FORT Robotics adds $18.9M to Series B funding for robotic safety

FORT Robotics offers remote control technology and safety for autonomous systems. Source: FORT Robotics

Physical AI is the convergence of robotics and artificial intelligence and shows promise for numerous industries. FORT Robotics today announced that it has successfully closed an additional $18.9 million for its Series B funding round, led by Tiger Global. The Philadelphia-based company said it plans to use the funding to continue providing safety for the emerging robotics ecosystem.

“Robotics and physical AI are quickly transforming every worksite globally,” stated Samuel Reeves, CEO of FORT Robotics. “As robot fleets grow and work alongside people, the need for robust functional safety becomes even more vital. We’re seeing sharp acceleration in new customers and growth from long-time users of the FORT platform.”

Founded in 2018, FORT Robotics claimed that its Robotics Control Platform empowers machine builders and users with safe, secure, and dynamic control. The company said it has 27 patents, more than 500 customers, and an estimated 12,000 units deployed.

The systems help maximize human-machine collaboration while reducing risk, said FORT Robotics. They ensure that people, assets, and data are protected and productive across various industries, including warehousing, agriculture, and construction.

Safety, security necessary to help industry scale

The robotics industry is reaching an inflection point that is fueling growth, claimed FORT Robotics. As autonomous systems such as factory robots, autonomous vehicles, defense platforms, and humanoids move to wider deployments, they increasingly need safe, secure, and dynamic control, it said.

The company said it plans to use the new capital to continue empowering machine builders and users, particularly as autonomous systems become increasingly prevalent across global work sites. FORT said it will:

• Enhance existing products: The company intends to increase versatility with new communication protocols, API (application programming interface) integrations, and expanded international compliance.
• Develop next-Generation safety: FORT Robotics said it will build out critical data analytics and comprehensive safety solutions designed to displace traditional methods and address the unique challenges of physical AI.
• Accelerate growth: FORT plans to accelerate the development and implementation of its protective technology.

Editor’s note: RoboBusiness 2025, which will be on Oct. 15 and 16 in Santa Clara, Calif., will feature the Physical AI Forum, a new track focusing on the development of AI and robotics.

Investors express confidence in FORT Robotics

The $18.9 million in capital brings FORT Robotics’ total funding to $60.5 million to date. Returning investors included Tiger Global, Prime Movers Lab, Mark Cuban, FundersClub, Creative Ventures, GRIDS Capital, and Ahoy Capital. New investors included Neman Ventures, Mana Ventures, Gaingels, and Ryuu Co. of Japan.

“We’re excited to welcome new investors who share our vision for the changing worksite, and we’re deeply appreciative of the ongoing investment from long-time partners like Tiger Global,” said Reeves.

“At Neman Ventures, we strategically invest in companies at the forefront of transformative technologies,” said Shane Neman, CIO and general partner of Neman Ventures. “FORT Robotics’ commitment to safety for physical AI and intelligent machines directly aligns with our vision for the future of work and advanced automation.”

“Their platform is a crucial enabler for the next generation of robotics, including emerging areas like humanoids,” he added. “We are excited to support FORT as they expand their comprehensive safety solutions.”

New board members join to steer strategic growth

To bolster its leadership and strategic direction, FORT Robotics has appointed three new board members:

• Kirk D. Brown, chief operating officer (COO) and chief financial officer of SportsMedia Technology and former COO of Overwatch Geospatial, which was acquired by Textron
• Jorge Heraud, CEO of TerraBlaster, former CEO of Blue River Technology and vice president of automation at John Deere
• Benjamin G. Wolff, president and CEO of Palladyne AI and co-founder and CEO of Clearwire Corp., which was acquired by Sprint.

“Their deep experience in entrepreneurial ventures, robotics, and technology will be instrumental as FORT enters its next phase of expansion,” said the company.

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