be used to diagnose faults and predict potential malfunctions. The system can predict failures and provide early, actionable insights on equipment status, allowing companies to plan maintenance more effectively. Augury offers Machine Health solutions for Critical Assets (MH CR) and Supporting Equipment (MH SE).&nbsp;Furthermore, it offers a warranty policy (one-of-a-kind in the predictive maintenance field) for up to USD 100,000 of repairs and replacements if the software fails to successfully predict machine faults. The company reported that its machine health (predictive maintenance) solutions can deliver an ROI of 3x–10x. In December 2023, the company launched a product loss guarantee solution, in partnership with HSB, which covers a broader range of production-related assets, including protection against production loss due to mechanical failures.&nbsp;In May 2022, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/10286">Augury acquired Seebo,</a> another Israeli company that offers predictive quality and yield solutions for manufacturers to identify process-driven inefficiencies.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsAugury has built a customer base consisting of companies such as Hershey’s, Colgate-Palmolive, Grundfos, Heineken, Danone, and Bausch Health. The company announced an insurance plan for its customers in 2020, partly as a strategy to attract more customers. Augury’s Machine Health Solutions are integrated with PTC’s ThingWorx IoT through a partnership in July 2020 and are available in the PTC Marketplace. In October 2021, it partnered with Baker Hughes, a provider of energy technology solutions, which integrated Augury’s solutions into its System 1 software and asset performance management (APM) solutions. It went on to integrate Baker Hughes’ “Ranger Pro” wireless condition monitoring sensor and “Cordant” gateway into its platform in June 2024.&nbsp;In November 2023, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23991">Augury partnered with IFS Ultimo</a>, a provider of cloud-based enterprise asset management (EAM) solutions, to offer machine health monitoring and asset management workflows for industries. It went on to partner with DSV, a logistics solutions provider, in March 2024, to introduce a new Parts As a Service (PaaS) solution. The solution utilizes machine health to predict machine faults and enables users to automate the procurement of replacement parts.

Augury

Companies that provide robotic fleet management software, robotic automation software, and inspection software.

Companies that provide an industrial IoT platform across factories as the primary offering.

Companies that provide cobots, sorting/ picking robotics, modular production robotics, and microfactories.

Companies that focus on data analytics for operations streamlining and process optimization, and may offer predictive maintenance.

Companies that monitor the manufacturing equipment and assembly lines.

Companies that provide predictive maintenance as a primary offering. 

Creates digital twins of assets and processes to help manufacturers improve processes, quality, and productivity

Connected devices, sensors, IoT, and analytics are used to optimize factory operations

Uses advanced robotics, AMRs, and related software to improve the efficiency of factory operations

Uses connected devices and sensors to gather data—IIoT, predictive analysis, and equipment inspection

Uses AI/ML to analyze data for predictive maintenance and AI-based vision systems for line inspections

5G standard allows for faster reaction times and supports high connection densities

Uses edge computing for data processing at the edge

Some companies in the predictive maintenance space uses generative AI to generate possible alternative scenarios

