Anki Robotics is shutting down, the company had previously raised more than $200 million in funding and had around 200 employees.
The news was announced by the company’s CEO Boris Sofman who told his staff that they will be paid a week’s severance and the company will shut down this week.
The company had been trying to raise more financing and it had decent revenues of close to $100 million in 2017, and possibly more in 2018.
The Rise and Fall of Anki Robotics
Anki Robotics is well known for making a range of popular robots and also the Anki Drive cars, so it will come as a shock to many that they have shut down. The company was founded in 2010 by three Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute graduates: Boris Sofman, Mark Palatucci, and Hanns Tappeiner. Their vision was to bring artificial intelligence and robotics into everyday life, and they succeeded to a large extent with their innovative products.
One of their most popular products was the Anki Vector, a small AI-powered robot that could interact with its environment and users. Vector was equipped with a variety of sensors, a camera, and a microphone, allowing it to recognize faces, answer questions, and even play games. Another notable product was Cozmo, a playful robot with a personality that could be programmed using a simple coding interface, making it a hit among children and educators.
Despite their innovative products and initial success, Anki faced significant challenges. The robotics industry is highly competitive and capital-intensive, requiring continuous investment in research and development. Anki’s attempts to secure additional funding were unsuccessful, leading to their eventual shutdown.
Impact on the Robotics Industry
The closure of Anki Robotics is a significant event in the robotics industry, highlighting the challenges faced by companies in this field. While Anki’s products were well-received and had a loyal customer base, the company struggled to maintain financial stability. This raises questions about the sustainability of consumer robotics companies and the difficulties they face in scaling their operations.
Anki’s shutdown also leaves a gap in the market for consumer-friendly robots. Their products were unique in that they combined advanced AI with engaging and accessible designs, making robotics more approachable for the general public. It remains to be seen whether other companies will step in to fill this void or if Anki’s assets will be acquired by another entity.
The news of Anki’s closure has sparked discussions about the future of robotics and AI in consumer markets. While the technology holds great promise, the financial viability of such ventures remains uncertain. Companies in this space will need to find sustainable business models and secure long-term funding to succeed.
The shutdown of Anki Robotics is a reminder of the challenges faced by companies in the robotics industry. Despite their innovative products and initial success, Anki was unable to secure the necessary funding to continue operations. This event underscores the importance of financial stability and sustainable business models in the rapidly evolving field of robotics.
Source ReCode
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
