LOS ANGELES—Lockheed Martin Ventures, the venture capital arm of Lockheed Martin Corp., is investing in Machina Labs, a start-up company developing technology that combines AI and robotics to rapidly manufacture advanced sheet metal products.
This latest funding brings the total raised by Machina Labs to $21.8 million. The investment will be used to accelerate company growth to meet customer demand, and to expand R&D into additional processes and metallurgical offerings.
“At Machina Labs, we are creating the factory of the future; one where a variety of designs and physical products can be produced on-demand and at scale,” says Edward Mehr, CEO and co-founder of Machina Labs. “With Lockheed Martin’s investment, we can accelerate development of our sheet metal Roboforming process to better serve the needs of the defense sector.”
Machina Labs uses AI and robots the way a blacksmith uses a hammer to form and shape sheet metal. The technology can form sheet metal without the need for custom molds or dies.
“We aim to operationalize and scale solutions with speed and effectiveness so the U.S. and our allies can stay ahead of emerging threats,” says Chris Moran, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Ventures. “We are excited to work with Machina Labs in bringing their advanced and agile manufacturing platform to our customers.”
