Innovation Works

For more than 20 years, Innovation Works has played a vital role in Southwestern PA's technology economy, investing capital, business expertise, and other resources into high-potential companies with the greatest likelihood for regional economic impact. IW is the single largest investor in seed-stage companies in the region. They also provide resources for manufacturers to adopt new technologies.

Sophie Burkholder

Investment Associate

Gary Glausser

Chief Investment Officer

Steven Welles

Managing Director of Software

Past deals in Industrial Automation

CapSen Robotics

Seed Round in 2024
CapSen Robotics, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in advanced 3D computer vision systems that allow computers to interpret and navigate cluttered environments. The company offers a range of solutions, including cluttered object detection, scanning for both large and small objects, and object tracking, catering to diverse applications in factory automation, vehicle scanning, and retail inventory management. Drawing on research from MIT, CapSen’s technology enhances the capabilities of robots and computer vision systems, which are increasingly being utilized in less structured settings such as warehouses, hospitals, and homes. The company is currently beta testing its software with various system integrators and robotics firms, focusing on robotic picking applications and partnering with a major government contractor for a warehouse project. Their innovative object detection software has already demonstrated its effectiveness in competitive environments, such as a recent robotic order fulfillment competition.

Phlux Technologies

Seed Round in 2023
Phlux Technologies, Inc. is a developer of advanced 3D sensor technology aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency in robotics and automation. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company focuses on creating programmable 3D sensors that enable robots to navigate safely and collaboratively in industrial environments. By replacing traditional physical barriers with digital safety zones, Phlux's innovative products utilize proprietary optical sensing technology, artificial intelligence, and computer vision. These sensors help protect workers from hazardous machinery and alert vehicles to obstacles, ultimately freeing up floor space, reducing setup times, and improving overall productivity. Phlux Technologies is dedicated to enabling the development of smarter robots and self-driving vehicles, contributing to safer industrial operations.

CapSen Robotics

Seed Round in 2022
CapSen Robotics, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in advanced 3D computer vision systems that allow computers to interpret and navigate cluttered environments. The company offers a range of solutions, including cluttered object detection, scanning for both large and small objects, and object tracking, catering to diverse applications in factory automation, vehicle scanning, and retail inventory management. Drawing on research from MIT, CapSen’s technology enhances the capabilities of robots and computer vision systems, which are increasingly being utilized in less structured settings such as warehouses, hospitals, and homes. The company is currently beta testing its software with various system integrators and robotics firms, focusing on robotic picking applications and partnering with a major government contractor for a warehouse project. Their innovative object detection software has already demonstrated its effectiveness in competitive environments, such as a recent robotic order fulfillment competition.

Phlux Technologies

Seed Round in 2022
Phlux Technologies, Inc. is a developer of advanced 3D sensor technology aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency in robotics and automation. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company focuses on creating programmable 3D sensors that enable robots to navigate safely and collaboratively in industrial environments. By replacing traditional physical barriers with digital safety zones, Phlux's innovative products utilize proprietary optical sensing technology, artificial intelligence, and computer vision. These sensors help protect workers from hazardous machinery and alert vehicles to obstacles, ultimately freeing up floor space, reducing setup times, and improving overall productivity. Phlux Technologies is dedicated to enabling the development of smarter robots and self-driving vehicles, contributing to safer industrial operations.

Phlux Technologies

Seed Round in 2021
Phlux Technologies, Inc. is a developer of advanced 3D sensor technology aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency in robotics and automation. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company focuses on creating programmable 3D sensors that enable robots to navigate safely and collaboratively in industrial environments. By replacing traditional physical barriers with digital safety zones, Phlux's innovative products utilize proprietary optical sensing technology, artificial intelligence, and computer vision. These sensors help protect workers from hazardous machinery and alert vehicles to obstacles, ultimately freeing up floor space, reducing setup times, and improving overall productivity. Phlux Technologies is dedicated to enabling the development of smarter robots and self-driving vehicles, contributing to safer industrial operations.

