SoftBank Vision Fund, the $93bn investment vehicle formed by telecom and internet group SoftBank, led a $114m series C round today for autonomous robotics technology developer Brain Corp.
Qualcomm Ventures, the corporate venturing subsidiary of mobile semiconductor maker Qualcomm, also took part in the round. The unit was Brain’s first institutional investor, the company said, though it has not disclosed details of past funding.
Brain is developing artificial intelligence technology that will allow robots to learn from their physical environments and move in a path that avoids people and obstacles. Corporate customers will need to pay the company a subscription fee to use its platform.
The technology’s first commercial application is as part of a commercial floor-cleaning robot, but Brain intends to port its operating system, BrainOS, into Qualcomm’s Snapdragon mobile platform for use in other robots.
Paul Jacobs, executive chairman of Qualcomm, said: “Brain applies its world class AI to transform ordinary machines into smart robots.
“The first application of their technology is already improving performance and reducing costs, generating real benefits for their customers and real revenues for Brain.”
Masayoshi Son, SoftBank’s chairman and CEO, added: “Brain’s team is at the forefront of creating the future and a more convenient way of life through technology. We are confident in their success and look forward to seeing them realise their vision.”