Ally Robotics, a Miso Robotics-backed startup making smart and affordable robotic arms, has launched a seed capital campaign to raise as much as $8.5 million. The funds will be used to progress its pipeline of robotic arms intended for those in lower-income industries who may typically not be able to afford these automated solutions. 

Ally Robotics’ tech features no-code software and the team is in the process of developing its sensor control, designed to give the bot a better understanding and awareness of its surroundings. 

According to the group, use cases for its robotic arms include the restaurant and hospitality industries, with the scope to expand into agriculture, construction and manufacturing, all to “democratize robotics” throughout industries. 

“Ally isn’t content with simply developing and testing our technology in a lab,” said Mitch Tolson, CEO and founder of Ally Robotics. “We want to get our robotic arms in the hands of real companies that are creating change for their customers … We see a future where Ally supplies retail-level robotic solutions that are affordable to all and empower every person and robot to do more, together.”

The group has already attracted significant industry attention, with Miso Robotics signing a statement of intent to become Ally’s first partner and harness its robotic arms for its Flippy 2 product line – representing a potential revenue of $30 million. These kitchen assistant bots take over the back-of-house frying stations and were deployed in restaurant chain Jack in the Box earlier this year. 

With the U.S. seeing record labor shortages in the wake of the pandemic, integrating robotic solutions into operations has become a crucial means of easing workload on remaining staff, and cutting costs for employers. With the cost of these tools coming down through initiatives such as Ally Robotics, it is a solution that is only set to continue growing.