Geek+ is a Chinese startup that develops AI-based advanced robotic solutions, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and related software targeting manufacturing and logistics operations. Geek+ robotic solutions include smart forklift robots&nbsp;(the F Series), AMRs&nbsp;(the M Series), smart sorting robots&nbsp;(the S Series), smart goods-to-person picking robots&nbsp;(the P Series), integrated storage and picking solutions&nbsp;(the X Series), smart tote-to-person picking robots&nbsp;(the RS Series), collaborative picking robots&nbsp;(the A Series), and a&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35585">Vision-Only Robot Solution.</a>The company also offers several software solutions for warehouse automation, including 1) Robot Management System (RMS)—a scheduling and task management platform that helps with activities like path planning, traffic management, and task allocation supporting local and cloud deployments, 2) Intelligent Warehouse Execution System (WES)—a platform that links factories and warehouses integrating picking, moving, sorting, and fork lifting systems, 3) Data Platform (DP)—a data analytics platform that stores and analyzes data generated by RMS, WES, and the robots to generate visual reports, facilitate simulation, and business intelligence analysis, and 4) Simulation Platform (SP)—a simulation platform for robot systems.The robots are offered on a robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) basis and software is offered as application programming interfaces (API) and software development kits (SDK). Geek+ operates in over 40 countries with offices in China, the US, the UK, Japan, Germany, Hong Kong, and Singapore (April 2024).Geek+ generated USD 150 million in revenue in 2021.Key customers and partnershipsAs of April 2024, Geek+ served over 1,000 companies, including Decathlon, Dell, Nike, Walmart, ASKUL, and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/28489">Toll Group. </a>The company also partnered with FORTNA <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23406">(November 2023), </a>Kerry TJ Logistics <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23840">(November 2023), </a>Logistex <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24715">(December 2023), </a>System Teknik <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/28775">(April 2024), </a>and BlueSkye Automation <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/29469">(May 2024) </a>to offer robotic warehouse solutions to the partners’ customers and other parties.The company entered several partnerships to expand its market presence, including Bosch Rexroth (March 2022) and Systemex Automation (July 2022) to strengthen its presence in North America, Korber Supply Chain to expand its presence in South America (July 2022), and Ferag APAC to expand its Asia-Pacific market <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27661">(March 2024).</a>&nbsp;

<div>
 
 Boxbot develops automated sorting and storage solutions for warehouses. The company, which previously focused on developing autonomous delivery vehicles (ADVs) for 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/industry/1">
 last-mile delivery automation,
 </a>
 announced the shift in focus to develop warehouse robots 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22292">
 in September 2023.
 </a>
 It offers intelligent 3D parcel handling conveyor systems, specifically designed to increase storage density within a smaller footprint. Its platform can store, sort, and sequence high-throughput payloads while requiring minimal physical space. The company claims the system can handle up to 4,000 parcels per hour. The system is powered by &ldquo;Boxbot OS,&rdquo; which provides advanced analytics, systems controls, and predictive maintenance features.
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 Boxbot was in discussions with partners and had identified several sites for testing its warehouse automation technology as of September 2023. The company has conducted pilot tests in various use cases and notes the technology can be deployed at last-mile delivery centers, bonded storage warehouses, and customer pickup locations.
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22292">
 In September 2023,
 </a>
 Boxbot raised USD 12 million in a Series A funding round led by Playground Global to strengthen its engineering and business operations and accelerate its go-to-market approach.
 
</div>

Boxbot

Based in France, Exotec Solutions (Exotec) develops warehouse automation solutions. Its main offering “Skypod,” is an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) with the ability to prioritize orders by automating the movement of goods from bin storage to workstations. Skypod units are powered by autonomous mobile robot (AMR) technology and have the ability to travel at high speeds and move in 3D environments.Skypod system is supported by Exotec’s end-to-end warehouse software, “Deepsky,” which uses technologies such as Webservices, RESTful API, and nodeRed to control elements of the Skypod system. Exotec can be integrated with warehouse management and warehouse control systems and enables Skypod to be integrated with third-party automation equipment. It also collects real-time data for performance visibility.Exotec’s other warehouse solutions include “Skypicker, ” an automated picking arm that uses machine learning-based vision to pick items from the Skypod robots and place them into fulfillment containers, and “Skypath,” an API-based modular plug-and-play conveyor system. It also builds stations made up of a ramp, a screen, and scanners for smaller warehouse spaces that use Skypod robots.The company offers its products on a robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) basis and has a presence in multiple countries in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America.Key customers and partnershipsAs of February 2022, Exotec served over 50 companies. Its customers include Decathlon, Carrefour, Cdiscount, Uniqlo, Gap, Monoprix, Logilec,&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26080">Lane Automotive,</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35243">Auchan Retail Luxembourg,</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/36779">BlueStar</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/36913">Hygie31 and Hartmann Group</a>.The company also has partnerships with system integrators such as 1) <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24045">Bastian Solutions </a>and Advanced Handling Systems (AHS) to deploy Skypod systems in North America for retailers such as Gap, Ariat International, and GEODIS; 2) Korea-based engineering and IT service provider POSCO DX to expand its presence in South Korea. Its other integrator partnerships include Hy-Tek Intralogistics, Bastian Solutions, Klinkhammer Intralogistics, Unitechnik Systems GmbH, A1Sorter, LAC Conveyors &amp; Automation, Dexter Intralogistics, POSCO DX, Okura Yusoki, and IHI.&nbsp;

