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GrayMatter Raises $45M Series B to Accelerate its Unique AI-Powered Robotics Solutions for Manufacturing’s Hardest Problems and Unique Challenges

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In a $2.5+ trillion industry, GrayMatter continues to set new standards with a 2~4x improvement in production line productivity, 30% or more reduction in consumable waste, and a system availability of over 95%.GrayMatter has a growing customer base across industries including aerospace & defense, specialty vehicles, maritime, metal fabrication, and consumer products such as sports equipment. Led by Wellington Management, with participation from NGP Capital, Euclidean Capital, B Capital, and other existing investors, the new Series B funding brings the total amount raised to date to $70.4M.

LOS ANGELES, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — GrayMatter Robotics, an AI-powered robotics leader empowering humans with intelligent automation, today announced $45 million in Series B funding. Wellington Management led the round, which also included NGP Capital, Euclidean Capital, Advance Venture Partners, SQN Venture Partners, and other existing investors 3M Ventures, B Capital, Bow Capital, Calibrate Ventures, OCA Ventures, and Swift Ventures.

The $2.5 trillion U.S. manufacturing industry is grappling with a growing backlog of unfilled orders due to a severe labor shortage. Many of these roles are hazardous and demand extensive training, leading to a critical gap of 3.8 million unfilled jobs. With nearly half of these manufacturers’ orders on hold waiting to be fulfilled, GrayMatter’s solutions are crucial in addressing these challenges.

GrayMatter’s smart robotic cells are future-proofing high-mix, high-variability manufacturers’ businesses by increasing productivity, enhancing quality consistency, and reducing costs. They autonomously handle complex tasks such as sanding, polishing, grinding, coating, and finishing—traditionally labor-intensive and ergonomically challenging jobs—allowing businesses to meet global demand while significantly improving the quality of life for shop-floor workers.

“We founded GrayMatter to enhance productivity while prioritizing workforce well-being,” said Ariyan Kabir, co-founder and CEO. “With our physics-based AI-powered systems, we are fulfilling our mission while unlocking new levels of efficiency and productivity. With our investors’ support, we are making a real difference for shop workers and addressing the critical labor shortages in manufacturing today.”

With the new capital, GrayMatter, founded in 2020 by SK Gupta, Ariyan Kabir, and Brual Shah, is actively hiring for a wide range of roles to meet customer demands, expanding its Los Angeles headquarters, and accelerating the development and deployment of its next-generation AI-powered robotic solutions.

“GrayMatter is driving a pivotal transformation in manufacturing with their advanced AI solutions,” said Sean Petersen, sector lead for private climate investing, Wellington Management. “Their ability to enhance productivity, energy efficiency and safety while managing costs, positions them uniquely in the market. We are excited to support their journey towards scaling these innovative technologies across various industries.”

GrayMatter’s technological advancements continue to set new industry standards. Its proprietary GMR-AI™ technology enables robots to self-program and adapt to high-mix manufacturing environments, providing consistent quality and reducing cycle times. Over the past two years, GrayMatter Robotics has deployed robots across North America in aerospace, defense, specialty vehicles, marine, recreation, and general manufacturing industries, processed over 7.5 million square feet of product surface area, and holds ten patents.

“The combination of AI-driven technology and depth of domain expertise in the GrayMatter solution blew us away”, said Debjit Mukerji, Partner at NGP Capital. “It is incredibly challenging to develop high-performance and ultra-reliable robots for such difficult manufacturing conditions. We are thrilled to help the company execute on its impressive commercial trajectory.”

“We are excited to partner with GrayMatter Robotics, as their AI-driven robotic solutions have enabled us to more efficiently address major demand growth in our operations stemming from increased football participation and market share gains, ensuring consistent quality and throughput despite workforce staffing challenges,” said Drew Dixon, Director Of Distribution and Strategy at Riddell. “Collaborating with GrayMatter Robotics underscores Riddell’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in both its manufacturing operations as well as the protective equipment it delivers to the field.”

GrayMatter Robotics’ solutions work 2-4x faster than manual operation, and training that usually takes six months for humans now only takes less than a day. The robot helps businesses address sustainability goals, resulting in a 30% or more reduction in consumable waste and reduced energy consumption than traditional methods. Manufacturers have nearly uninterrupted operations with a system availability of 95~98%, and most of the contingencies can be resolved in under five minutes. Representative products includes Scan&Sand™, Scan&Polish™, Scan&Buff™, and Scan&Grind™.

