In a move that promises to propel the robotics industry into a new era of intelligence and efficiency, RIOS Intelligent Machines Inc. has announced a successful $13 million Series B funding round. The investment was co-led by industry giants Yamaha Motor Corp. and IAG Capital Partners, underscoring the confidence in RIOS's vision-driven robotics solutions.

Based in Menlo Park, California, RIOS Intelligent Machines is at the forefront of developing artificial intelligence and vision-driven robotics systems designed to enhance production efficiency and control. The company's innovative approach targets three key industrial segments: wood products, beverage distribution, and packaged food products.

With the newly secured funding, RIOS plans to accelerate the development and deployment of its cutting-edge robotics offerings, commencing with a groundbreaking product tailored for the lumber and plywood-handling sector. This strategic move positions RIOS as a catalyst for transformation, empowering manufacturers to unlock unprecedented levels of productivity and precision.

"Customers in manufacturing want a better way to introspect their production — 'Why did this part of the line go down?'" said Clinton Smith, co-founder and CEO of RIOS. "But incumbent tools have not been getting glowing reviews. Our standoff vision system eliminates a lot of that because our vision and AI are more robust."

At the core of RIOS's innovative approach is its Mission Control Center, a powerful platform that harnesses machine vision and AI to help manufacturers improve quality and efficiency. Originally conceptualized as an internal tool, the Mission Control Center is now being rolled out to select customers, promising to revolutionize the way manufacturers monitor and optimize their production processes.

"We've observed that customers want fine-grained control of processes, but there are a lot of inefficiencies, even at larger factories in the U.S.," Smith explained. "Mission Control is a centralized platform that provides a visual way to visualize processes and to start to interact with our robotics."

RIOS's vision-driven solutions are poised to address the challenges faced by manufacturers grappling with high SKU turnover volumes and seasonal variations, where relying on third-party AI can be a daunting task. The company's innovative approach empowers operators to seamlessly identify and annotate features, streamlining the process of training models and optimizing performance.

"You place a system over the conveyor, pick an item, and you're done," said Smith. "It's not just counting objects. For example, our wood products customers want to know where there are knots in boards to cut around. It could also be used in kitting applications."

As RIOS continues to refine and integrate the Mission Control feature with its tooling, the company is actively collaborating with customers, leveraging both its own and existing cameras for seamless integration.

The investment from industry leaders Yamaha Motor Corp. and IAG Capital Partners underscores the confidence in RIOS's automation technologies and business strategy. Yamaha, an investor in RIOS since 2020, has more than doubled its investment, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the company's vision.

IAG Capital Partners, a private investment group based in Charleston, South Carolina, is equally bullish on RIOS's potential. Dennis Sacha, a partner at IAG who led jet engine and P-3 production during his career in the U.S. Navy, will be joining the RIOS board of directors.

"RIOS's full production vision — from automation to quality assurance to process improvement to digital twinning — and deep understanding of production needs positions them well in the world of manufacturing," said Sacha, highlighting the company's comprehensive approach and industry expertise.

In addition to the co-leads, RIOS's existing investors, including Series A lead investor Main Sequence, have demonstrated their continued confidence by participating in the funding round, with Main Sequence doubling its pro-rata investment.

As the robotics industry continues to evolve and reshape manufacturing landscapes, RIOS Intelligent Machines stands poised to lead the charge with its vision-powered solutions. With the backing of industry titans and a clear roadmap for innovation, the company is well-positioned to drive the adoption of cutting-edge robotics technologies, empowering manufacturers to achieve new heights of productivity, quality, and efficiency.

Looking ahead, RIOS plans to showcase its groundbreaking offerings at major industry events, including MODEX, GTC, and Automate, further cementing its position as a trailblazer in the rapidly evolving world of robotics and automation.