Image: MegaBots
MegaBots, the Oakland-based startup that’s known for challenging Japan to a giant robot duel, just raised $2.4 million to bring giant human-piloted fighting robots to the arena. According to TechCrunch, MegaBots cofounders Gui Cavalcanti, Matt Oehrlein, and Brinkley Warren are looking to turn their giant robot fighting game into that of Formula 1 or UFC.
MegaBots plans on partnering with Latham Watkins, a law firm, to set up a league on the international level. In particular, they’ll be working with Latham Watkins partner Christopher D. Brearton, a representative of the International Olympic Committee who has helped organized leagues such as the NBA, MLB, and NFL.
MegaBots is prepping for their upcoming match against Japanese robot company, Suidobashi Heavy Industries, and their 9,000 pound Kuratas robot. Last year, MegaBots challenged the Japanese rival to a live robot duel, but there’s still no word on when their robots will clash. That’s left up to Suidobashi Heavy Industries to decide, and MegaBots still has to find suitable countries and governments willing to host such an event.
With an event such as giant robot fighting, it’s going to be tough working out the logistics of hosting games and shipping robots.
The seed round of $2.4 million includes investors Azure Capital Partners, AME Cloud Ventures, Autodesk, Maveron, and angel investor Ray Rothrock. MegaBots plans on using the seed funding to soup up their robot for battle and garner contracts for the future of giant robot fighting.
Source: TechCrunch
The post MegaBots Raises $2.4 Million To Make Giant Robot Fighting A Sport appeared first on Simplebotics.