FORT Robotics Company Profile

Background

Overview

FORT Robotics, established in 2018 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, specializes in providing safety and security solutions for autonomous machines and robots. The company focuses on enhancing human-machine collaboration by offering robust control systems that ensure operational safety across various industries.

Mission and Vision

FORT Robotics aims to create a world where automation leads to the betterment of humankind, enabling humans and robots to work side by side productively. The company's mission is to empower machine builders and users with safe, secure, and dynamic control over autonomous systems, thereby reducing risks and enhancing productivity.

Primary Area of Focus

The company specializes in developing a Robotics Control Platform (RCP) that integrates functional safety and cybersecurity principles. This platform facilitates reliable communication between machines, ensuring timely, accurate, and secure data transmission. FORT Robotics' solutions are designed to prevent system failures, security breaches, and potential harm caused by autonomous systems.

Industry Significance

As autonomous systems become increasingly prevalent across industries such as warehousing, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, the need for reliable safety and security solutions has intensified. FORT Robotics plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing technologies that ensure safe human-machine collaboration, thereby contributing to the broader adoption and integration of autonomous systems in various sectors.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Enhancing Safety and Security: Developing solutions that ensure autonomous machines operate safely alongside humans, minimizing risks and preventing accidents.

Expanding Market Reach: Broadening the adoption of FORT Robotics' control systems across diverse industries to support the widespread deployment of autonomous technologies.

Innovating Control Platforms: Continuously improving the Robotics Control Platform to address emerging challenges in machine communication and control.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Wireless Emergency Stops: Providing reliable wireless control systems that allow operators to halt machine operations remotely, enhancing safety in hazardous environments.

Remote Control Systems: Offering flexible and secure remote control solutions for autonomous machines, facilitating efficient operation and monitoring.

Endpoint Controllers: Developing SIL 3-certified controllers that enable trusted safety commands to be sent to multiple machines simultaneously, ensuring coordinated and secure operations.

Key Technologies Utilized

Robotics Control Platform (RCP): A proprietary platform that integrates functional safety and cybersecurity principles to ensure secure communication between machines.

Long Range Bluetooth Connectivity: Implementing advanced Bluetooth technology to enable long-range, interference-free communication in dense industrial environments.

Data Analytics: Utilizing data analytics to monitor machine performance, predict potential issues, and enhance safety measures.

Primary Markets Targeted

Warehousing: Enhancing the safety and efficiency of autonomous mobile robots and automated storage and retrieval systems.

Construction: Ensuring the safe operation of heavy equipment and off-highway vehicles on construction sites.

Agriculture: Providing control solutions for autonomous agricultural machinery to improve productivity and safety.

Manufacturing: Facilitating safe human-machine collaboration in manufacturing environments through reliable control systems.

Financials and Funding

Total Funds Raised

FORT Robotics has secured a total of $60.5 million in funding over multiple rounds.

Recent Funding Rounds

Series B - II (August 2025): An additional $18.9 million was raised, led by Tiger Global, with participation from new and existing investors.

Series B (July 2022): $25 million was raised, led by Tiger Global, to accelerate the rollout of FORT's machine communications platform.

Notable Investors

Tiger Global: A prominent New York-based investment firm that has been a significant investor in FORT Robotics.

Prologis Ventures: The venture capital arm of Prologis, a global leader in logistics real estate.

Prime Movers Lab: An investor focusing on breakthrough scientific startups.

Mark Cuban: Entrepreneur and investor who has supported FORT Robotics in previous funding rounds.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are intended to:

Enhance Existing Products: Incorporate new communication protocols, API integrations, and expand international compliance.

Develop Next-Generation Safety Solutions: Build out critical data analytics and comprehensive safety solutions designed to address the unique challenges of physical AI.

Accelerate Growth: Expand the development and implementation of FORT's protective technology to meet the growing demand for autonomous systems.

Pipeline Development

FORT Robotics focuses on the continuous development of its Robotics Control Platform and associated safety solutions. The company has deployed over 12,000 units across more than 500 customers, indicating a strong market presence and ongoing product development.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Robotics Control Platform (RCP): A proprietary platform that integrates functional safety and cybersecurity principles to ensure secure communication between machines.

Wireless Emergency Stops: Providing reliable wireless control systems that allow operators to halt machine operations remotely, enhancing safety in hazardous environments.

Remote Control Systems: Offering flexible and secure remote control solutions for autonomous machines, facilitating efficient operation and monitoring.

Significant Scientific Methods

Data Analytics: Utilizing data analytics to monitor machine performance, predict potential issues, and enhance safety measures.

Long Range Bluetooth Connectivity: Implementing advanced Bluetooth technology to enable long-range, interference-free communication in dense industrial environments.

Leadership Team

Samuel Reeves

Position: Founder and CEO

Background: Prior to founding FORT Robotics, Samuel Reeves led Humanistic Robotics, focusing on autonomous solutions for landmine clearance.

Contributions: Established FORT Robotics in 2018, leading the company to develop a comprehensive Robotics Control Platform and secure significant funding to support its growth.

Nathan Bivans

Position: Chief Technology Officer

Background: Nathan Bivans has extensive experience in technology development and has been instrumental in advancing FORT Robotics' product offerings.

Sarah Keim

Position: Vice President, Operations

Background: Sarah Keim oversees the operational aspects of FORT Robotics, ensuring efficient execution of the company's strategic initiatives.

Austin Blais

Position: Director of Sales

Background: Austin Blais leads the sales team, driving the adoption of FORT Robotics' solutions across various industries.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The autonomous systems market is experiencing rapid growth, with applications expanding across sectors such as warehousing, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. This growth necessitates robust safety and security solutions to ensure the safe integration of autonomous machines into human environments.

Competitor Analysis

Promatic Automation: Provides custom automation design, consulting, and services, operating in a similar market segment with overlapping features.

Ingersoll Rand: Offers mission-critical flow creation and industrial solutions, including compressed air systems and industrial automation products.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

FORT Robotics has established partnerships with industry leaders such as Agility Robotics, Hexagon, and Moog, integrating its safety and control solutions into their autonomous systems.

Operational Insights

FORT Robotics differentiates itself through its comprehensive Robotics Control Platform, which combines functional safety and cybersecurity principles to ensure secure communication between machines. This integrated approach addresses the unique challenges of autonomous systems, providing a competitive edge in the market.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The company plans to enhance existing products by incorporating new communication protocols and API integrations, develop next-generation safety solutions with advanced data analytics, and accelerate growth through the development and implementation of its protective technology.