GITAI USA Inc. and GITAI Japan Inc. (GITAI), a prominent space robotics company, have successfully concluded a Series B Extension funding round, amassing 4 billion yen (approximately US$30 million). This substantial investment is earmarked to accelerate and broaden their business and technological advancements within the United States.
Expanding Horizons: Growing Presence in the US
The injection of fresh funds will empower GITAI to amplify its workforce based in California and fortify its collaborations with key players like NASA, American commercial space enterprises, and the Department of Defense, according to GITAI’s CEO, Sho Nakanose.
Revolutionizing Space Labor with Innovative Robotics
GITAI, boasting offices in Japan as well, harbors a mission to revolutionize space labor through the provision of cost-effective robots adept at constructing and maintaining space colonies and infrastructure. The company’s initial offerings encompass a two-meter-long “inchworm” robotic arm tailored for space station use, as well as a lunar rover designed to facilitate infrastructure development.
When integrated, GITAI asserts that this combined arm-and-robot system will adeptly undertake a spectrum of essential tasks, including excavation, examination, assembly, and welding, vital for lunar exploration and the establishment of a lunar base.
Meticulous Testing and Advancements
The company, founded seven years ago, diligently tests its technologies within simulated environments. Notable among these are a simulated lunar surface in California’s Mojave Desert and a mock moon regolith chamber at the California office. GITAI’s prowess was further validated through technology demonstrations conducted aboard the International Space Station’s Nanoracks Bishop Airlock. Here, their autonomous robots adeptly undertook fundamental tasks such as structure assembly and the operation of switches and cables.
Paving the Path Ahead
The expansion of GITAI’s presence in the US is poised to accelerate. Sho Nakanose, GITAI’s Founder & CEO, expresses his excitement, elucidating the company’s commitment to significantly slashing labor costs, akin to how SpaceX and BlueOrigin have drastically reduced transportation costs. GITAI’s ambitions revolve around becoming the preeminent source of labor for space missions, encompassing the Moon and Mars, while simultaneously spearheading the creation of vital infrastructure such as solar panels, communication antennas, fuel generators, and habitation modules.
Upcoming Milestones and Ambitious Endeavors
The company’s next strides involve deploying an autonomous robotic arm system named “S2,” measuring 1.5 meters in length, beyond the Airlock. Pending NASA’s final safety review, GITAI intends to launch this robot aboard a cargo resupply mission in December. Additionally, discussions are underway to dispatch GITAI’s rover and inchworm to the Moon as early as 2026. The objective is to showcase the construction of communication antennas and solar panels.
Influential Backers
This recent funding round showcases the involvement of several Japanese firms, including Green Co-Invest Investment Limited Partnership, Pacific Bays Capital’s Pacific Bays Fund 1 & 1A Investment Limited Partnerships, and MSIVC 2021V Venture Capital Investment Limited Partnership. Furthermore, GITAI secured funding via a loan facilitated by MUFG Bank, a prominent Japanese financial institution.
GITAI’s Distinct Funding Approach
In this funding endeavor, GITAI has successfully attracted resources through a third-party allotment from various entities, predominantly from existing investors.
About GITAI: Pioneering Space Robotics
GITAI stands at the forefront of space robotics innovation, striving to render safe and cost-efficient labor solutions in space while significantly reducing operational expenses. The company’s focus lies in crafting capable, secure, and dependable robots tailored to aid in the construction and maintenance of satellites, space stations, lunar bases, and potential Martian habitats.
TL;DR:
GITAI, a leading space robotics firm, secures $30 million in a Series B Extension funding round to accelerate US expansion and develop innovative space labor solutions. The funding will facilitate collaborations with NASA, commercial space entities, and the Department of Defense. GITAI’s pioneering robotic technologies include a lunar rover and a specialized “inchworm” robotic arm for construction tasks.
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