Following a recent decision by US regulators to ban a wide variety of Chinese-made robots due to national security concerns, Ati Robotics appears to be uniquely positioned. The company, which assembles its systems in India, claims to use fewer Chinese components than almost any other competitor in the US market.
A Strategic Supply Chain Approach
While investment in robotics startups has reached record highs, many firms still rely heavily on Chinese suppliers for hardware. Founded in 2017, Ati Robotics took a different path by developing its own hardware to ensure better functionality and limit reliance on Chinese manufacturing—a move that was initially met with caution by advisors.
Saurabh Chandra, CEO of Ati, explains that the startup leveraged the electric vehicle revolution in Bangalore. By utilizing components from the local two-wheeler and three-wheeler EV industry, they found reliable, cost-efficient parts that bypassed traditional Chinese robotics supply chains.
Technical Trade-offs and Humanoids
The company already offers 10,000-pound tuggers that are essentially China-free, with the exception of battery cells. To achieve this, Ati utilizes induction motors rather than the slightly more efficient Chinese-made brushless motors, specifically to avoid the use of Chinese magnets.
- The 10,000-pound tugger is virtually China-free.
- The pallet mover contains less than 5% Chinese parts.
- The upcoming humanoid robot currently uses Chinese gears, but alternatives are available in Germany and Taiwan.
Despite the new ban, Chandra notes that many in the industry remain in denial, having failed to prevent the regulations through lobbying efforts in Washington, DC. Ati is now planning to expand its footprint with a new assembly facility in Michigan.