CapSen Robotics

Seed Round in 2020
CapSen Robotics, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in advanced 3D computer vision systems that allow computers to interpret and navigate cluttered environments. The company offers a range of solutions, including cluttered object detection, scanning for both large and small objects, and object tracking, catering to diverse applications in factory automation, vehicle scanning, and retail inventory management. Drawing on research from MIT, CapSen’s technology enhances the capabilities of robots and computer vision systems, which are increasingly being utilized in less structured settings such as warehouses, hospitals, and homes. The company is currently beta testing its software with various system integrators and robotics firms, focusing on robotic picking applications and partnering with a major government contractor for a warehouse project. Their innovative object detection software has already demonstrated its effectiveness in competitive environments, such as a recent robotic order fulfillment competition.

Rapid TPC

Seed Round in 2020
Rapid TPC, LLC, established in 2013 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in developing automated platform technology for the manufacturing of lightweight, high-strength plastic composite parts. The company focuses on thermoplastic composites, utilizing advanced automation techniques to produce components reinforced with materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, aramids, and organic fibers. This innovative production process addresses bottlenecks in manufacturing, allowing clients to scale their sales volumes effectively without the constraints of production limitations. Rapid TPC's services encompass manufacturing, forming, and prototyping, catering to a diverse range of industries seeking efficient and high-performance composite solutions.

CleanRobotics

Seed Round in 2019
CleanRobotics has built an autonomous system, called TrashBot, that makes recycling affordable for businesses and profitable for recycling plants. Using robotics, computer vision, and artificial intelligence we detect and separate landfill waste from recyclables while gathering useful data for recyclers, reducing waste hauling costs for businesses, and replacing expensive waste receptacles.

CapSen Robotics

Seed Round in 2018
CapSen Robotics, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in advanced 3D computer vision systems that allow computers to interpret and navigate cluttered environments. The company offers a range of solutions, including cluttered object detection, scanning for both large and small objects, and object tracking, catering to diverse applications in factory automation, vehicle scanning, and retail inventory management. Drawing on research from MIT, CapSen’s technology enhances the capabilities of robots and computer vision systems, which are increasingly being utilized in less structured settings such as warehouses, hospitals, and homes. The company is currently beta testing its software with various system integrators and robotics firms, focusing on robotic picking applications and partnering with a major government contractor for a warehouse project. Their innovative object detection software has already demonstrated its effectiveness in competitive environments, such as a recent robotic order fulfillment competition.

Rapid TPC

Seed Round in 2018
Rapid TPC, LLC, established in 2013 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in developing automated platform technology for the manufacturing of lightweight, high-strength plastic composite parts. The company focuses on thermoplastic composites, utilizing advanced automation techniques to produce components reinforced with materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, aramids, and organic fibers. This innovative production process addresses bottlenecks in manufacturing, allowing clients to scale their sales volumes effectively without the constraints of production limitations. Rapid TPC's services encompass manufacturing, forming, and prototyping, catering to a diverse range of industries seeking efficient and high-performance composite solutions.

Velocity Robotics

Seed Round in 2018
Velocity Robotics, a construction tech company, is creating the internet of power tools. Based in Pittsburgh, PA they bridge practical fabrication needs with high-tech solutions in the commercial construction market. Their goal is to dramatically streamline workflow across the construction organization, from the project management to the trades people. Their tools improve productivity of the trades with robotics and automation, while measuring valuable data that allow project managers to track team performance and material utilization.

Watt-Learn

Seed Round in 2018
Watt-Learn, Inc. develops cloud-based software-as-a-service for grid-connected battery installations in the energy sector. Founded in 2016 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company utilizes artificial intelligence to enhance the longevity and operational efficiency of energy storage systems. Its platform autonomously optimizes battery operations according to user-defined criteria, aiming to maximize the return on investment while minimizing battery degradation. Watt-Learn serves a diverse clientele, including battery original equipment manufacturers, small system OEMs, system integrators, and commercial and industrial users, as well as utility end users. The software offers features such as battery and energy performance audits, daily operation setpoints, and proactive lifetime-aware automation services, helping clients reduce operating costs and improve the overall value of their energy storage projects.

