Expectations are that the market for industrial robotics in Southeast Asia will grow to USD 624.4 million in 2025. Robotics is widely seen as a “sunrise sector” with significant growth potential for companies. Numerous companies in the region have begun operations in the hopes of capturing a share in the lucrative robotics space.
The November 2022 release of ChatGPT has sparked the wider public’s interest in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). This product showcased AI, machine learning, and robotics impact on how the world works.
We take an overview of the robotics space and look at the most exciting robotics startups in Southeast Asia that are making waves today.
We explore AI adoption and its impact on B2B in Southeast Asia
The robotics landscape in Southeast Asia
Robotics startups have been operating in Southeast Asia since much earlier than 2022 (the release of ChatGPT). Academic and industrial interest in robotics has been growing for years. Prominent research labs such as the NUS in Singapore and the ITS in Indonesia have focused on doing groundbreaking research.
According to the World Robotics 2023 report, Singapore had the 2nd highest density of robots in the world (730 robots per 10,000 employees). The same report places Thailand at the 14th spot with a total of 3,300 robots.
Overall, many consider the robotics industry in Southeast Asia to be emerging with significant opportunities for growth. Industrial investments are likely to drive innovation forward in the coming years.
Five robotics startups from the region to look out for are:
Robopreneur
Robopreneur is one of the leading robotics companies operating in Malaysia. Founded as a startup in 2015 by Dr Hanafiah Yussof, who has over two decades of experience in research, development, and entrepreneurship.
The company has significantly expanded its operations over the years. Today, Robopreneur offers cutting-edge products such as delivery robots, robotic arms, warehouse assistants, and more. The company also provides various services, such as robot rentals, 3D printing, and robotics training.
Thanks to its broad portfolio and diversified range of products, the company has built a sustainable business in a highly volatile space.
DF Automation and Robotics
Malaysia’s DF Automation and Robotics has raised a fresh round of funding to the tune of USD 1.85 million to fund its operations and expansion. The company was established in 2012 by three engineers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The company focuses on designing and manufacturing autonomous mobile robots for industrial applications.
To date, DF Automation has released several series of models called Zetha, Zamma, Zalpha, and others. They have built a long list of distinguished clientele of multinational companies using their products to increase productivity and reduce costs. It also exports to several countries and will be able to continue to grow thanks to the funding it received in November 2024.
Eureka Robotics
Eureka Robotics, founded in 2018, aims to develop machines that can automate “dull, dirty, and dangerous work”. The company leverages research and development from NTU Singapore, MIT, and the University of Tokyo to power its innovation. It specialises in aiming to automate tasks requiring high accuracy and agility.
The company’s products can be fine-tuned for assembly, 3D picking, precision handling, AI-based inspection, or dispensing. Recently, Eureka Robotics raised a USD 10.5 million Series A round of funding to “accelerate the deployment of physical AI for precision manufacturing and logistics.” It is looking to scale its operations in the United States, Japan, and Singapore.
Augmentus
Unlike other companies on this list, Augmentus focuses on robotics software rather than hardware. It develops intelligent and no-code software solutions for operating robots.
Currently, there is no standard for robotic programming. Individual manufacturers develop their software, leading to higher development costs and inefficiency since users need to spend time and resources training themselves to use the software. Augmentus’ solutions are geared to disrupt this space and solve the existing fragmentation.
It has recently raised Series A funding of USD 5 million, led by Sierra Ventures and Cocoon Capital, to fund its operations and scale-up in Europe, the USA and other parts of Asia.
eFishery
Though under a lot of scrutiny at the moment, the company is still one of the leading robotics startups in the region. eFishery has found a unique application for the latest robotic capabilities. The company provides an integrated feeding solution for fish and shrimp farming. It also offers related services such as financing and feed purchasing. This startup is an early example of the numerous applications that autonomous machines can have.
Founded in 2013, eFishery launched its first product, the eFeeder, in 2016. In July 2023, the company raised USD 200 million in a Series D funding round, which increased its valuation to over USD 1 billion, making it the first unicorn in the aquaculture space. However, all is not rosy with the startup, as an ongoing investigation into financial irregularities is underway.
Overall, robotics in Southeast Asia is gaining traction. Despite funding slowing down across many industries, increasing investor attention in this sector may see more funded robotics startups in Southeast Asia coming to the fore.