Hong Kong-based Rice Robotics nets $7m to expand into Japan

Photo credit: Rice Robotics

Hong Kong-based Rice Robotics has raised US$7 million in pre-series A funding to bolster its production capabilities and expand to Japan.

Part of the fresh funds were already used to establish a production plant in Hong Kong, which started operations in the first quarter of 2023.

With the new facility, Rice Robotics has quadrupled its annual production capacity, allowing the company to meet the increasing demand for its delivery robots in Hong Kong and globally.

Funding details

• Funding amount: US$7 million
• Stage: Pre-series A
• Source

Founded in 2019, Rice Robotics specializes in workforce automation using robotics tech. It develops and deploys delivery and disinfection robots capable of navigating complex environments, operating elevators, and recharging autonomously.

The firm’s solutions are deployed in countries including Hong Kong and Thailand. In Japan, Rice Robotics has partnered with Japanese firms such as SoftBank, the Japan Post, Mitsui Group, and Toyota Motor Corporation.

See also: Recession Run: CCV says autonomous tech, AI, robotics startups are the future

The country has emerged as Rice Robotics’ largest market, surpassing Hong Kong, its founder, Victor Lee, said in a statement. This significant shift is attributed to the rising demand for disinfection and delivery robots amid Covid-19.

More details