Onward Robotics

Venture Round in 2017
Onward Robotics specializes in automation technology that integrates humans and robots to enhance efficiency in fulfillment operations. The company offers a solution called Meet Me, which combines proprietary software with person-to-goods mobile robots. This technology is designed for e-commerce, warehousing, distribution, and logistics, helping organizations improve productivity, flexibility, and speed. Onward Robotics' autonomous material handling robots can navigate human-friendly environments, accurately identify objects, and pick items or bins at speeds comparable to human workers. This capability allows businesses to streamline their logistics processes and maintain a competitive edge in the growing automation landscape.

SolePower

Convertible Note in 2016
SolePower creates a connected work boot that helps industrial workers become safer and more efficient. Industrial worksites are dangerous and dynamic; the costs of small inefficiencies add up quickly, and big mistakes can result in serious incidents or loss of life. SmartBoots aim to lower incident rates, increase work site visibility, and establish metrics from which workflow and safety improvements can be made. At the core of the system is an Army-tested, patented kinetic charger which uses walking motion to sustainably charge sensors embedded inside the boot. (Pilot unit includes GPS, Ultra Wideband, RFID, IMU, Sub-GHz RF, thermocouple, Wifi, altimeter). SolePower's mission is to take the functionality of a variety of standalone wearables and combine them into a single, compact, self-charged platform. The team is partnered with SR Max (a leading safety footwear provider) and the US Army.

CapSen Robotics

Angel Round in 2016
CapSen Robotics, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in advanced 3D computer vision systems that allow computers to interpret and navigate cluttered environments. The company offers a range of solutions, including cluttered object detection, scanning for both large and small objects, and object tracking, catering to diverse applications in factory automation, vehicle scanning, and retail inventory management. Drawing on research from MIT, CapSen’s technology enhances the capabilities of robots and computer vision systems, which are increasingly being utilized in less structured settings such as warehouses, hospitals, and homes. The company is currently beta testing its software with various system integrators and robotics firms, focusing on robotic picking applications and partnering with a major government contractor for a warehouse project. Their innovative object detection software has already demonstrated its effectiveness in competitive environments, such as a recent robotic order fulfillment competition.

Rapid TPC

Seed Round in 2016
Rapid TPC, LLC, established in 2013 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in developing automated platform technology for the manufacturing of lightweight, high-strength plastic composite parts. The company focuses on thermoplastic composites, utilizing advanced automation techniques to produce components reinforced with materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, aramids, and organic fibers. This innovative production process addresses bottlenecks in manufacturing, allowing clients to scale their sales volumes effectively without the constraints of production limitations. Rapid TPC's services encompass manufacturing, forming, and prototyping, catering to a diverse range of industries seeking efficient and high-performance composite solutions.

Onward Robotics

Seed Round in 2015
Onward Robotics specializes in automation technology that integrates humans and robots to enhance efficiency in fulfillment operations. The company offers a solution called Meet Me, which combines proprietary software with person-to-goods mobile robots. This technology is designed for e-commerce, warehousing, distribution, and logistics, helping organizations improve productivity, flexibility, and speed. Onward Robotics' autonomous material handling robots can navigate human-friendly environments, accurately identify objects, and pick items or bins at speeds comparable to human workers. This capability allows businesses to streamline their logistics processes and maintain a competitive edge in the growing automation landscape.

SolePower

Seed Round in 2015
SolePower creates a connected work boot that helps industrial workers become safer and more efficient. Industrial worksites are dangerous and dynamic; the costs of small inefficiencies add up quickly, and big mistakes can result in serious incidents or loss of life. SmartBoots aim to lower incident rates, increase work site visibility, and establish metrics from which workflow and safety improvements can be made. At the core of the system is an Army-tested, patented kinetic charger which uses walking motion to sustainably charge sensors embedded inside the boot. (Pilot unit includes GPS, Ultra Wideband, RFID, IMU, Sub-GHz RF, thermocouple, Wifi, altimeter). SolePower's mission is to take the functionality of a variety of standalone wearables and combine them into a single, compact, self-charged platform. The team is partnered with SR Max (a leading safety footwear provider) and the US Army.

