Recalling Robotics Companies We Lost in 2023

Recalling robotics companies we lost in 2023

robotics companies we lost in 2023 Technology Refers

Normal Robots (2021-2023)

Despite employing over 200 individuals, Alphabet did not provide details about the fate of the displaced employees.
The closure of Everyday Robots was a notable event among the robotics companies we lost in 2023.
In February 2023, Alphabet, Google’s parent company, closed down its subsidiary Everyday Robots as part of a larger workforce reduction, resulting in the loss of 12,000 jobs or 6% of the total workforce.
Despite continuous advancements in their capabilities, these robots did not progress to the commercialization stage.
Everyday Robots, originating from Alphabet’s X moonshot lab, successfully trained more than 100 wheeled, single-armed robots for various tasks, including cleaning cafeteria tables, sorting recyclables, and opening doors.
Following the shutdown, certain technologies and a segment of the Everyday Robots team were integrated into existing robotics initiatives within Google Research.

Must Read : Drone Delivery segment of Google

Neato (2005-2023)

Precision in Innovation: The unique “D” shaped design wasn’t merely a visual aesthetic; it asserted to deliver unparalleled precision in cleaning corners and adeptly navigating intricate spaces.
Acquisition Chronicles (2017): Having fallen under Vorwerk Group’s umbrella in 2017, Neato Robotics had etched a distinctive mark within the ever-evolving realm of the robotics industry.
Post-Closure Assurance: Despite the cessation, Vorwerk Group stands firm in its commitment, vowing continued support for Neato’s cloud-based service and ensuring the availability of spare parts for the next five years.
Industry Bids Adieu: The closure of Neato Robotics in 2023 signifies a noteworthy departure within the robotics landscape, prompting the industry to bid farewell to a pioneering force among the robotics companies we lost this year.
Strategic Hub in Germany: The decision to wind down Neato Robotics mirrors Vorwerk’s strategic focus on bolstering its vacuum and robotics sales, with a particular emphasis on concentrating efforts within its Germany office.
Strategic Pivot in April 2023: Vorwerk Group, the parent entity steering Neato Robotics, revealed a strategic maneuver in April 2023, opting to close the chapter on the esteemed robot vacuum manufacturer as part of an extensive restructuring initiative.
Founding Epoch (2005): Emergent in 2005, Neato Robotics burgeoned into a formidable contender against iRobot, boasting a distinctive “D” shaped design that set it apart in the industry.

Karakuri-(2018-2023)

Failed Discussions: In a free statement, Karakuri stated regret, stating, “After general negotiations with possible savers and acquirers to explore all possible choices for the business, we’re sorry to report that Karakuri has been powerless to secure the funding vital to continue our developments and bring our products to market.”
Struggle for Additional Funding: In the months leading to the shutdown, Karakuri dedicated substantial efforts to secure additional funding for its ventures. Despite negotiations with Henny Penny, a food-service equipment manufacturer, the talks ultimately collapsed.
Innovative Offerings: During its operational years, Karakuri introduced the FRYR family of automated fry lines and SEMBLR, an automated meal assembly system capable of serving a diverse range of ingredients and cuisines.
Launch and Ownership: Established in 2018, Karakuri garnered attention in 2019 when Ocado taught a nearly 20% stake in the company for almost $6 million. The following closure of Karakuri adds to the roster of robotics companies we lost in 2023.
Karakuri’s Cease of Operations (June 2023): Robotics startup Karakuri, specializing in the use of robots to assemble meals for the food industry, officially closed its doors in June 2023. This marked the end of its journey among the robotics companies we lost in 2023.

Zume (2015-2023)

Shifting Sustainability: Once familiar for its original robotic pizza-making endeavors, Zume endured a transformative journey in 2020. The company twisted from pizzas to line up maintainable packaging solutions, make parallel with a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Scheme Capital Triumphs: Zume celebrated success in the scheme capital realm, gathering a total funding of $445 million. An important milestone came in 2018 when SoftBank give a shot $375 million at a notable $2.25 billion valuation.
Strategic Sustainability Acquisition: In a bid to fortify its commitment to sustainability, Zume acquired Pivot Packaging. This strategic move brought on board a company specializing in crafting compostable food containers using eco-friendly materials like bamboo and wheat.
Sustainability Business Trials: Despite these strategic maneuvers, Zume faced challenges in solidifying its sustainable packaging initiatives into a robust and enduring business model.
Zume’s Farewell in 2023: The chapter for Silicon Valley’s Zume closed in the summer of 2023, adding its name to the list of robotics companies we bid adieu to in 2023.
Economic Challenges and Workforce Adaptation: By 2020, Zume faced with financial-hurdles, important to a workforce drop exceeding 50% as it intentionally conveyed its focus towards workable packaging projects.
Legacy and Industry Transition: Established in 2015, Zume’s closure in 2023 signifies the end of an era. Its legacy, marked by innovation and navigating industry challenges, becomes part of the evolving narrative of the robotics landscape and contributes to the collective memory of robotics companies we lost in 2023.

