DIC Invests in U.S.-Based Mantis Robotics

DIC has announced a strategic investment in Mantis Robotics. This is the first investment through DIC’s European investment base, in which DIC aims to explore collaboration opportunities in the physical AI domain.

DIC’s investment in Mantis Robotics will bring together its accumulated technologies in high-performance materials, sensing, and processing and the U.S. company’s safety and control technologies. 

The two companies will explore collaboration in such areas as tactile and sensing technologies for robots, robotic fingers, and lightweight, advanced components.

Mantis Robotics develops fenceless, high-speed industrial robotic platforms that leverage its proprietary safety control and 3D spatial sensing technologies to create environments that facilitate safe human-robot collaboration. 

These technologies eliminate the need for fences, delivering both high productivity and safety, and continue to attract attention from manufacturers and logistics operators amid growing demand for greater automation. 

The commercialization of its MR-1 flagship robot, which recently obtained safety certification, and other products for use in diverse sectors, including logistics, electronics equipment, and automotive manufacturing, continues to drive the expansion of Mantis Robotics’ operations.

Gerry Vannuffelen, Co-Founder and CEO, Mantis Robotics, Inc., said: “We are delighted to welcome DIC as a strategic partner at this pivotal inflection point in our commercial growth. Combining DIC’s leadership in high-performance materials, sensing technologies and global manufacturing capabilities with our fenceless robotic platform creates a powerful foundation for the future of industrial automation. Together, we look forward to accelerating the adoption of safe, full-throughput robotic solutions that seamlessly coexist with humans.”

Shinsuke Kotera, President, DIC D2S Ventures AG, added: “Mantis Robotics has developed unique technologies that enable safe human-robot collaboration while also ensuring outstanding productivity. We are particularly encouraged by the commercial momentum following the safety certification of MR-1 and believe the company has significant potential as industrial automation continues to expand. We look forward to supporting Mantis Robotics’ growth and exploring opportunities to create new value by combining its capabilities with our materials and sensing technologies.”