Bossa Nova Robotics
| File:Bossa Nova Robotics logo.svg | |
| File:Bossa Nova robot scanning shelf at Walmart.jpg A Bossa Nova robot conducting shelf scans at a Walmart located in Auburn, Washington, in 2019 | |
| Company type | Private |
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| Industry | Robotics |
| Founded | 2005 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| Headquarters | , |
Key people | |
| Website | www |
Bossa Nova Robotics is an emerging robotics enterprise that focuses on developing robots for inventory management within retail environments. The company became prominent through its deployment of robotic systems in Walmart outlets, supporting Walmart’s efforts to enhance in-store technological capabilities in competition with Amazon.
In 2018, the firm raised $29 million in funding led by Cota Capital aimed at accelerating global expansion, advancing software innovation, and increasing robot rollouts. Additional contributors to this round included China Walden Ventures, LG Electronics, Intel Capital, Lucas Venture Group, and WRV Capital.
Their Auto-S series integrates 2D and 3D imaging technology alongside lidar-based navigation to systematically scan store shelves. This enables the detection of stock shortages, pricing discrepancies, and other irregularities, thereby improving inventory precision and operational workflows.
History
Established in 2005 by students from the Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute, Bossa Nova initially concentrated on robotic toys such as a penguin and a programmable gorilla; however, these products did not achieve commercial success. By 2012, the company introduced mObi, a ballbot equipped with a tablet interface intended as a personal assistant device.
In 2014, Bossa Nova entered into collaboration with Walmart to create retail-focused robotic solutions. Pilot programs commenced with 50 stores by 2017, expanding to 350 Walmart locations by 2019. These robots operated at speeds of approximately 20 cm/s and utilized sensors to perform inventory scans throughout store aisles.
The acquisition of Hawxeye, a firm specializing in computer vision and facial recognition software, was completed in July 2018 to enhance object detection capabilities within their technology suite.
By late 2020, Walmart terminated its agreement with Bossa Nova, resulting in over 61 job cuts and the shutdown of the company’s European robotics division. Co-founder Sarjoun Skaff highlighted the company’s commitment to refining core technologies and artificial intelligence despite this challenge, emphasizing the versatility of their retail AI platform across various robotic and stationary camera systems. The company continues to implement its solutions with retail partners while exploring opportunities in additional industries.
Walmart’s decision illustrates the complexities involved in deploying robotics within dynamic retail settings and underscores the importance of continuous assessment regarding automation’s suitability for such environments.
References
- Pages with broken file links
- Robotics companies of the United States
- Privately held companies based in Pennsylvania
- Companies based in Pittsburgh
- Technology companies of the United States
- 2005 establishments in Pennsylvania
- American companies established in 2005
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment
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