“GrayMatter helps us replace some of our more taxing manual labor. We are proud to partner with GrayMatter in an effort to provide longevity in the workforce. We’re constantly working toward a healthier work-life balance, with a focus on working to live rather than living to work,” said Melanie Protti-Lawrence, President of Lawrence Brothers Inc. “Their robots are not just tools but enablers of growth. They allow our workers to engage in more meaningful and less physically taxing tasks, contributing to a healthier and more productive work environment.”

“Going to market with GrayMatter Robotics aligns with our mission to foster innovative solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability in manufacturing,” said Adi Leviatan, President, 3M Abrasives Division. “This technology addresses critical industry challenges and delivers significant value to our customers.”

GrayMatter Robotics’ solutions are used by a diverse range of industries, including aerospace & defense, specialty vehicles, maritime, metal fabrication, and consumer products. By providing turnkey solutions in a Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) format, GrayMatter Robotics helps manufacturers improve productivity, enhance production capacity, and reduce costs associated with scrap, repair, and rework.

About GrayMatter Robotics
GrayMatter Robotics is an AI and advanced robotics company delivering autonomous robotic solutions for tedious and ergonomically challenging tasks. It bundles its proprietary AI technologies with off-the-shelf robots, sensors, and tools and provides application-specific turnkey solutions to customers in a Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) format. GrayMatter Robotics is helping manufacturers improve the quality of life of shop floor workers, enhance production capacity, and reduce scrap, repair, and rework costs.

About Wellington Management
Wellington Management is one of the world’s largest independent investment management firms, serving as a trusted adviser to over 2,500 clients in more than 60 countries. The firm manages more than US$1.2 trillion for clients, including pensions, endowments and foundations, insurers, and global wealth managers. Wellington offers investment solutions that span global equity, fixed income, currency, commodity, alternatives, and private markets. Wellington’s Private Investing platform has raised more than US$8.5 billion in global assets and invests in venture capital and private credit across multiple sectors (consumer, technology, health care, financial services, biotechnology, energy, industrials, climate technology, and real estate) and geographies (Asia, Europe, and the Americas). The Private Investing Team leverages Wellington’s 1,000+ investment professionals around the world, combining deep private market experience with public market expertise, extensive networks, and robust research to benefit both investors and entrepreneurs. For more on Wellington’s Private Investing platform, please visit wellington.com/privateinvesting.

Media Contact: 
Natalie Bartels
VSC for GrayMatter Robotics
graymatter@vsc.co

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SOURCE GrayMatter Robotics Inc.

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Molex Unveils Versatile VaporConnect Optical Feedthrough Modules Enabling Thermal Management Innovations to Address AI-Driven Data Center Growth

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First-to-market, cassette-based solution for two-phase immersion cooling slashes time and cost associated with installing and upgrading hyperscale data centersPlug-and-play deployment easily connects immersion-tank optical transceivers to cabling infrastructure via fully upgradeable sealed modulesFuture-proof capabilities include flexibility to change connector types and shuffle circuit configurations without impacting mechanical interfaces or tank design

LISLE, Ill., Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Molex, a global electronics leader and connectivity innovator, today introduced a thermal management solution that reduces the time and cost of deploying and upgrading high-performance data centers to meet unrelenting demand for generative AI and machine learning workflows. Molex VaporConnect™ Optical Feedthrough Modules for two-phase immersion cooling address constant increases in data center speed and capacity by leveraging a unique, cassette-based design that bolts directly onto immersion tanks and enables optical transceivers and network cabling infrastructure to be swapped out without changing mechanical interfaces or impacting immersion tank architecture. Reference designs for the new modules will be available commercially in Q1 of 2025.

“Molex continually embraces innovative optical solutions to ease data center deployments and upgrades while alleviating critical thermal management challenges,” said Trevor Smith, general manager, Optical Connectivity, Molex. “VaporConnect gives customers the flexibility to upgrade connectivity and scale cooling system designs to keep pace with data center growth by simply deploying a different module, which will accelerate upgrades while reducing overall energy, cooling and technology costs.”

Streamlining Two-Phase Immersion Cooling
Molex VaporConnect Optical Feedthrough Modules simplify the connections between optical transceivers contained within immersion tanks and cabling infrastructure that exists outside the tank using fully upgradeable sealed modules. With VaporConnect, sealing and cabling is accomplished inside the module, giving customers the opportunity to upgrade connectors without impacting immersion tank design or architecture. Additionally, customers have the flexibility to re-use standard cabling infrastructure for multiple product generations, which further reduces deployment time, cost and complexity.

