Peter Thiel backed RoboteX raises $2.06 million

Security robot designers need to raise another $2.94 million to complete desired $5 million round

When we think of robots, the images that come to mind are from movies, and they are almost always bad. It's either the Terminator, or Ed 209 from Robocop or Bender from Futurama or classic SNL sketches. But the reality is that robots can be used in situations where people might be in danger, and I am not only talking about the dreaded drones. They can be used to dispose of bombs, enter hostage situations and to see what weapons a person has before the police enter their home.

Using robots to help with security is the idea behind RoboteX, a company that designs robots for "first responders," and which has raised $2.06 million, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) earlier this week.

The amount raised is from a total $5 million offering, meaning that the company has to raise another $2.94 million to complete the desired round. 

The filing lists Peter Thiel, along with RoboteX founder Nathan Gettings and chief executive Alexander Karp as directors. Tthe filing also cited four who investors who are as of now still unidentified.

Founded in 2007 by alumni of PayPal and YouTube, the Palo Alto-based RoboteX develops a line of "Avatar" robots that are designed to assist with security measures. The company develops it technology commercially, without the help of government research grants.

It sells robots that are designed to patrol and monitor your homes or offices in real-time, which can monitor children while parents are away, monitor repairmen and contractors when the person is not home, see when deliveries arrive outside, and check to see if family members are home.

RoboteX also creates tactical robots that allow law enforcement and first-responders to safely and quickly inspect dangerous situations, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) robots that allows for long distance bomb disposal.

The company's latest release was the AVATAR III Security Robot in October, which can be controlled through standard Wi-Fi networks from hundreds of miles away and can be integrated into existing security systems. The robot can be used to inspect multiple incidents, conduct simultaneous patrols, and communicate remotely with subjects of interest.

The company says that its robots are being used by hundreds of SWAT and tactical teams throughout the United States.

"We design robots for safety and ease-of-use from the ground up, and we work directly with end users to include capabilities that are important to them. The robots we develop are affordable, high-quality, and focused on solving critical real-world problems," the company says.

RoboteX had previously raised $8.73 million, including $2.6 million in January 2010 and $6.13 million out of a total $6.49 million offering in July 2010.

RoboteX could not be reached for further comment. 

(Image source: https://robotex.com)