Tokyo-based space robotics startup GITAI has successfully raised approximately $30 million in a Series B Extension funding round. The company aims to replace human presence on the moon with autonomous robots, revolutionising lunar exploration and transforming it into a thriving center for scientific research and industrial activities. The recent funding injection will be used to accelerate and expand GITAI’s business and technology development in the United States.
Leading the funding round is Global Brain, an early-stage investor based in Tokyo. This investment is an extension of GITAI’s previous Series B round, which raised approximately $17 million in 2021. Several prominent participants joined the funding round, including DCI Venture Growth Fund, Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, ANRI III Investment Limited Partnership, ANRI I-II-III Annex Investment Limited Partnership, NVC No. 1 Limited Liability Partnership, JIC Venture Growth Fund 2 Investment Limited Partnership, Electric Power Development Company, and Mitsubishi UFJ Capital IX Limited Partnership.
The newly acquired funds will be utilised by GITAI to enhance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of their Lunar Robotic Rover and Lunar Inchworm Type Robotic Arm. Additionally, the company plans to expand its Engineering Model/Flight Model manufacturing facilities in the United States, further strengthening their capabilities. With a focus on expanding employment opportunities in the U.S., GITAI aims to assemble a skilled and dedicated team to drive their ambitious vision forward.
By advancing their technology and expanding their presence in the United States, GITAI seeks to push the boundaries of lunar exploration and pave the way for extensive scientific research and industrial development on the moon. With their autonomous robotic systems, GITAI aims to establish a sustainable and efficient presence on the lunar surface, unlocking new possibilities for humanity’s future in space exploration.
“We are thrilled to further expand our operations in the US,” said Sho Nakanose, GITAI’s Founder & CEO. “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.”
Robotics for space development
GITAI was founded by Sho Nakanose in 2016 with a focus on developing advanced robotics and AI technologies for space exploration and other industries. The company aims to create intelligent robotic systems that can perform complex tasks in space autonomously or under human supervision.
The Japanese space robotics startup’s robots are designed to assist astronauts, perform maintenance and repairs on spacecraft, and handle various operations in challenging environments. By leveraging robotics and AI, GITAI aims to enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity in space missions and other industries where automation can make a significant impact. It aims to provide safe and affordable labour in space and reduce operational costs by 100 times.
