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5D Robotics nets $5.5 million in funding

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Carlsbad-based 5D Robotics said this week that it has raised $5.5 million in seed funding to support its efforts to expand its autonomous navigation technology from military uses to commercial markets.

The funding came from unidentified private investors and a strategic partner. The company makes peer-to-peer based automation technology for vehicles, including military robots that search for explosives or carry cargo. The company said its technology has been tested on over 30 robots and vehicles in military applications.

It wants to adapt its navigation and position technology — which is much more precise than GPS — into commercial uses, such as autonomous carts that carry bags in a hotel.

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Initially, it plans to use the money for development of commercial products and software for the industrial heavy equipment, mapping and inspection markets.

5D’s technology works in tough environments, says the company. It can provide positioning and navigation down to the centimeter level, allowing vehicles to park side by side in the snow, fog or rain. It works both indoors and outdoors.

In a demonstration last year at a United Rentals lot in San Diego, 5D Robotics used its technology to load large scissor lifts onto trucks autonomously — no drivers required. It has been working to reduce the size and cost of its technology.

5D Robotics also demonstrated the technology last year for use in a proposed new housing project in North County, where sensors would be built into light poles that would allow different types of unmanned vehicles to transport people or groceries through the neighborhood.

“We are happy that much of the round was from a strategic partner and demonstrates the strong level of confidence they have in our automation solutions,” said David Bruemmer, CEO and co-founder of 5D Robotics. “Now our focus is on execution for our customers, and rapid growth.”

mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4973 Twitter @TechDiego