XACT-Robotics (2013-2023)

XACT Robotics’ Closure in 2023: In September, the curtain fell on XACT Robotics, a medical robotics provider that specialize in autonomous robots for hands-free surgery. The company, a significant player in the field of robotics companies we lost in 2023, made the difficult decision to lay off its entire workforce of 65 employees.
Struggles in Revenue Generation: Despite the technological innovation, XACT Robotics faced challenges in converting its advancements into substantial revenue. The company grappled with financial hurdles, leading to its inability to sustain operations.
Financial Journey: XACT Robotics, since its founding, raised approximately $60 million, including a significant injection of $36 million in 2019. However, the company’s financial trajectory ultimately led to its closure.
Inception and Founders: Established in 2013 by Harel Gadot, an executive with a background at Johnson & Johnson, and Yossi Bornstein, the founder and manager of Shizim Medical Devices, XACT Robotics embarked on a mission to revolutionize medical interventions.
Failed Acquisition and Funding Woes: In a bid to stay afloat, XACT explored acquisition talks, but the anticipated deal ultimately fell through. The company also handled complications in safeguarding new subsidy to bear its operations.
Needle-Steering Technology: XACT’s technological prowess lay in its needle-steering technology, meticulously designed for minimally invasive interventional procedures like biopsies and ablations. The system combined a five-degree-of-freedom robot, current spike path control, and real-time closed-loop control.

XACT-Robotics behind a legacy of technological invention in the medical, yet its shutting highlights the challenges-faced by robotics companies we lost in 2023.

robotics companies we lost in 2023 Technology Refers (3)

Precision-Hawk (2010-2023)

Founding Vision and Financial Odyssey: With its roots planted in 2010, PrecisionHawk initially emerged as a promising figure in the drone landscape. Directing the intricate funding terrain, the company protected over $136 million, with a prominent $32 million dose during an essential Sequence E funding round in 2019.
PrecisionHawk’s Closure in 2023: December marked the conclusion of PrecisionHawk’s journey, a renowned commercial drone developer based in Raleigh, N.C. Joining the ranks of robotics companies we said goodbye to in 2023, PrecisionHawk took a significant step by voluntarily filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, with reported debts reaching around $17 million against assets valued at approximately $3.8 million.
Innovation in Data Utilization: PrecisionHawk’s core mission involved the transformation of drone-acquired data into practical insights, showcasing the company’s dedication to leveraging technology for tangible applications.
Comprehensive Drone Solutions: PrecisionHawk’s hallmark was its holistic platform, seamlessly integrating drone and sensor hardware alongside sophisticated flight and analytics software services. Drones gather data, and the company’s software converted this data into legal intelligence.
Facing Financial Challenges: Despite its promising beginnings, PrecisionHawk encountered financial hurdles, prompting a strategic decision to close operations. The voluntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing reflected a proactive approach to address mounting debts and financial constraints.
Trailblazing in Drone Integration: Beyond its commercial focus, PrecisionHawk made notable strides in uncrewed aircraft traffic management (UTM) systems. These initiatives aimed to simplify the integration of drones into existing airspace frameworks.

PrecisionHawk’s departure in 2023 not only marks the end of its own narrative but also underscores the broader challenges faced by robotics companies we parted ways with during the course of the year.

While it’s crucial to emphasize that Skydio, as a business entity, remains vibrant, a pivotal shift occurred over the summer. The company made the strategic decision to shutter its consumer drone business, redirecting its focus towards serving enterprise and public sector customers. This move positions Skydio among the robotics companies we lost in 2023 concerning its consumer drone segment. Although offerings like the Skydio 2+ Start, Sports, Cinema, or Pro Kits are no longer available, the company persists in delivering essential software updates and dedicated customer support for existing customers.