A full range of industry-standard and Molex optical connector form factors are available for single- and multi-mode fiber solutions. They also feature mix-and-match functionality to facilitate system upgrades to newer or denser connectors. Customizable module footprints are available to fit specific space and application requirements. Also, Molex VaporConnect Optical Feedthrough Modules are designed to minimize external patching and shuffle requirements by leveraging Molex FlexPlane™ optical circuitry technology. As a result, complex optical shuffles and high-density fiber routing are integrated seamlessly within the module for simpler installation and plug-and-play operation.

Reliable, Versatile, Upgradeable Optical Interconnects
A sealing gasket comes with every VaporConnect module, which is thoroughly tested using industry-standard, helium-leak testing to ensure a reliable seal with the tank wall. This also assures a seamless transition from the server line cards inside the tank to outside cabling infrastructure. Testing is underway for compliance with industry-standard GR-1435-CORE.

VaporConnect modules are designed to accommodate customer specifications, with the number of fiber channels dependent on the number and type of connectors used. As many as 576 fibers can be integrated into a single module. A range of form factor options are available, including MPO, LC and very small form factor (VSFF) options, such as MMC, MDC, SN and SN-MT. This ensures conformance to existing infrastructure and streamlines system upgrades. As part of Molex’s continued investment in this area, an EBO connector option is currently in development, with availability slated for the first half of 2025.

Molex’s Commitment to Optical Network Innovations on Display at ECOC 2024
As the largest manufacturer of Optical Feedthrough Modules for two-phase immersion cooling, Molex has shipped more than 350,000 optical channels to date. At this year’s ECOC’24, Molex will reinforce its commitment to optical network infrastructure innovations with on-site product displays, including the new VaporConnect Optical Feedthrough Modules. The company’s extensive line of optical connectivity products, optoelectronics solutions and wavelength management systems also are being featured at Stand C75. As a participating member in OIF, Molex is part of an interoperability demonstration, which takes place at Booth B83, to spotlight optical networking innovations and solutions for data centers, AI/ML technologies and disaggregated systems.

About Molex
Molex is a global electronics leader committed to making the world a better, more-connected place. With a presence in more than 40 countries, Molex enables transformative technology innovation in the automotive, data center, industrial automation, healthcare, 5G, cloud and consumer device industries. Through trusted customer and industry relationships, unrivaled engineering expertise, and product quality and reliability, Molex realizes the infinite potential of Creating Connections for Life. For more information, visit www.molex.com.

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SOURCE Molex Incorporated

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CASIO Aims to Capture the Capital’s Fashion-Centric Urban Youth with its New Exclusive Store at Kamla Nagar

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NEW DELHI, Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Casio Computer Co. Ltd, headquartered in Japan and the parent company of Casio India, launches its exclusive store in Kamla Nagar. With this endeavour, the brand has strengthened its retail footprint to 64 stores across India with the fifth exclusive Casio store in New Delhi.

Located in the heart of Kamla Nagar market, a vibrant hub for Delhi University students, the new Casio Exclusive store is poised to become an emblem of trendsetting timepieces, blending Japanese quality and craftsmanship with sophisticated style. The store features G-SHOCK’s Limited-Edition drops, all iconic styles of 5000, 5600, 6900, 110 & 2100 Series and the latest launches from the G-STEEL range. Customers will find timepieces that showcase precision and design—from the rugged durability of G-SHOCK to the timeless elegance of Casio watches to the sophisticated chronographs of Edifice, and the nostalgic appeal of Vintage—catering to a wide array of tastes and preferences.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Hideki Imai, Managing Director of Casio India, said, “We are thrilled to announce the opening of our newest CASIO store in Kamla Nagar, marking our fifth milestone in Delhi and our 64th across India. This launch represents a significant step in our nationwide expansion and our commitment to engaging with the students and watch enthusiasts who frequently visit and reside in the North campus of Delhi University.

“Kamla Nagar, with its vibrant community of young, creative minds, is the ideal location for our newest store. This launch reinforces our dedication to delivering unique and immersive experiences to our consumers in Delhi NCR, aligning with their evolving lifestyles and preferences. We look forward to welcoming our customers to the new store, where they can experience a fine blend of Japanese craftsmanship, unmatched durability and trendsetting style.”

