Alibaba backs X Square Robot's $140 million round, AtomTech acquires Capriol
Daily brief on news from the world of autonomous mobile robots.
Alibaba co-leads $140 million round in X Square Robot
Alibaba’s cloud unit and CAS Investment Management co-led a $140 million Series A+ round in Shenzhen-based X Square Robot, founded in 2023, Bloomberg reports. The startup, focused on robotics algorithms and embodied AI, recently unveiled the open-source Wall-OSS foundation model. Additional investors include HSG, Meituan, and Legend Star. The funding supports Alibaba’s $53 billion AI infrastructure strategy and China’s robotics sector push.
HumRo to invest up to $10M for global robotics expansion
HumRo, the robotics arm of India’s ARAPL, will invest USD 8–10 million to expand into the US and Europe, funding capital and working needs through promoter, allotment, and debt, Tech Circle reports. The USD 3 million promoter investment, board-approved, leverages India’s cost advantage as tariffs rise. With strong client approvals and a Rs. 32 crore order pipeline, HumRo targets advanced automation, expecting solutions to be 15–20% cheaper than rivals.
AtomTech acquires Capriol Systems to expand automation reach
AtomTech, Inc. has acquired Capriol Systems LLC, extending its automation expertise across manufacturing, logistics, food & beverage, and defense sectors, Engineering.com reports. Capriol, known for pioneering autonomous mobile robots, brings a decade of real-world deployments—including notable projects in North Carolina. The deal broadens AtomTech’s portfolio, uniting leading control systems with advanced robotics to strengthen its position in industrial automation and support diverse operational needs.
Circus SE starts deliveries of CA-1 AI-robots from new factory
Circus SE has begun delivering its fourth-generation CA-1 autonomous AI-robots just six months after launching its high-volume factory, Stock Titan reports. The facility, built for industrial-scale production, enables thousands of units per year and positions Circus as a leader in autonomous food production robotics. The CA-1, with over 29,000 parts, undergoes rigorous testing, and a defense-focused model (CA-M) is planned for mass production next year.
Lucid Vision Labs relocates HQ to larger Burnaby facility
LUCID Vision Labs, a manufacturer of industrial cameras, has moved its headquarters from Richmond, BC to a spacious, state-of-the-art site in Burnaby, Robotics Tomorrow reports. The upgraded facility expands manufacturing capacity and operational efficiency, supporting rising global customer demand. With enhanced space for scaling and innovation, the site is now fully operational, positioning LUCID for sustained growth in vision technology for automation, life sciences, and logistics.
