GITAI, a space robotics company headquartered in Japan, has successfully raised 4 billion yen (approximately $28.5 million) in a Series B extension round of funding. The company intends to utilize the funding to expand its business operations and further develop its technology in the United States.
The objective of this funding round is to enhance the technology readiness level of GITAI's Robotic Rover and Lunar Inchworm Type Robotic Arm, establish advanced engineering model and flight model manufacturing facilities in the US, and increase employment opportunities in the country.
GITAI's Lunar Inchworm Type robot features a robotic arm equipped with grapple end-effectors on both ends. These end-effectors, developed by GITAI, enable the interchangeability of tools at the arm's extremities. This versatility allows users to attach different tools to the robot, enabling it to perform various tasks autonomously if it has an end effector at each end of the arm.
The Lunar Rover developed by GITAI combines high-performance capabilities with cost-effectiveness. It can assist in the construction of vital lunar infrastructure, such as solar panels, communication antennas, and habitat modules.
In August 2022, GITAI successfully conducted a range of tests with its robotic inchworm arm and lunar rovers, achieving a level 3 rating on NASA's Technology Readiness Levels (TRL). These tests took place in a simulated lunar environment at the JAXA Sagamihara Campus. During the demonstration, GITAI's robots performed tasks that could be crucial for lunar exploration and the construction of lunar bases. The robots underwent verification tests to assess their mobility and capability performance.
The funding round attracted both new and returning investors, including KDDI Open Innovation Fund III L.P. (KDDI CORPORATION / Global Brain Corporation), DCI Venture Growth Fund (Daiwa Corporate Investment Co., Ltd.), and The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company.
Sho Nakanose, the Founder & CEO of GITAI, expressed excitement about expanding their operations in the US, stating,
"While SpaceX and BlueOrigin are reducing the cost of transportation to space by 100 times, we at GITAI are taking on the challenge of reducing labor costs by 100 times. We will provide the most labor for the Moon and Mars and build infrastructure such as solar panels, communication antennas, fuel generators, and habitation modules."
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