Exotec 

Berkshire Grey provides AI-powered robotic solutions for ecommerce fulfillment automaton, smart store replenishment, package sortation, and micro-fulfillment solutions, targeting retail, ecommerce, and third-party logistics (3PL). Its product portfolio includes robotic pick-and-pack solutions, robotic induction stations, robotic pick-and-sort solutions, and mobile robotic fulfillment solutions. Berkshire Grey specializes in configuring, installing, commissioning, and servicing these solutions for customers. It also provides additional professional services, such as system maintenance, system operation, and cloud-based monitoring and analytics.The company offers its product with a variety of purchase options, including outright sale and robotics-as-a-service (RaaS), which allows customers to use the offerings without incurring large, up-front capital expenses.Berkshire Grey generated revenue of US 65.9 million in 2022; however, it was yet to turn profitable, as its operating loss amounted to USD 113.8 million. The company has been listed on the Nasdaq since August 2021 via a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), which valued the combined entity at USD 2.7 billion (February 2021). However, the company entered a definitive merger agreement with its investor SoftBank Group in March 2023, which also took the company private (transaction closed in July 2023).Key customers and partnershipsBerkshire Grey’s customers include Global 100 retailers and logistics service providers, such as Walmart, FedEx, Ceva Logistics, Target, Maersk, and Bealls.The company also has partnerships with system integrator of fulfillment and distribution solutions AHS (September 2021), technology service provider Atos (October 2021), data-driven robotic solutions provider Swisslog (March 2022), autonomous mobile robot developer Locus Robotics (January 2023), and intralogistics solution company Kardex <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33225">(September 2024)</a> to expand markets by combining technologies.

Berkshire Grey

ShipBob is a cloud-based third-party logistics (3PL) platform that offers a fulfillment order platform for small and medium-sized ecommerce businesses. ShipBob's proprietary technology covers the entire fulfillment process, including order and inventory management, warehouse management, predictive data and analytics, and optimized shipping (package delivery within 1–2 business days) for ecommerce companies. The company operates as a B2B software-as-a-service (SaaS) company.ShipBob operated a network of 50+ fulfillment centers across the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Australia (as of April 2024). These centers serve as storage and distribution hubs for ShipBob's customers. ShipBob also <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/32676">facilitates Section 321-compliant order fulfillment</a> from Canada and Mexico, which allows merchants to reduce paperwork, speed up delivery times, and save on transportation and duties for high-tariff goods shipped to US consumers.The company also provides a merchant application that enables users to monitor inventory levels and facilitates communication with the warehouses for selecting items to fulfill orders and arrange their shipment. ShipBob then integrates with various shipping companies to ensure the delivery of orders to customers.Key customers and partnershipsThe company had 7,000+ customers as of April 2024. Its customers include PetLab, Bloom Nutrition, Storelli, zBiotics, Semaine Health, Postal, Bruce Bolt, Baby Doppler, Earthley, Spikeball, Pit Viper, Oxford Healthspan, RIFRUF, Food Huggers, NutriPaw, FlutterHabit, Quadrant, Juspy, and SuperSpeed Golf.The company has integrations with multiple platforms to ensure a smooth fulfillment process. Such integrations include the following:1) Ecommerce platforms and marketplaces such as Shopify, Amazon, BigCommerce, eBay, Magneto, Squarespace, Walmart, Wix, WooCommerce, Netsuite, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22208">TikTok Shop,</a> and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30330">Adobe Commerce</a> integrations2) Ecommerce operations, inventory, and order management platforms such as Brightpearl, Birj, Cogsy, PackageBee, SPS Commerce, Zentail, Shipyard, Logicbroker, Order Desk, Fulfil.io, and Cin73) Returns management platforms such as HappyReturns, Loop returns, ReturnLogic, and Returnly4) Freight and shipping solutions such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, Flexport, Freightos, Route, Rush, Shippo, ShipStation, Anvyl, AfterShip, and Echo Global LogisticsIts other integrations include ecommerce marketing and customer support providers; custom packaging and design solutions providers; branding, marketing, and web development agencies; and accounting, tax, and financing service providers.

