Imagine a world where robots seamlessly integrate into our industrial processes, improving productivity and safety. That’s exactly what Mujin, a robot software firm based in Tokyo and Atlanta, aims to achieve. With the rising demand for automation due to a shortage of skilled workers, Mujin has developed AI-based software that allows users to deploy and automate various applications for industrial robots.
Recently, the company secured $85 million in Series C funding, bringing their total funding to $150 million. This investment will enable Mujin to expand its product offerings and cater to the evolving market demands. With over 1,000 systems in production and partnerships with major robot manufacturers, Mujin is revolutionizing the automation industry and paving the way for a robotic future.
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Background Information
Overview of Mujin
Mujin is a Tokyo- and Atlanta-based startup that develops AI-based software for industrial automation. The company believes that robots can improve productivity and safety in manufacturing and logistics processes. Mujin has built MujinController, a software platform that allows users to deploy and automate various applications for their industrial robots at a lower cost. The platform has already been adopted by robot manufacturers like ABB, Fanuc, KUKA, Yaskawa, Universal Robots, and Kawasaki. Mujin’s technology is focused on picking and palletizing/de-palletizing e-commerce products, as well as other applications like precision piece-picking technology for delicate items.
Importance of industrial automation
In the current business landscape, there is a growing need for automation as skilled workers become scarcer. It is expected that a shortage of skilled workers will take a toll on manufacturers through 2030. Industrial automation offers a solution to this problem by reducing the reliance on human labor and increasing productivity and safety. By introducing robots and AI-based software into manufacturing and logistics processes, companies can improve efficiency and reduce costs. Mujin aims to address these challenges by providing advanced automation solutions that cater to the evolving market demands.
Funding announcement
Mujin recently announced a successful Series C funding round, raising $85 million. This brings the company’s total funding up to $150 million. SBI Investment led the latest round, with participation from Pegasus Tech Ventures and Accenture, among others. While Mujin declined to disclose its valuation, the funding will be used for product expansion and development of advanced solutions and applications. The company also plans to expand globally to new markets and customers. Mujin’s success in fundraising showcases the growing importance and potential of industrial automation in the market.
Company Profile
Founding of Mujin
Mujin was founded in 2011 by Ross Diankov and Issei Takino. The founders chose to establish the company in Japan, where many manufacturing and automation tech firms are located. This strategic decision allowed Mujin to tap into the expertise and resources available in the Japanese market. The founders recognized the need for a software platform that could serve as the “definitive brain for robots,” driving their intelligence and capabilities across various industries. The vision behind Mujin was to create AI-based software that would revolutionize industrial automation processes.
MujinController software platform
MujinController is the flagship software platform developed by Mujin. It plays a vital role in the automation of manufacturing and logistics processes by allowing users to deploy and automate various applications for their industrial robots. The software platform is designed to be cost-effective, enabling businesses to achieve automation at a lower cost. MujinController currently supports over 1,000 systems in production and has been adopted by strategic partners such as ABB, Fanuc, KUKA, Yaskawa, Universal Robots, and Kawasaki. This wide adoption speaks to the reliability and effectiveness of Mujin’s software in the industry.
Partnerships and adoption
Mujin has formed strategic partnerships with several robot original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to further enhance the adoption of its software platform. Collaboration with industry leaders like ABB, Fanuc, KUKA, Yaskawa, Universal Robots, and Kawasaki has helped Mujin gain credibility and establish its presence in the market. These partnerships have also facilitated the integration of MujinController into the existing infrastructure of these OEMs, making it easier for businesses to adopt and utilize the software. The successful adoption of Mujin’s technology by these partners validates the effectiveness and value of the company’s software in industrial automation.
Applications and Success Stories
Picking and palletizing/de-palletizing e-commerce products
One of the primary applications of Mujin’s technology is in picking and palletizing/de-palletizing e-commerce products. The software platform enables robots to efficiently handle and organize products in warehouses and distribution centers. By automating these processes, businesses can significantly improve their productivity and reduce the reliance on manual labor. Mujin’s technology has been successfully adopted by various companies operating in the e-commerce industry, making their operations more streamlined and efficient.
Automating manual palletizing process for logistics firm
Mujin’s technology has also been instrumental in automating the manual palletizing process for a Japanese logistics firm called Paltac. By using Mujin Pack, the company was able to automate its palletizing process, resulting in a doubling of productivity and a remarkable 90% reduction in labor requirements. This success story illustrates how Mujin’s software can revolutionize manual processes in the logistics industry, freeing up human labor for more complex tasks and improving overall efficiency.
