Insider Brief
- DIC Corp. made an undisclosed strategic investment in Mantis Robotics, marking the first deal by its $62 million DIC D2S Ventures fund as the Japanese chemicals company expands into physical AI.
- Mantis develops fenceless industrial robots designed to work alongside people, and its MR-1 has received safety certification as the company expands across logistics, electronics equipment and automotive manufacturing.
- DIC and Mantis plan to explore tactile and sensing systems, robotic fingers and lightweight components by combining DIC’s materials and sensing technologies with Mantis’ robotics, safety controls and 3D spatial sensing.
Japanese chemicals company DIC Corp. has made an undisclosed strategic investment in California-based Mantis Robotics.
Mantis develops high-speed industrial robots designed to work alongside people without fences or segregated areas. Its flagship MR-1 recently received safety certification, and the company is expanding commercial activity across logistics, electronics equipment and automotive manufacturing, DIC said in the announcement.
The companies will explore tactile and sensing systems for robots, robotic fingers and lightweight advanced components, according to the company. DIC brings high-performance materials, sensing and processing technology, while Mantis contributes robotics, safety controls and 3D spatial sensing.
“Mantis Robotics has developed unique technologies that enable safe human-robot collaboration while also ensuring outstanding productivity,” Shinsuke Kotera, president of DIC D2S Venture, pointed out. “We are particularly encouraged by the commercial momentum following the safety certification of MR-1 and believe the company has significant potential as industrial automation continues to expand.”
The investment amount was not disclosed, although it is the first deal by DIC D2S Ventures, the $62 million Zurich startup investment fund unit DIC established in March 2026. The company also formed a strategic partnership with Switzerland-based venture-capital firm Emerald Technology Ventures to pursue startup investments globally through DIC D2S Ventures.
Gerry Vannuffelen, co-founder and CEO of Mantis, said he is glad to welcome DIC as a strategic partner at a pivotal point in the company’s commercial growth.
“Combining DIC’s leadership in high-performance materials, sensing technologies and global manufacturing capabilities with our fenceless robotic platform creates a powerful foundation for the future of industrial automation,” Vannuffelen added.
DIC explained that it views physical AI as a key growth area and plans further startup investments and collaborations built around its materials technology. Mantis was founded in 2020 and is based in Pleasanton, Calif.
