Safeworld exits stealth with $12M+ to test robot safety in simulation
Safeworld raised over $12 million in a seed round led by Shine Capital and a16z Speedrun to build safety evaluation simulations for generative-AI-driven robots.
Safeworld emerged from stealth today with a seed round of more than $12 million, funding it will use to build safety evaluation simulations for generative-AI-driven robots. The round is led by Shine Capital and a16z Speedrun, according to TechCrunch.
Box Group, the Carnegie Mellon University Endowment, Innovation Endeavors and SV Angel also invested. The company was founded by Dr. Ding Zhao, Kyle Wong and Simo Rachidi.
Safeworld's core product evaluates robotic control systems inside simulations populated with realistic human models, rather than testing them only in the physical world.
Gritt Robotics is partnering with Safeworld as it develops its own safety simulations. Gritt builds the AI brain for robots that currently help workers install photovoltaic panels at industrial-scale solar farms.
Building a safety standard early
Dr. Ding Zhao directs the Safe AI lab at Carnegie Mellon University and has worked on AI safety for almost his entire career. a16z Speedrun partner Jonathan Lai said the time to build an industry safety standard is now, while robots are being designed and deployed.
Quick answers
How much did Safeworld raise?
Safeworld raised more than $12 million in a seed round led by Shine Capital and a16z Speedrun.
Who founded Safeworld?
Safeworld was founded by Dr. Ding Zhao, Kyle Wong and Simo Rachidi.
Who is partnering with Safeworld?
Gritt Robotics is partnering with Safeworld as it develops its safety simulations.