Trends
Startup Kinetic rolls out robots to fix electric cars
OUR TAKE This integrated technology solution not only improves the efficiency of reconditioning and reduces the costs associated with EV ownership and maintenance. It also ensures the reliability and safety of the customer’s vehicle system, and promotes the transformation of the entire automotive in…
Headline
OUR TAKE This integrated technology solution not only improves the efficiency of reconditioning and reduces the costs associated with EV ownership and maintenance. It also ensures the reliability and safety of the customer’s vehicle system, and promotes the transformation of the…
Context
OUR TAKE This integrated technology solution not only improves the efficiency of reconditioning and reduces the costs associated with EV ownership and maintenance. It also ensures the reliability and safety of the customer’s vehicle system, and promotes the transformation of the entire automotive industry to digitalization and intelligence. –Revel Cheng, BTW reporter Startup Kinetic rolls out robots to fix electric cars, and someday robotaxis.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
The startup, which employs about 40 people full-time, has developed a robotic system that uses computer vision and machine-learning software to quickly diagnose issues with a vehicle’s digital systems. Kinetic CEO and co-founder Nikhil Naikal explained that a lot of new models, especially battery electrics, are loaded with bells and whistles such as touchscreens and robust infotainment software, along with a variety of cameras and sensors that enable everything from rapid charging to driver safety features including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control. Kinetic puts its robotic systems and technicians to work to help these shops and dealerships fix the finicky and expensive aspects of customers’ cars. Here’s how it works: A customer’s car rolls up to one of Kinetic’s service bays, where it is scanned from bumper to fender with machine vision sensors, some on a robotic arm that peers over the top of the vehicle.
Key Points
- The startup uses a robotic system, computer vision and machine learning software to rapidly diagnose and recalibrate the sensors and software in EVs and other modern cars.
- A collision repair business for the era of electric and autonomous vehicles, Kinetic Automation, has raised $21 million in a Series B round of venture funding.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
