The drone industry has undergone a metamorphosis, evolving from a niche of high-priced gadgets to an indispensable component of industrial and military operations. Innovators in this space are breaking barriers with pioneering technologies, and at the forefront is Percepto, a visionary company that has recently made significant strides in the drone ecosystem. With a monumental $45 million funding round and a groundbreaking partnership with Boston Dynamics, Percepto is not just raising the bar; it’s setting a new standard for aerial monitoring and analysis.

Funding Success: A Strategic Leap Forward

Percepto, an Israeli startup specializing in autonomous drone solutions, successfully secured $45 million in a Series B funding round. Led by Koch Disruptive Technologies, part of the industrial powerhouse Koch Industries, this investment underscores the belief in the potential for drones in industrial monitoring. The backing doesn’t stop there; new investors such as State of Mind Ventures and Atento Capital joined the fray, illustrating a robust investor interest in Percepto’s business model.

Having raised a total of $72.5 million since its inception in 2014, Percepto is gearing up to revolutionize the inspection and monitoring landscape. CEO Dor Abuhasira has emphasized their ambition to position Percepto as a category leader. With existing clients spanning ten countries, including ENEL and Verizon, it is evident that Percepto’s offerings resonate within the industry.

Integrating Robotics for Enhanced Inspections

The collaboration with Boston Dynamics marks an exciting chapter in Percepto’s journey. By integrating their Sparrow drones with Boston Dynamics’ agile Spot robots, Percepto is paving the way for sophisticated infrastructure assessments that prioritize efficiency and safety.

• Enhanced Data Collection: With Spot equipped to carry Percepto’s high-resolution imaging and thermal vision payloads, the duo is set to bring forth invaluable insights. This partnership aims to address prevalent issues such as machine hot spots, leaks, and performance degradation—deploying drones where humans might otherwise be exposed to risk.
• A Forward-Thinking Approach: Abuhasira projects that this partnership is just the beginning. The aim is to capture data using combined capabilities, with a vision for future developments that could include autonomous repair tasks.

The Apple Approach to Drone Development

What sets Percepto apart is its “Apple approach.” While many companies focus either on hardware or software, Percepto integrates both functionalities to streamline drone operations. By employing specialists in AI, computer vision, and industrial hardware, Percepto optimally creates a comprehensive product suite.

The company’s offering, branded as “AIM” (Autonomous Inspection and Monitoring), simplifies UAV deployment. Customers receive a “drone-in-a-box” solution, eliminating the complex setup traditionally associated with drone technology. This setup not only facilitates regular monitoring but also allows for on-demand data collection based on specific engineering requests.

Embracing the Future of Automation

The need for automation is understood across industries, with digital transformation at the forefront. Percepto’s AIM solution is a crucial player in changing the paradigm of manufacturing site management. As industries increasingly focus on efficiency and cost savings, companies like Percepto emerge as lynchpins for innovation in the IoT and Industry 4.0 landscapes.

Chase Koch, president of Koch Disruptive Technologies, summarized it succinctly by noting that Percepto addresses a multi-billion-dollar issue across various sectors. Their long-standing expertise in autonomous technology and data analytics positions them uniquely to become the powerhouse behind remote operations in the future.

Conclusion: A Synergy for Safety and Efficiency

The collaboration between Percepto and Boston Dynamics encapsulates the future of industrial drone use. By combining data acquisition strengths through aerial surveillance and ground assessments, industries can benefit from enhanced safety protocols and improved operational insights. With drones becoming integral to remote work in hazardous environments, the Percepto-Boston Dynamics partnership illustrates a proactive approach to modern challenges.

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations. For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.