Computer vision startup turns passive videos into actionable intelligence for enhanced safety and efficiency at large-scale infrastructure sites
• With a mission to make logistics workplaces safer, more secure, and efficient, RoboK is already working with some of the largest critical infrastructure operators, turning their on-site visual data into high-value insights.
• The Bristol Port Company saw a reduction of over 90% in potential safety incidents after just three months of deploying RoboK’s solution.
• The funding round was led by Cambridge Enterprise with participation from new and existing investors including the Bristol Port Company, U-blox AG, Amadeus Capital Partners, Martlet Capital, the University of Cambridge Enterprise Fund managed by Parkwalk Advisors, Deeptech Labs, and a number of angels. The company has also secured grants from funders incl. InnovateUK and the Department for Transport.
Cambridge, UK, June 29, 2023 – RoboK, a startup applying AI-powered computer vision to logistics & industrial workplaces, has announced $2.1 million in funding, making it $4 million to date, for accelerating commercial expansion.
The company is on a mission to deliver significant value to customers and unlock the often-overlooked potential of their existing industrial CCTV cameras. This is achieved with their proprietary computer vision solutions that are privacy-preserving and cost-effective, allowing the company to offer secure, always-on and proactive insights with deep sector operational knowledge.
The use cases for RoboK’s technology include ports and other large-scale infrastructure, where safety hazards, inefficiencies, and delays can have significant economic and environmental impacts. For example, ports handle large volumes of cargo and have complex logistics processes that involve a large number of vehicles, equipment, and personnel. By using computer vision to monitor and analyse these processes, RoboK’s technology can help prevent accidents as well as improve efficiency in handling and transportation.
The Bristol Port Company is one of RoboK’s satisfied customers who have seen the benefits of the innovative technology. After implementing RoboK’s solution, the company saw a remarkable reduction of over 90% in potential safety breaches in just three months, which convinced them to invest in RoboK’s latest funding round. David Brown, CEO of the Bristol Port Company, said, “I have been extremely impressed by the insights, data and detail we have gained from this cutting-edge technology. Furthermore, the responsiveness of all the RoboK team – from their CEO to engineers – to find rapid, practical, and innovative solutions has been superb. There are clearly huge opportunities for all UK ports to collaborate and benefit from what we have learned; without question we now run a safer operation thanks to RoboK’s technology and expertise”.
The use of funding will enable RoboK to connect to more sites, including ports and other industrial infrastructure, and provide even more valuable insights as the solution becomes more embedded within the day-to-day operations of customers, helping operators of very large sites better monitor the potential safety issues as well as improve productivity and throughput. Additionally, RoboK plans to hire additional commercial and product roles to support its growth plans. This infusion of new talent will enable the company to continue to innovate and improve its solution to meet customers’ evolving needs.
“Our technology has the potential to revolutionise the entire infrastructure industry and we are starting with ports. This is especially significant for the UK, as 95% of all UK imports and exports are transported by sea. We are committed to making it accessible to as many workplaces with existing industrial CCTV cameras as possible,” said Hao Zheng, co-founder & CEO at RoboK. “Supported by strong research expertise, our solution stands out in our ability to provide accurate and robust AI insights at scale and cost-effectively. Our team has built an easily configurable solution that can address the many key challenges of our customers and we are excited to use this funding to continue our journey of making industrial workplaces safer and more efficient.”
Desmond Cheung, Senior Investment Analyst at Cambridge Enterprise, shared: “Cambridge Enterprise has been a staunch supporter of RoboK since it spun-out of the University’s Department of Computer Science and Technology in 2017 and is delighted to have led RoboK’s latest funding round alongside existing investors, the Port of Bristol and the port’s major shareholder. The encouraging outcomes at Bristol just 3 months after deploying RoboK’s solution is not only a testament to the performance of RoboK’s AI, but also to Hao and her team’s dedication to delivering a class-leading product. We look forward to seeing RoboK’s platform scale across the logistics and supply-chain sector, and potentially save many more lives to come.”
Amelia Armour, Partner at Amadeus Capital Partners, commented: “Amadeus is very proud to have been a backer of RoboK from very early on and our team strongly believes in the AI technology that Hao and her team has developed. At this stage in its development, it is especially exciting to see the commercial traction the company is having with ports. It is a clear sign of the team successfully productising its technology, and having the ports come on board as new investors will also be seen as strong validation that should help attract further customers.”
Miles Kirby, CEO of Deeptech Labs, said: “Since participating in Deeptech Labs’ Autumn ‘21 cohort, RoboK has gone from strength to strength, and this marks another key milestone in its journey. We are excited to have this latest funding round validate the RoboK model. We look forward to working with the RoboK team as they continue to scale their operations and further enhance the safety and efficiency of large-scale infrastructure sites.”
Notes for editors
About RoboK:
RoboK is a computer vision startup with a mission to make all industrial workplaces safe and high-performing with AI. The company develops innovative, privacy-preserving, and cost-effective technology to maximise the value of industrial CCTV cameras. RoboK is already working with some of the largest critical infrastructure operators, turning their on-site visual data into high-value actionable insights.
Find out more at www.robok.ai
About Cambridge Enterprise:
Cambridge Enterprise is the commercialization arm of the University of Cambridge, dedicated to transforming ground-breaking research and ideas into successful commercial ventures. With a deep commitment to innovation, Cambridge Enterprise bridges the gap between academia and industry, fostering collaborations and supporting the development of intellectual property. Through strategic partnerships and a wealth of expertise, they empower entrepreneurs and startups to bring cutting-edge technologies and solutions to the market, driving economic growth and societal impact.
Find out more at www.enterprise.cam.ac.uk
About Amadeus Capital Partners:
Amadeus Capital Partners is a global venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage technology investments. With a proven track record spanning over two decades, they have supported and nurtured numerous innovative companies in sectors such as artificial intelligence, deep tech, cybersecurity, and digital health. Beyond providing capital, Amadeus Capital Partners offers valuable strategic guidance and operational support, leveraging their extensive network and industry knowledge to accelerate the growth and success of their portfolio companies. Their collaborative approach and deep understanding of emerging markets make them a trusted partner for ambitious entrepreneurs aiming to disrupt industries and create lasting value.
Find out more at www.amadeuscapital.com
About Deeptech Labs:
Deeptech Labs is an accelerator, VC fund, and the catalyst for Deeptech success. Twice a year, its cohort of start-ups are embedded in a powerful network of successful entrepreneurs, expert practitioners, leading researchers, and Deeptech organisations worldwide. Deeptech Labs is founded by ARM, Cambridge Innovation Capital, Martlet Capital, Ewan Kirk, and the University of Cambridge – forefront institutions and individuals at the heart of the Cambridge and global technology ecosystems.
For more information visit www.dtl.vc
