While humanoid robots are not yet ready to fully take over factory jobs, the manufacturing sector is increasingly looking towards automation solutions amid ongoing labor shortages. Startups that expedite automation efficiency are particularly appealing.
Theker, an AI robotics company, aims to expand the capabilities of robots beyond single-task functions. Co-founder Carla Gómez Cano explained that while specialized robots excel at repetitive tasks, real-world processes are more complex.
Theker addresses this complexity by designing adaptable robots. Unlike humanoid robots constrained by fixed designs, Theker’s machines are versatile and can be reconfigured for various tasks, such as sorting packages, packing clothes, or managing items like bottles in a warehouse.
Theker’s partnership with Inditex, the parent company of Zara, highlights the company’s initial goals while hinting at broader aspirations. The startup aims to extend its services beyond retail to tackle more intricate industrial challenges, particularly in manufacturing.
Theker’s versatile vision has positioned it as a notable player in Europe’s startup scene, attracting attention and investment. Recently, the Barcelona-based company secured $85 million in what it claims to be a record in robotics Series A funding in Europe.
Following an impressive seed funding round, this Series A was led by the U.S. venture capital firm CRV, with additional support from traditional and strategic investors like Samsung and Aglaé Ventures, associated with LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault.
Gómez Cano indicated that while Samsung is not yet a client, discussions are in progress. Having Samsung as a customer, supplier, and investor would significantly bolster Theker’s credibility and revenue potential in large-scale manufacturing.
She also mentioned that Theker was not just built for pilot projects; the founders prioritize engaging directly with logistics and operations rather than innovation departments, ensuring that their efforts result in tangible deals with shorter timelines.
To showcase their capabilities, Theker maintains a showroom in central Barcelona and plans to open additional locations as it grows across Europe, the United States, and Asia. They also intend to expand their team in technology, deployment, and sales.
According to Gómez Cano, the startup has received an overwhelming 15,000 job applications, necessitating stringent filtering. She projected potential growth from a small team to around 120 employees by the year’s end, though she humorously noted the unpredictability of such forecasts.
The successful funding has bolstered Theker’s commitment to remaining in Barcelona, a burgeoning hub for robotics, and to thrive within the broader European tech landscape. Gómez Cano remarked that their location has never hindered their growth, and they are intent on maximizing their opportunities there.
