Industrial automation startup Path Robotics raises $300M in funding

Industrial automation startup Path Robotics has secured $300 million in funding to develop its AI-powered welding solution. The Series E round was led by Georgian and supported by the venture arms of Yamaha Motor Co. and Navier Corp., a leading South Korean tech firm. The infusion of capital brings Path Robotics' post-money valuation to $2.45 billion.

Welding tasks have traditionally been challenging to automate due to heat-induced metal distortion, which occurs when the heat from a welding torch warps the metal parts being joined, and the parts change shape again when they cool down. These distortions can be unpredictable, making it difficult for a robot arm to follow a pre-programmed welding plan.

Additionally, mass-produced metal parts often have slight variations due to manufacturing inconsistencies, requiring adjustments to welding procedures that traditional automation software may not handle effectively.

Path Robotics has addressed these challenges by developing an AI model called Obsidian. Obsidian is specifically designed to power industrial robots equipped with welding torches. The model uses four lasers attached to the torch, controlled by the company, to illuminate the parts being welded and capture reflected light with a pair of cameras.

This data, collected before, during, and after each welding run, powers an AI model referred to as a "weld world model." Researchers use this model to generate simulated welding projects, which in turn train Obsidian's algorithm.

Originally developed for large robotic workstations called welding cells, Path Robotics recently introduced a four-legged robot called Rove that uses Obsidian to automate shipbuilding tasks. The company claims that its software can also be used to manufacture parts for vehicles, power generators, utility poles, and other heavy equipment.

CEO Andy Lonsberry stated that there is accelerating demand from manufacturers looking to expand production capacity but facing limitations with traditional automation. The new funding will enable Path Robotics to scale its welding business alongside its customers while investing in further development of data, compute, and model capabilities to tackle welding tasks before and after the actual welding process.