Vilota Company Profile

Background

Overview

Vilota is a Singapore-based technology company specializing in Visual Positioning Systems (VPS) that provide precise location data without relying on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals. Founded in 2021, Vilota addresses localization challenges in complex environments such as mining, construction, robotics, drones, and mobility sectors. By offering modular, accessible, and reliable standalone perception systems, Vilota empowers businesses to develop advanced robotic applications.

Mission and Vision

Vilota's mission is to democratize visual perception and localization, enabling Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and integrators to enhance their robotic applications through advanced visual sensing, localization, and mapping solutions. The company's vision is to revolutionize the perception capabilities of robotic systems, making them more autonomous and efficient in challenging environments.

Industry Significance

In an era where autonomous systems are becoming increasingly prevalent, Vilota's VPS technology plays a crucial role in enabling precise indoor and underground navigation. By overcoming the limitations of GNSS in obstructed environments, Vilota contributes significantly to the advancement of robotics and automation across various industries.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Vilota aims to provide high-performance VPS solutions that facilitate the development of autonomous systems capable of operating in GPS-denied environments. The company's focus is on delivering reliable and scalable perception systems that can be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of robotic applications.

Areas of Specialization

Vilota specializes in the design and manufacturing of VPS that combine visual and inertial sensors to estimate motion and position. This specialization addresses the need for accurate localization in environments where traditional GNSS signals are unavailable or unreliable.

Key Technologies Utilized

Visual-Inertial Odometry (VIO): Vilota employs VIO algorithms to estimate the position and orientation of robots and drones by fusing visual data from cameras with inertial measurements from sensors.

Depth Sensing: The company integrates depth sensing technologies to create detailed 3D maps of the environment, enhancing the spatial awareness of autonomous systems.

Sensor Fusion: Vilota utilizes sensor fusion techniques to combine data from multiple sensors, improving the accuracy and robustness of its VPS solutions.

Primary Markets Targeted

Vilota's VPS solutions are designed for industries where precise localization is critical, including:

Mining: Enhancing the safety and efficiency of autonomous mining equipment operating in complex underground environments.

Construction: Facilitating the operation of autonomous machinery and drones in construction sites with limited GPS availability.

Robotics: Providing perception systems for robots requiring accurate indoor navigation capabilities.

Drones: Enabling drones to perform tasks in GPS-denied areas, such as indoor inspections and deliveries.

Mobility: Supporting autonomous vehicles in urban environments where GNSS signals may be obstructed.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Vilota has secured funding through grants, including support from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and PIER71. Specific details regarding the total funds raised and recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.

Utilization of Capital

The capital raised is intended to support the development and commercialization of Vilota's VPS solutions, expand research and development efforts, and enhance market penetration across targeted industries.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Vilota's primary product is its Visual Positioning System, which is in the advanced stages of development and deployment. The company is focused on refining its VPS technology to meet the specific needs of various industries, including mining, construction, robotics, drones, and mobility.

Anticipated Milestones

Vilota plans to showcase its VPS solutions at industry events, such as the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) 2025, to demonstrate the capabilities of its technology and attract potential partners and customers.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Visual Positioning System (VPS): Vilota's proprietary VPS integrates visual and inertial sensors to provide accurate localization without GNSS, enabling autonomous systems to operate in complex environments.

Significant Scientific Methods

Visual-Inertial Odometry (VIO): Vilota employs VIO algorithms to estimate the position and orientation of autonomous systems by combining visual data from cameras with inertial measurements from sensors.

Depth Sensing: The company utilizes depth sensing technologies to create detailed 3D maps of the environment, enhancing the spatial awareness of autonomous systems.

Sensor Fusion: Vilota applies sensor fusion techniques to combine data from multiple sensors, improving the accuracy and robustness of its VPS solutions.

Leadership Team

Brenton Welford – Co-founder

Brenton Welford co-founded Vilota in 2023. Prior to this, he served as Vice President of Business Development at SafeAI, Inc., where he contributed to the transformation of autonomous operations in the mining and construction sectors. He also held various roles at Airobotics, including Vice President of Sales for North America.

Huimin Cheng – Co-founder

Huimin Cheng co-founded Vilota in 2023. Specific details regarding his professional background and contributions to the company are not publicly disclosed.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for Visual Positioning Systems is growing, driven by the increasing demand for autonomous systems capable of operating in GPS-denied environments. Industries such as mining, construction, robotics, drones, and mobility are seeking reliable and scalable VPS solutions to enhance the autonomy and efficiency of their operations.

Competitor Analysis

Vilota operates in a competitive landscape with several companies offering VPS and related technologies. Key competitors include:

Luxonis: Provides hardware solutions that power vision acceleration compute needed for VPS, collaborating with Vilota to integrate their technologies.

T-LABS: Offers customized visual-inertial navigation solutions, serving as a competitor in the VPS market.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Vilota has established strategic partnerships to enhance its market position and innovation capacity:

PLiBOT Co., Ltd.: Partnered to support the growing demand for advanced perception and autonomy solutions in Japan and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Qualcomm: Collaborated to showcase Vilota's AI-powered VIO on Qualcomm Dragonwing™ hardware for robust indoor positioning at industry events.

Operational Insights

Vilota's strategic considerations include differentiating its VPS solutions through advanced sensor fusion and depth sensing technologies, targeting industries with complex localization needs. The company's modular and accessible perception systems provide a competitive advantage in the robotics and automation sectors.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Vilota's strategic roadmap involves expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, leveraging partnerships to enhance market penetration. The company aims to continue developing innovative VPS solutions that address the evolving needs of autonomous systems in various industries.