Precision piece-picking technology for delicate items
Another significant application of Mujin’s technology is in precision piece-picking for delicate items. The software platform allows robots to handle expensive and delicate items with accuracy and care, reducing the risk of damage. This capability has been particularly beneficial for companies like JD.com, allowing them to overcome the challenges associated with handling delicate items in their operations. Mujin’s precision piece-picking technology ensures that valuable items are handled safely and efficiently, providing a superior level of service to customers.
MujinController Features
Real-time non-volatile digital twin
One of the key features of MujinController is its real-time non-volatile digital twin. This technology creates a digital replica of the physical environment, enabling robots to navigate and interact with their surroundings in real-time. The digital twin provides a comprehensive understanding of the environment, facilitating precise and accurate movement of robots and industrial equipment. By leveraging this technology, MujinController ensures the smooth operation of automated processes and minimizes the risk of errors or accidents.
Perception, planning, and control algorithms
MujinController incorporates advanced perception, planning, and control algorithms into its software platform. These algorithms enable robots to perceive and interpret their environment accurately. By leveraging AI-based algorithms, MujinController can optimize the planning and execution of tasks, ensuring efficient and precise control of robots. These algorithms are continuously updated and improved to adapt to changing environments and requirements, making MujinController a reliable and adaptable solution for industrial automation.
Autonomous movement of robots and industrial equipment
MujinController enables the autonomous movement of robots and industrial equipment. Robots equipped with MujinController can navigate through their environment and carry out tasks without human intervention. This autonomous movement capability reduces the need for manual labor, improving productivity and safety in industrial processes. By automating the movement of robots and industrial equipment, MujinController ensures efficient and seamless operations, increasing overall efficiency and reducing costs.
Future Plans and Expansion
Product expansion and advanced solutions
With the recent funding injection, Mujin plans to expand its product offerings and develop advanced solutions that cater to evolving market demands. The company recognizes the need for continuous innovation and improvement to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of industrial automation. By investing in research and development, Mujin aims to create groundbreaking solutions that address the challenges faced by businesses in different industries. The company’s focus on product expansion ensures that it remains at the forefront of the industrial automation market.
Meeting evolving market demands
The market for industrial automation is constantly evolving, with new challenges and demands emerging regularly. Mujin aims to meet these evolving market demands by adapting its software platform and developing new solutions. The company closely monitors industry trends and customer feedback to understand the changing needs of businesses. By staying agile and responsive, Mujin ensures that its software platform remains relevant and effective in addressing the latest challenges faced by companies in various sectors.
Global expansion to new markets and customers
Mujin’s successful funding round will also enable the company to expand globally and reach new markets and customers. The company already has offices in the U.S., Japan, and China, and with over 300 employees worldwide, it has a strong foundation to support international expansion. By entering new markets and forming partnerships with businesses across the globe, Mujin aims to establish itself as a leading provider of industrial automation solutions on a global scale. The company’s global expansion strategy will bring its advanced technology to a wider audience and contribute to the adoption of automation in various industries.
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Company Locations and Team
Offices in the U.S., Japan, and China
Mujin has established offices in three key locations: the U.S., Japan, and China. These offices serve as hubs for the company’s operations and facilitate its global expansion strategy. The U.S. office allows Mujin to tap into the North American market, which is known for its technological advancements and strong appetite for automation. The Japanese office provides access to the country’s manufacturing and automation tech firms, offering valuable resources and expertise. The Chinese office capitalizes on China’s booming manufacturing industry, allowing Mujin to cater to the rapidly growing automation market in the country. These strategic locations enable Mujin to support its customers and partners effectively while driving its global expansion efforts.
Over 300 employees
Mujin boasts a team of over 300 dedicated professionals who are passionate about advancing industrial automation through AI-based software. The company’s employees bring a diverse range of skills and expertise, ensuring that Mujin’s software platform stays at the cutting edge of technology. Mujin’s team consists of professionals from various backgrounds, including roboticists, AI engineers, software developers, and business strategists. This interdisciplinary team approach enables Mujin to tackle complex challenges and deliver innovative solutions to its customers. The company’s strong team is a testament to its commitment to excellence in industrial automation.
Conclusion
Mujin’s $85 million Series C funding round highlights the growing significance of industrial automation in the market. The company’s AI-based software platform, MujinController, has already gained significant traction and adoption from major robot OEMs and businesses in various industries. The software’s advanced features, such as the real-time non-volatile digital twin and perception, planning, and control algorithms, enable efficient and reliable automation of manufacturing and logistics processes. With its recent funding, Mujin plans to expand its product offerings, meet evolving market demands, and expand to new markets globally. The company’s strategic partnerships, offices in key locations, and talented team of professionals position it as a key player in the industrial automation industry. With its innovative solutions, Mujin aims to revolutionize the way businesses approach automation and drive productivity and safety in the manufacturing and logistics sectors.
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Source: https://techcrunch.com/2023/09/05/robot-software-firm-mujin-raises-85m/
