iRobot was a movie with Will Smith. Robot startups can make that movie a reality and if you venture into New York City you will be shocked at how many amazing robotics startups are currently based in Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs in the Big Apple in 2024. NYC has many big startups and many of them are in the robotics field, as well as fintech.
The 20 Top Robotics Startups in NYC in 2024:
We reviewed over 50 robotic companies in the Big Apple and are featuring the 2o biggest robotics startups in NYC.
1. UiPath
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 2005
- Address: New York, NY, USA
- Summary: UiPath is a leading robotics startup that specializes in automation software, particularly robotic process automation (RPA). They offer a platform that allows businesses to automate repetitive tasks, improving efficiency and accuracy. The company has rapidly expanded its offerings and customer base globally.
- Funding/Value: IPO
2. Opentrons Labworks Inc.
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 2014
- Address: Long Island City, NY, USA
- Summary: Opentrons is a robotics startup that focuses on lab automation solutions. They provide affordable and open-source robots that automate lab processes, making research more efficient and reproducible. Their products are used widely in academic and commercial labs.
- Funding/Value: Series C
3. Fabric
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 2015
- Address: New York, NY, USA
- Summary: Fabric is a robotics startup revolutionizing the logistics industry with its micro-fulfillment solutions. Their robotic systems are designed to automate and optimize warehousing processes, ensuring faster delivery times. Fabric’s technology integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure.
- Funding/Value: Series C
4. Calvary Robotics
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 1994
- Address: Webster, NY, USA
- Summary: Calvary Robotics is an established robotics startup providing advanced automation solutions across various industries. Their expertise includes designing and building custom robotic systems tailored to client needs. They serve industries such as automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods.
- Funding/Value: Estimated $10 million
5. Progressive Machine and Design (PMD)
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 1980s (estimated)
- Address: Victor, NY, USA
- Summary: PMD is a robotics startup offering bespoke automation solutions for the life sciences, automotive, and other sectors. They design, build, and integrate advanced robotic systems to enhance production efficiency. PMD is known for its innovative approach and engineering excellence.
- Funding/Value: Estimated $5 million
6. ChoiceWORX
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 2016 (estimated)
- Address: New York, NY, USA
- Summary: ChoiceWORX is a robotics startup that specializes in automated bot monitoring and maintenance solutions. Their technology helps businesses manage and optimize their robotic processes, reducing downtime and improving performance. ChoiceWORX aims to make automation management seamless and efficient.
- Funding/Value: Estimated $2 million
7. Avoda
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 2015
- Address: New York, NY, USA
- Summary: Avoda is a robotics startup that creates commercial robots for various business applications, including hospitality and retail. Their flagship product includes waiter robots that enhance customer service in restaurants. Avoda aims to integrate robotics into everyday business operations seamlessly.
- Funding/Value: Estimated $1 million
8. Autonomy Ventures
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 2016
- Address: New York, NY, USA
- Summary: Autonomy Ventures is a robotics startup that focuses on early-stage investments in AI, robotics, IoT, and smart devices. They support innovative companies developing the next generation of smart technologies. Autonomy Ventures plays a critical role in the growth of the robotics ecosystem.
- Funding/Value: Estimated $20 million
9. IoT World Today
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 2015 (estimated)
- Address: New York, NY, USA
- Summary: IoT World Today is a robotics startup offering smart home products that leverage the Afero operating system. Their technology ensures secure and efficient communication between IoT devices. The company aims to simplify and enhance the smart home experience.
- Funding/Value: Estimated $3 million
10. firstAI
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 2013
- Address: New York, NY, USA
- Summary: firstAI is a robotics startup focused on extracting data from unstructured documents for the financial services sector. Their advanced AI and robotic technologies streamline data processing and analysis. firstAI aims to revolutionize how financial institutions handle vast amounts of data.
- Funding/Value: Seed
11. CTRL-Labs (acquired by Facebook)
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 2015
- Address: New York, NY, USA
- Summary: CTRL-Labs is a robotics startup specializing in neural interface technology. Their innovative approach allows users to control digital devices with their thoughts. Acquired by Facebook, they aim to advance human-computer interaction.
- Funding/Value: Acquired for approximately $1 billion. These guys do not need any NYC startup loans that’s for sure!!
12. Promobot
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 2015
- Address: New York, NY, USA
- Summary: Promobot is a robotics startup developing autonomous service robots for business use. Their robots are designed for customer interaction, providing information and assistance. Promobot’s technology is utilized in various sectors, including retail and healthcare.
