US-based Robot Delivery Firm Kiwi Acquires Taiwan-based Chipmaker

The delivery robotics firm Kiwibot has acquired Auto Mobility Solutions, a Taipei Taiwan-based chipmaker that specializes in robotics and autonomous driving technologies, reported Techcrunch.com
This strategic move is partly in response to the increasing tensions between the U.S. and China.

The acquisition aims to enhance Kiwibot's cybersecurity measures for AI-powered robotics and establish a stronger presence in Asia. The details of the transaction have not been disclosed, but the merger is seen as a significant step in innovation and privacy protection within the robotics industry.

The development comes within few days after Taiwan got struck by an earthquake, which was the most powerful earthquake to hit the region in last 25 years. The earthquake halted some chipmaking operations including the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world's largest maker of advanced chips, that had to evacuate staff and stop machinery as a precaution.

Kiwibot calls this acquisition deal a “significant milestone in both companies" journeys toward innovation and safeguarding privacy in the robotics industry, particularly for intelligent robots sourced from China and deployed in the Western markets.

This move also signifies Kiwibot's expansion and increased presence in the Asian market.

Founded in 2017, Kiwibot is a company that uses autonomous robots to deliver food and packages at over 35 universities and locations worldwide. The company's robots are designed to navigate and drive on sidewalks without human intervention in certain environments. Kiwibot's robots are powered by AI and a team of humans.

US-based Robot Delivery Firm Kiwibot Acquires Taiwan-based Chipmaker
Kiwibot delivery robots

Kiwibot launched its first pilot at the University of California-Berkeley campus. With a presence at 27 US college campuses and 41 cities worldwide, the company aims to revolutionize food delivery with high-driving autonomous robots. They’ve delivered fresh food for restaurants like Dunkin Donuts, Subway, Pizza Hut, and Mr. Beast Burgers, and the service lets customers launch last-mile deliveries at a fraction of the time and cost without the hassle of hiring a courier. Having served 6,942 students and connected 133 restaurants with customers in 2022, Kiwibot is committed to a zero-carbon future eliminating the gas emissions of common delivery vehicles.

Auto Mobility Solutions is a Taipei-based company that specializes in robotics and autonomous driving technologies. The Taiwanese company focus on creating chips for robotics and autonomous conditions, with a strong emphasis on robot cybersecurity. The company was incorporated on April 10, 2018, and operates as a private limited company. Their services include the maintenance and repair of motor vehicles, as indicated by their SIC code 45200.

Back to Kiwibot, the robots delivery firm has raised a total of $45.6 million over various funding rounds. The last known funding round was a Series A for $10 million on February 22, 2023. The company has received investments from a diverse group of investors. Some of the notable investors include Kineo Finance, Bay Wharf Capital Cibersons, Socialatom Ventures, and Sodexo. These investors have contributed to Kiwibot's funding rounds, supporting their development of on-demand delivery robots designed for various services like food delivery.
 
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