AuraML Nets Funding To Build Generative Simulation Platform For Robotics

Deeptech startup AuraML has raised $1 Mn (around INR 8.6 Cr) in a pre-seed funding round led by Turbostart, with participation from DeVC, GSF Accelerator, Indian Angel Network and other investors.

The startup plans to use the fresh capital for product development, expand footprint in the US and support enterprise pilots in warehouse automation, industrial robotics and next-gen autonomous systems.

Founded in 2022 by Ayush Sharma and Arjun Gupta, AuraML enables generative simulation for industrial and warehouse robotics. Its simulation engine allows enterprises to model, test, and deploy robotic systems. 

“At AuraML, we see Robotics and Physical AI as the next great leap for humanity. Our role is to help accelerate these innovations by giving researchers and engineers the tools they need to build better and more intelligent robots,” said Sharma. 

Robotic systems require months of real-world testing and significant investment in physical infrastructure. AuraML claims that its technology makes this process speedy while reducing the reliance on costly physical trials.

As per the company’s statement, AuraML “enables robotics companies to test their AMRs (autonomous mobile robots) and autonomous forklifts across multiple real-world-like scenarios. 

The platform helps companies build robots that are better prepared for complex, dynamic environments by providing automated testing capabilities that reduce both time and costs compared to traditional physical testing methods.”

It also claims to support multi-robot deployment testing through scalable cloud infrastructure and integrates seamlessly with existing robotics workflows. AuraML aims to reduce what typically takes 6 months and $500K into 1 week at a fraction of the cost while maintaining safety and real-world applicability.  

Besides, its generative platform, AuraSIM transforms simple text prompts into sensor-rich, physically accurate 3D environments. 

India’s Deeptech Leap

Over two months back, Union minister Piyush Goyal criticised the nature of startups being launched in India compared to those in China, urging Indian startups to re-evaluate their purpose.

His remarks sparked debate within the startup community, with some defending the economic contributions of consumer-focused businesses and others acknowledging the necessity for increased investment and support in deeptech initiatives.

Notably, it also gave a clear reminder to the entrepreneurs that there’s a gap in the country’s deeptech ecosystem. 

Meanwhile, MeitY Startup Hub has partnered with fintech unicorn Razorpay to foster deeptech and emerging tech startups across the country.

This also comes at a time when venture capital experts are launching specialised funds to support deeptech startups, recognising the sector’s potential despite its long development cycles. Former 100X.VC partners Shashank Randev and Yagnesh Sanghrajka have together launched VC firm 247VC and unveiled its first fund with a target corpus of INR 250 Cr ($30 Mn) last month. It will invest in high-potential founders across sectors with focus on four major themes – deeptech, enterprise tech, consumption and industry 5.0. 

Earlier this year, deeptech startup Probus Smart Things secured $5 Mn in a Series A1 round led by Unicorn India Ventures, with participation from US-based and Indian family offices.