At the end of December 2021, Ukrainian startup Deus Robots signed a contract for $5 million in investment from BGV Trident Capital, according to forbes.ua. The startup was founded by Pavlo Pikulin, who assures that people shouldn’t be afraid of robots, as they do not replace, but only improve human work. The startup already collaborates with “Nova Poshta”, having launched its sorting robots in their warehouse.
What do Deus Robots develop?
Programmer Pikulin founded Deus Robots in 2018, investing $1.5 million – $1 million from his own pocket and $500,000 in angel investments.
Deus Robots has three types of robots in its portfolio:
for sorting goods up to 30 kg
for transporting racks up to 300 kg
a cargo robot for pallet transportation.
The cargo robot is the most expensive, as it can lift 1 ton of cargo.
“It needs a more powerful battery and stronger wheels,” says Pikulin.
Next year, the startup is launching three new models that will solve other tasks, such as being able to pick up packages from shelves. Businesses are not used to working with robots, so the startup sells not just a machine, but a “solution” – they help connect the robot to the Internet and set it up to work in the warehouse.
In 2021, Deus Robots released 40 robots. The plan for next year is to produce 1000 machines and achieve profitability. Pіkulіn wants to invest the profits in further development.
“We don’t expect to make a net profit soon,” he says.
Currently, the startup assembles robots in Ukraine and sources parts from China, Europe, and the US. They do not plan to start manufacturing in China – they want to rent a plant in Kiev, where Deus Robots already has its R&D center.
Moreover, next year they will launch Diya.City – a tax regime for IT companies and startups. At the request of Pikulin, startup developers of robotics were added to the category of residents.
Where will the $5 million investment go?
In the new round of investment, the American company BGV Trident Capital invested money in Deus Robots.
The investment will go towards:
expanding the team from 25 to 80 people;
expanding to international markets: Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and the United States;
launching serial production – up to 400 robots per month.
To launch serial production, the startup needs a factory. A year ago, Pіkulіn dreamed of building his own $20 million factory, but decided to start by renting a cheaper space in Kyiv and buying equipment there. Deus Robots wants to work with businesses that have warehouses abroad, including retail, postal operators, pharmaceutical, and automotive companies. In Ukraine, the startup currently only works with Nova Poshta, but Pіkulіn says he is negotiating with 13 local companies.
Deus Robots’ robots look like mobile platforms that orient themselves in space using QR codes on the floor. They are capable of sorting goods up to 30 kg, transporting racks up to 300 kg, and carrying pallets weighing up to 1 ton. Robots are more cost-effective than humans, as they can work around the clock without needing breaks or time off. Investment in such technology can be profitable from day one if the robots are leased, or within 1-3 years if they are purchased.
One of the downsides is the dependence on stable internet and even flooring. Additionally, Deus Robots technology is not adapted to work in sub-zero temperatures – new equipment is required for cold warehouses.