- Funding/Value: Estimated $5 million
13. x.ia
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 2014
- Address: New York, NY, USA
- Summary: x.ai is a robotics startup that offers an AI-powered personal assistant. Their technology automates scheduling meetings, saving time and enhancing productivity. x.ai aims to simplify daily tasks through advanced AI.
- Funding/Value: Estimated $23 million
14. KeyMe
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 2012
- Address: New York, NY, USA
- Summary: KeyMe is a robotics startup providing automated key duplication and locksmith services. Their kiosks allow users to scan and print keys quickly and securely. KeyMe integrates advanced robotics to streamline key management.
- Funding/Value: Series D, $150 million
15. Lemonade
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 2015
- Address: New York, NY, USA
- Summary: Lemonade is a robotics startup that leverages AI and robotics for the insurance industry. They offer renters and homeowners insurance with a focus on transparency and social impact. Lemonade uses AI to process claims efficiently.
- Funding/Value: IPO
16. Cockroach Labs
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 2015
- Address: New York, NY, USA
- Summary: Cockroach Labs is a robotics startup developing CockroachDB, a distributed SQL database. Their technology ensures data integrity and availability across global deployments. Cockroach Labs focuses on making data management more resilient and scalable.
- Funding/Value: Series E, $355 million
17. CTRL Robotics
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 2015 (estimated)
- Address: New York, NY, USA
- Summary: CTRL Robotics is a robotics startup specializing in robotic solutions for industrial applications. They design and develop custom robots for manufacturing and logistics. CTRL Robotics aims to enhance operational efficiency through automation.
- Funding/Value: Estimated $10 million
18. Kinova Robotics
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 2006
- Address: Boisbriand, QC, Canada (office in New York, NY, USA)
- Summary: Kinova Robotics is a robotics startup providing assistive robotics solutions. They focus on developing robotic arms and hands for people with disabilities. Kinova’s technology empowers users to perform daily tasks independently.
- Funding/Value: Series B, $25 million
19. BrainCo
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 2015
- Address: Somerville, MA, USA (office in New York, NY, USA)
- Summary: BrainCo is a robotics startup creating brain-machine interface technology. Their products include wearables that enhance focus and learning through neurofeedback. BrainCo aims to revolutionize education and training with their innovative solutions.
- Funding/Value: Series B, $15 million
20. Cyberworks Robotics
- Social Media: LinkedIn
- Founded: 2016
- Address: New York, NY, USA
- Summary: Cyberworks Robotics is a robotics startup that develops autonomous navigation systems for wheelchairs and industrial robots. Their technology enables safe and efficient movement in complex environments. Cyberworks Robotics strives to enhance mobility and productivity through automation.
- Funding/Value: Estimated $3 million
Why Are There so Many Robotics Startups in New York City?
It is crazy to believe but New York City is home to a wild number of robotics startups for 5 big reasons:
- Access to Capital and Investment: New York City has a robust venture capital ecosystem that actively invests in tech and robotics startups. For instance, tech entrepreneur Kevin Ryan and Eliot Horowitz have established a fund to invest up to $30 million in robotics companies. This availability of capital is crucial for the growth of startups in the robotics sector (Crain’s New York).
- Concentration of Talent: The city attracts a diverse and highly skilled workforce, including engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs. Institutions like Newlab in Brooklyn bring together experts and innovators to work on transformative technology, including robotics, which further boosts the industry’s growth (Built In NYC).
- Proximity to Academic and Research Institutions: New York City hosts numerous prestigious universities and research institutions that contribute to the development of cutting-edge robotics technology. NYU has a program, as well as Columbia, and Stevens Institute. This provides a steady pipeline of research and talent, supporting startups in the robotics field (Built In NYC).
- Strategic Industry Support: The local government and various industry groups provide substantial support to tech startups, including those in robotics. Initiatives and partnerships help foster an environment conducive to innovation and growth (Crain’s New York).
- Market Opportunities: The city’s diverse economy offers ample market opportunities for robotics applications in various sectors, from healthcare to logistics. This diversity allows robotics startups to develop and deploy solutions in multiple industries, driving demand and innovation.
These 5 crazy robot factors combined make New York City a perfect siteground for robotics startups, letting them to thrive and contribute to the city’s tech ecosystem.
Editor of Startups #nofilter