Norristown’s robo-security-dog company, Asylon Robotics, just secured major funding, writes Julie Bort for TechCrunch.
Asylon received $26 million in Series B funding, courtesy of Insight Partners, Veteran Ventures Capital, Allegion Ventures, and the GO PA Fund. This is a milestone moment for the company as it maps out its future.
The company got its start in 2015 when three MIT-trained aerospace engineers left their jobs at GE Aviation and Boeing. They launched the drone startup, inspired by Amazon’s plans for delivery drones.
Asylon’s platform blends drone surveillance with robot patrol dogs. Their machines are modified versions of Boston Dynamics’ “Spot”, integrated through proprietary Guardian command software. The result is a robotic security service that’s changing how companies protect their facilities.
Their “DroneDog” can sniff out gas leaks, inspect hard-to-reach zones, and patrol areas deemed too dangerous for humans or real dogs. And while the robo dogs sound out of reach, they are cost-effective. At $100,000 to $150,000 per year, the cost is comparable to human security services.
In 2021, a drone crash during a demo with Ford nearly tanked the startup. But after a dramatic overnight rescue by a dedicated employee, the team pulled off the presentation, securing not only three Fortune 500 clients but also their first Department of Defense contract.
Today, Asylon Robotics employs 65 people and has its tech deployed in 15 states. CEO Damon Henry said rising demand for executive protection, especially after recent high-profile incidents, has accelerated interest in their robotic solutions.
Read more about Asylon’s latest round of funding and their future plans in TechCrunch.
