Robotics startup Mytra has been operating discreetly since its establishment in May 2022, aiming to revolutionize warehouse automation. The company boasts a strong background, founded by former automotive experts from Tesla and Rivian.
The warehouse and fulfillment sector has become a major focus for automation due to disruptions in the global supply chain caused by the pandemic, which continue to affect the industry. This area is highly competitive, with leading players like Amazon, Locus, and Zebra/Fetch driving interest in bipedal humanoid robots.
Despite the world recovering from the pandemic, labor shortages persist, creating opportunities for new entrants. Currently, only 5% to 10% of global warehouses are meaningfully automated.
Chris Walti, Mytra’s co-founder and CEO, experienced the limitations of existing automation solutions firsthand during his time at Tesla. He spent seven years at Tesla, focusing on engineering and mobile robotics, before leading the development of the Optimus robot.
Walti recounts how he was drawn into manufacturing and automation due to challenges with Tesla’s automation systems. His team eventually built their own solutions when existing ones failed to meet the company’s needs.
Elon Musk’s suggestion to build a humanoid robot led Walti’s team to develop the Optimus robot, which became a major project for Tesla. However, Walti shifted his focus to other interests.
Walti is optimistic about the future impact of humanoid robots across various industries but believes they will take time to significantly influence production floors.
Mytra’s technology is similar to vertical robotic storage systems from companies like AutoStore but distinguishes itself with its ability to handle heavy payloads and its dynamic capabilities. Walti highlights the system’s flexibility, describing it as highly adaptable.
Although Mytra has been under the radar, it has attracted attention from major players, including a pilot project with Albertsons and interest from several Fortune 50 companies. The startup recently raised $50 million in Series B funding, bringing its total to $78 million, with investors such as Greenoaks and Eclipse.
