Robohub.org
 

$160 million for VC-Funded robotic projects in 2011


by
05 March 2012



share this:

… One roboticist’s opinion why VC funding for robotics is a tough nut to crack: projects have large capital requirements, few potential acquirers and little “Google-scale” IPO prospects.
… $160 million is a far cry from the $6.9 billion that went into 997 VC funded deals in web and Internet startup companies in 2011.
… Most money went to a company that uses a robot to provide image-guided technology for hair follicle harvesting.
… Read about all 14 companies here.
… This list doesn’t mention the many acquisitions, strategic partnerships and mergers that occurred. The most recent two are the $18 million acquisition of French Cybernetix by Technip, an oil resources and ROV service provider to the industry, and the $100 million acquisition of Aldebaran Robotics by Softbanks (see preceding article).



tags:


Frank Tobe is the owner and publisher of The Robot Report, and is also a panel member for Robohub's Robotics by Invitation series.
Frank Tobe is the owner and publisher of The Robot Report, and is also a panel member for Robohub's Robotics by Invitation series.

            AUAI is supported by:



Subscribe to Robohub newsletter on substack



Related posts :

New research enables a robot to chart a better course

  17 Jun 2026
By rapidly generating a smooth path plan that cuts travel time and avoids obstacles, the open-source “MIGHTY” system could streamline disaster recovery and parcel delivery.

Entangled robotic matter with cohesive motion

  15 Jun 2026
Engineers have developed a robotic collective that behaves less like a machine and more like a material that flows.

Robot Talk Episode 160 – Robotic blacksmiths, with Edward Mehr

  12 Jun 2026
In the latest episode of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire chatted to Edward Mehr from Machina Labs about their RoboCraftsman that shapes complex metal parts for the aerospace, defence, and automotive industries.

Congratulations to the #AAMAS2026 best paper award winners

  08 Jun 2026
Find out who won in the categories of best paper, best student paper, and best blue sky paper.

Robot Talk Episode 159 – Robot sensing and manipulation, with Maria Koskinopoulou

  05 Jun 2026
In the latest episode of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire chatted to Maria Koskinopoulou from Heriot-Watt University about autonomous robotic manipulators for surgery, industry, and beyond.

Global robotics technology roadmap

  03 Jun 2026
A multi-regional, cross-domain strategic perspective for Europe, Asia, and the United States.

RoboChem Flex: democratisation of the autonomous synthesis robot

  02 Jun 2026
A versatile, modular design and the option for "human-in-the-loop" analytics.

Robot Talk Episode 158 – Autonomous robot deliveries, with Ahti Heinla

  29 May 2026
In the latest episode of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire chatted to Ahti Heinla from Starship Technologies about their AI-powered delivery robots that operate independently on streets and pavements.



AUAI is supported by:







Subscribe to Robohub newsletter on substack




 















©2026.05 - Association for the Understanding of Artificial Intelligence