ShipBob

Locus Robotics develops autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for warehousing and manufacturing operations. It offers three main AMR solutions: 1) “Locus Origin,” an AMR designed for collaborative, high-volume order fulfillment; 2) “Locus Vector,” designed to handle small to medium payloads; and 3) “Locus Max,” designed for larger payloads. The AMR solutions are backed by “LocusONE,” a warehouse automation platform that uses AI and data science to deploy and manage the AMRs. LocusONE also generates real-time actionable insights to support operational decisions. The AMRs allow integration with warehouse management systems and warehouse control systems. The company also offers warehouse automation solution “LocusEmpower,” which supports a range of fulfillment types including zone-picking, discrete order picking, batch picking, and wave picking. It also offers <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27481">"LocusHub,"</a> an AI/ML-powered cloud-based business intelligence engine grounded with LocusONE for advanced analytics.The company offers its products on a robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) basis. In April 2024, Locus’s AMRs achieved the landmark of completing more than 3 billion unit picks.In September 2021, Locus Robotics acquired AMR provider Waypoint Robotics, which offers AMRs that are industrial-strength with omnidirectional mobility features, enabling Locus Robotics to gain access to new market segments. Key customers and partnershipsAs of May 2023, the company had deployed its technology at 250+ locations in partnership with 100+ brands. Its global customers include Ceva Logistics, Boots, Cardinal Health, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27443">GEODIS, </a>DHL, DSV, JAS, Ryder, UniPharma, UnitedDrug, Go Retail Group, Bluegrass Supply Chain, FM Logistics, UPS, UPS Healthcare, VF Corporation, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27275">Booktopia,</a> <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27659">John Lewis &amp; Partners</a> and ​<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33695">​KSP Fulfillment</a>.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30676">June 2024</a>, Locus Robotics entered a strategic partnership with Zion Solutions Group to integrate Locus's robotic solutions with Zion's supply chain solutions.Funding and financialsAs of November 2022, the company reported having USD 100 million+ in contracted recurring revenue.In November 2022, Locus Robotics <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14949?industryIds=6">raised USD 117 million </a>in Series F funding co-led by Goldman Sachs Asset Management and G2 Venture Partners, valuing the company at “close to” USD 2 billion. The funds were to be used to facilitate the company’s continued growth and further expand global operations.

Locus Robotics

Include companies providing automated ecommerce fulfillment, store replenishment, and package sortation solutions.

Companies offering automated vendor evaluation and management, demand forecasting, and inventory management.

Companies that offer warehousing and ecommerce fulfillment with technology developed in-house.

Uses connected devices and sensors to gather information—mainly relevant for the visibility segment

Uses robotics solutions for warehouse operations and fulfillment

Automated fulfilment solutions and warehouse automation broadly fall under industry 4.0

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

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 Warehouse robotics company, Geekplus, has introduced an improved version of their robot management system (RMS) for warehouse automation. This system efficiently manages and synchronizes warehouse robots, and oversees order fulfillment tasks, thereby easing businesses through peak-season demands.
 Capable of managing beyond 5,000 robots and processing 10,000 tasks per second within a single infrastructure, the upgraded RMS enhances its performance. It boasts 35% reduction in CPU load usage and a 50% decrease in memory usage. Further improvements include refined Multi-Agent Path Finding algorithms that boost throughput by 15%.
 Geekplus's RMS complements its core solutions, incorporating Shelf-to-Person, Tote-to-Person, and Pallet-to-Person setups. The system can skillfully manage around 5,000 P-series robots in facilities spanning over 100,000 sq m, as well as coordinate 600 RS-series and 2,000 P40 robots in 50,000 sq m facilities.
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Geek+

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