Locus Robotics, makers of autonomous mobile robots for carriers and 3PLs like UPS, DHL, Ceva Logistics, Taylored Services and ShipMonk, has raised more than $40 million in a Series D funding led by Zebra Ventures, along with existing investors like Scale Venture Partners.
Robotics in general has been getting a lot more attention and a second look recently as COVID-19 has caused a double impact: Fewer fulfillment center workers to comply with safety restrictions, coupled with increased ecommerce demand.
This brings Locus’s total funding to more than $105 million. Most recently, Locus closed a $26 million Series C round in April 2019, also with Scale Venture Partners and Zebra Ventures, the investment unit of data capture solution firm Zebra Technologies.
“Automation has proven to be a critical solution for retail and third-party logistics businesses during this challenging time,” said Tony Palcheck, Senior Director of Zebra Ventures, in a release. “As the retail industry continues to shift to ecommerce, Locus Robotics’ warehouse automation will help businesses meet the demands of this ‘new normal,’ ensuring that customers can increase operational efficiency to meet requirements for fast, accurate delivery.”
The new round will be used to support ongoing R&D and expansion into new global markets, including the launch of a European headquarters and creating new global reseller partnerships.
“Locus Robotics is thrilled to announce this new round of funding amid our most transformative year yet,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics in a release. “The new funding allows Locus to accelerate expansion into global markets, enabling us to strengthen our support of retail, industrial, healthcare and 3PL businesses around the world as they navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that they come out stronger on the other side.”
A year ago, Locus partnered with RightHand Robotics, creators of a stationary robotic picking arm, to work on joint solutions that combine batch picking and conveyance with automated sortation. Locus was spun out of 3PL Quiet Logistics in 2014, after it developed the robotic solution for use in its own facilities.