FreshTemp

Convertible Note in 2015
FreshTemp automates temperature collection during production, transportation and storage of any product.

RE2 Robotics

Pre Seed Round in 2014
RE2 Robotics, based in Pittsburgh, PA, is a Carnegie Mellon University spin-off founded in 2001 by Jorgen Pedersen. The company specializes in developing intelligent mobile manipulation systems designed for various industries, including defense, aviation, construction, energy, and healthcare. RE2 Robotics creates manipulator arms that offer human-like performance and intuitive interfaces, allowing users to remotely perform tasks in challenging environments, whether on the ground, in the air, or underwater. With a significant focus on military applications, over 400 of its robotic arms have been deployed for explosive ordnance disposal missions, enhancing safety and efficiency while reducing operational costs. The company's innovative technologies aim to save lives and improve the quality of life through advanced robotics.

SolePower

Seed Round in 2013
SolePower creates a connected work boot that helps industrial workers become safer and more efficient. Industrial worksites are dangerous and dynamic; the costs of small inefficiencies add up quickly, and big mistakes can result in serious incidents or loss of life. SmartBoots aim to lower incident rates, increase work site visibility, and establish metrics from which workflow and safety improvements can be made. At the core of the system is an Army-tested, patented kinetic charger which uses walking motion to sustainably charge sensors embedded inside the boot. (Pilot unit includes GPS, Ultra Wideband, RFID, IMU, Sub-GHz RF, thermocouple, Wifi, altimeter). SolePower's mission is to take the functionality of a variety of standalone wearables and combine them into a single, compact, self-charged platform. The team is partnered with SR Max (a leading safety footwear provider) and the US Army.

The Efficiency Network

Series A in 2013
The Efficiency Network, Inc. specializes in enhancing building performance through energy efficiency improvements. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with an additional office in Annapolis, Maryland, the company offers a comprehensive range of services, including facility benchmarking, design and installation of energy-efficient systems, financial metrics tracking, and project funding coordination. Its innovative business model appeals to a diverse clientele, including commercial, healthcare, industrial, municipal, and educational sectors. The Efficiency Network employs advanced technology and a streamlined process to optimize building systems such as lighting, HVAC, and water management, utilizing cloud computing and machine intelligence. Additionally, the company provides LED street lighting programs for municipalities and energy bill efficiency programs. By focusing on customized solutions, The Efficiency Network aims to help its customers achieve their sustainability and financial goals while significantly reducing operational costs. As of June 2019, it operates as a subsidiary of Duquesne Light Holdings, Inc.

The Efficiency Network

Seed Round in 2013
The Efficiency Network, Inc. specializes in enhancing building performance through energy efficiency improvements. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with an additional office in Annapolis, Maryland, the company offers a comprehensive range of services, including facility benchmarking, design and installation of energy-efficient systems, financial metrics tracking, and project funding coordination. Its innovative business model appeals to a diverse clientele, including commercial, healthcare, industrial, municipal, and educational sectors. The Efficiency Network employs advanced technology and a streamlined process to optimize building systems such as lighting, HVAC, and water management, utilizing cloud computing and machine intelligence. Additionally, the company provides LED street lighting programs for municipalities and energy bill efficiency programs. By focusing on customized solutions, The Efficiency Network aims to help its customers achieve their sustainability and financial goals while significantly reducing operational costs. As of June 2019, it operates as a subsidiary of Duquesne Light Holdings, Inc.

RedZone Robotics

Venture Round in 2004
RedZone Robotics, Inc. is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with an additional office in Auckland, New Zealand, specializing in wastewater asset management solutions. Founded in 1987, it provides a range of services including multi-sensor inspection, advanced pipeline assessment, and specialized reporting. The company develops proprietary robotic and software tools designed for the wastewater industry, enabling municipalities, contractors, and engineering firms to effectively manage their sewer pipeline systems. By offering high-performance inspection products and data collection services, RedZone Robotics empowers clients to make informed maintenance and capital expenditure decisions, ultimately maximizing their return on investment and reducing the risk of system failures.
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