News Summary

Toronto-based startup Xaba has raised $8 million CAD in a seed extension round to enhance industrial manufacturing robots with its AI-driven software system. Led by Hitachi Ventures and involving investors like Hazelview Ventures and BDC Capital, the funding will support Xaba’s mission to develop a low-code, AI control system that improves robot efficiency by providing them with ‘synthetic brains.’ This system, embodied in programs like xCognition and PLCfy, allows robots to interpret natural language commands and adapt their functions quickly. Founder Massimiliano Moruzzi highlights the software’s potential to aid in reshoring Canadian manufacturing jobs by enhancing robot capabilities, thus scaling production. Xaba aims to address automation challenges in Canada, where only a small percentage of manufacturing companies have adopted robotics due to skill shortages. The startup’s technology offers a pathway to upskill human workers, ensuring robots complement rather than replace labor. Xaba plans to utilize this funding to expand its reach, enhance its product offerings, and grow its team, which currently includes AI scientists and engineers.