TriOrb, a startup developing an Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) platform that uses spheres instead of wheels, announced on June 1 that it had secured ¥2.88 billion (approximately $18 million) in its Series B funding round. Of the total, ¥590 million (approximately $3.7 million) was raised through debt financing.
Founded in 2023, the company operates multiple locations across Japan and has established a group entity in Detroit, Michigan.
Sphere-Based Platform Targets Production Line Transformation
TriOrb’s AMR platform features three spheres mounted on its chassis, enabling omnidirectional movement across 360 degrees. A promotional video is available below (Japanese only).
Beyond its directional flexibility, the platform is designed to navigate stably over grating, steps, and inclines. It can also slide beneath carts and other equipment to move them. Multiple units can operate in tandem to transport large loads or lengthy materials, and the platform can serve as a mobile base for robotic arms.
Products are already on the market. The lineup comprises two models: a “Standard Model” with a payload capacity of 300 kilograms (approximately 660 pounds) and a “Heavy-Load Model” rated for 800 kilograms (approximately 1,800 pounds).
The future TriOrb envisions through the deployment of this platform is one in which factory production lines can be flexibly reconfigured on demand—a fully systematized process. Rather than the fixed, unidirectional flows that have defined conventional manufacturing lines, the platform enables both machinery and products or components to be repositioned at any time, allowing processes to be restructured continuously.
CEO Declares Entry Into “Full-Scale Mass Production Phase”
The equity portion of the Series B round was backed by a fund managed by SPARX Asset Management along with multiple venture capital firms. The debt financing was provided by Mizuho Bank and MUFG Bank.
The proceeds will be used for “productization and mass production for full market launch, business development in the U.S. market, and strengthening R&D and expanding the organization.” The company also announced that SPARX Asset Management Managing Director of Takaki Demichi, would join TriOrb’s board as an outside director.
TriOrb’s Shuichi Ishida, CEO, commented: “We have moved beyond the PoC phase and are now entering the stage of full-scale on-site deployment and mass production. Through building the foundations of next-generation industry, we will deploy new mobility infrastructure from Japan to the world and set the standard for the future of manufacturing.”