Set to open its doors to Delhi University’s fashion and watch enthusiasts who value individuality and a unique sense of style, this store promises an enthralling experience unlike any other. Located at Shop No. 33/34, Kamla Nehru Marg, Bungalow Road, the brand invites visitors to explore its newly curated space, where every corner embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity. The store is operational from 10:30 AM to 09:30 PM on all days of the week.

About Casio India Co. Pvt. Ltd.:

Casio India Co. Pvt. Ltd.(CIC) is the Indian subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Casio India has established a dynamic presence in the Indian market since 1996, emerging as a leading and cherished consumer goods manufacturer. Casio India’s range of products includes the sales and marketing of Timepieces, Electronic Musical Instruments, Desktop Calculators, Scientific Calculators, Label Printers, and Clocks.

 Setting the benchmark for excellence, Casio India is dedicated to embodying the spirit of innovation and quality that defines the Casio legacy. With a strong commitment to its corporate creed of ‘creativity and contribution,’ Casio has consistently translated this ethos into the creation of innovative products making a positive impact on society.

For more information, visit https://www.casio.com/in/

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2512416/Kamla_Nagar_store.jpg

 

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Hospital in Greenland chooses Sectra’s radiology solution–enhanced cross-country collaboration for improved patient care

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LINKÖPING, Sweden, Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — International medical imaging IT and cybersecurity company Sectra (STO: SECT B) will provide its enterprise imaging solution to Dronning Ingrids hospital (DIH) in Greenland. The solution will enhance DIH’s ongoing collaboration with hospitals in Denmark, addressing resource and subspecialty challenges, and ultimately improving patient care in the region. 

“The partnerships we have with hospitals in Denmark are highly important to us as we, being sparsely populated, struggle to recruit staff and cover medical specialties locally. To deliver care at the speed and quality we want, we need to both increase the efficiency of our internal radiology workflows and facilitate the cooperation with healthcare providers in Denmark. Sectra’s unified platform enables this by providing easy access to images, data, patient portfolio and necessary tools, along with the ability to efficiently share information,” says Cosmus Pyndt, Manager of the diagnostic and therapeutic department in the region.

DIH is Greenland’s central hospital. It is located in the city of Nuuk, also supporting 15 clinics spread around the country. The contract for Sectra’s enterprise imaging solution was signed in the second quarter of Sectra’s 2024/2025 fiscal year following a donation to the hospital from Kirsten og Freddy Johansens Fond. DIH will initially utilize the solution’s module for radiology.

“Sharing resources, expertise and workload between hospitals within a region or, as in this case, even across borders, is crucial in handling the increasing workloads in healthcare and resource shortages. Therefore, the sharing of information and images between hospitals should be efficient and easy. It is encouraging to witness the collaboration between DIH and hospitals in Denmark. The involvement of Rigshospitalet in Denmark, which went live with Sectra this summer, and particularly the expertise of Chief Radiologist Martin Lundsgaard Hansen, has been helpful in shaping this project,” says Sune Henriksen, Managing Director, Sectra Denmark.

He continues: “I am honored to support Dronning Ingrids hospital in delivering high-quality patient care, and we are excited about this new chapter for Sectra as we extend to support healthcare in Greenland.”

Sectra’s enterprise imaging solution provides a unified strategy for all imaging needs while lowering operational costs. The scalable and modular solution, with a VNA at its core, allows healthcare providers to grow from ology to ology and from enterprise to enterprise. Visit Sectra’s website to read more about Sectra and why it’s top-ranked in ‘Best in KLAS‘.

About Sectra
Sectra contributes to a healthier and safer society by assisting health systems throughout the world to enhance the efficiency of care, and authorities and defense forces in Europe to protect society’s most sensitive information. The company, founded in 1978, is headquartered in Linköping, Sweden, with direct sales in 19 countries, and distribution partners worldwide. Sales in the 2023/2024 fiscal year totaled SEK 2,964 million. The Sectra share is quoted on the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange. For more information, visit Sectra’s website.

For further information, please contact:
Dr. Torbjörn Kronander, CEO and President Sectra AB, +46 (0)705 23 52 27
Marie Ekström Trägårdh, Executive Vice President Sectra AB and President Sectra Imaging IT Solutions, +46 (0)708 23 56 10

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