Sonair raises $6 million to scale 3D ultrasonic robot safety sensors
Daily brief on news from the world of autonomous mobile robots.
Norwegian robotics sensor startup Sonair AS secured $6 million in funding to accelerate global rollout of what it says is the world's first safety-certified 3D ultrasonic sensor for autonomous robots, as demand surges for human-robot collaboration technology.
The Oslo-based company's ADAR (acoustic detection and ranging) sensor uses sound waves to provide robots real-time 3D spatial awareness, enabling safer operation in shared workspaces. The funding round was led by Copenhagen-based Scale Capital and Norway's state-backed Investinor, with participation from existing investors including RunwayFBU, part of the Aker group.
"For robots to operate alongside humans, safety has to be built in from the start," said Knut Sandven, chief executive officer and co-founder. "ADAR gives manufacturers a straightforward and more affordable way to achieve that."
The investment comes as the autonomous mobile robot market for logistics and manufacturing is projected to reach $15.6 billion by 2030, driven by warehouse automation and labor shortages. U.S. warehouse workers reported 4.7 injuries per 100 full-time employees in 2023, nearly double the private industry average, creating regulatory pressure for safer robotic systems.
Sonair's ultrasonic technology offers 3D perception at a fraction of LiDAR costs, the company said. After testing with over 30 global companies, ADAR is now shipping to manufacturers across Asia, Europe and North America, including Japan's Fuji Corporation for retail robot applications.
Safety Certification Drive
The startup is pursuing safety certification to PLd ISO13849 and SIL IEC 61508 standards—an industry first for 3D ultrasonic sensing technology. This certification is critical for deployment in environments where robots work alongside humans.
"Sonair makes robot safety simple," said Terkel Douglas, investment manager at Scale Capital. "By pushing the technical limits of sensing technology, Sonair has moved the robotics world several steps forward in a safe and cost-effective way."
The company, built on technology from SINTEF research institute, has now raised a total of $6.8 million since its 2024 market debut. Previous investors RunwayFBU significantly increased their commitment in the latest round.
Investinor's Egil Garberg noted the commercial traction: "Sonair's patented ADAR technology combines technical excellence with clear commercial traction. We believe the team is uniquely positioned to capture a rapidly growing global market for autonomous machines."
Denmark-based T|Y|R.vc also joined the round, citing applications across civilian and defense sectors for the dual-use technology.
The funding will support Sonair's global expansion as autonomous robots increasingly enter warehouses, hospitals, retail stores and public spaces, creating demand for reliable safety systems that enable human-machine collaboration without compromising operational efficiency.