Aethon, a developer of autonomous mobile robots for hospitals and health systems, announced today that Mitsui & Co. (USA) Inc. has invested in the company, part of the $7.1 million raised in growth capital in Aethon's latest round of funding, according to a company press release.
Autonomous mobile robots can perform a variety of tasks across many industries without human supervision.
Some companies are marketing mobile robots that can help the elderly at home, and one tablet-wielding robotic platform can even map and navigate “complex environments such as hospitals or homes to connect residents with remote family members or physicians via the tablet's video chat.”
The investment from Mitsui USA, a subsidiary of Mitsui and Co. Ltd., an international trade and investment company, will help Aethon expand its technology platform and enter new markets worldwide, including a ripe Asian market. Mitsui will provide operational insight and resources in this area, building upon a strategic partnership Aethon entered into with the Bosch Group in 2010, which helped Aethon open up expansion possibilities in Europe.
"Mitsui is a global leader that can bring valuable expertise in marketing, finance, logistics and process development," said Aldo Zini, Aethon president and CEO. "Combining their strengths with our innovative robotic platform and integrated tracking software not only provides new business opportunities for Aethon but reaffirms our standing as the leading provider in our space."
"Mitsui USA's decision to invest in Aethon was based on the company's sound business strategy, strong management team, impressive performance and vast market potential," said Shigeyuki Toya, general manager of Mitsui's new business development department. "Service robotics represents a global opportunity to target hospitals that want to add efficiencies, enhance patient safety, improve care and realize significant savings.”
The market for healthcare professionals with robotics skills, or experience in working with robots, soared in March to a new four-year high, with demand growing almost 50 percent compared to 2011, and to 80 percent in 2010.
Edited by
Braden Becker
