JAKA Robotics raises $150M for collaborative robots

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JAKA Robotics has raised $150 million in Series D funding. This follows a $50 million Series C funding round earlier in 2021. JAKA plans to use the Series D funding to further support globalization of the company and the research and development of its collaborative robot (cobot) arm.

Since its founding in 2014, JAKA has developed nine core technologies and six core algorithms that are the foundation for its line of cobots. The company launched its JAKA Pro Series earlier this year. The JAKA Pro Series aims to provide robotics for companies operating in harsh environments. The entire line of cobots is IP68 rated and can operate for nearly six years without interruption, the company claims.

JAKA’s other cobot lines include the JAKA Zu, which combines torque-feedback collision detection and a 6-axis design, the JAKA Zu S, which offers compact and light cobot options, and the JAKA All-in-one, which is designed for manufacturers to automate industrial and factory automations. The payload of the cobots range from 1-18 kg.

“Our cobots have extensive communication interfaces and are equipped with vision systems, force sensors and other external devices,” Li Mingyang, CEO of JAKA, said. “The perception equipment and robot design can be deeply integrated. It enables robots to independently carry out task planning in a complicated, unstructured environment, realizing the progress from human-machine cooperation to human-machine integration, covering more production areas.”

Temasek, TrueLight Capital, Softbank Vision Fund 2 and Prosperity7 Ventures led the funding round. The round also included participation from a strategic investor JAKA did not name.

“We believe Jaka Robotics is one of the leading collaborative robot companies in China who is helping manufacturers boost productivity,” Dennis Chang, managing partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers, said. “With its strong in-house R&D capabilities, Jaka’s robots are high-performance and strongly suited for multiple industrial use cases, which is recognized by its global partners. We are pleased to partner with the company and support their vision of ushering in the era of flexible intelligent robots.”

JAKA claims to have more than 10,000 cobot arms operating worldwide in the automotive, electronics, semiconductor and other industries. JAKA has also established technology centers in Japan and Germany.