Realtime Robotics
Component
Motion-planning software that automates robot paths and interlocks for multi-robot workcells.
Realtime Robotics sells software that automates industrial robot programming: Resolver, a cloud service that ingests workcell CAD and process points and generates cycle-time-optimised motion paths, interlocks and per-robot task allocation across 20+ neighbouring robots, and the RapidPlan/RapidSense runtime stack for collision-free robot motion. The company's origin is a specialised motion-planning processor spun out of Duke University research into real-time planning. Resolver users report roughly 50% reduction in engineering effort and faster cycle times; Mercedes-Benz, Schaeffler, FFT and Valiant TMS appear as named users, and the software is OEM-agnostic across FANUC, Mitsubishi Electric, Universal Robots, ABB, Kawasaki and Nachi. Mitsubishi Electric led its Series B; Kevin Carlin is CEO with co-founder Peter Howard as chairman (effort-savings figures are customer-reported).
Research mapping
Physical AI / Manufacturing, EMS & Industrial Automation (L4) / Component
Evidence boundary
Original analysis and independent corroboration remain under development. Commercial scale and durable technical advantage remain under review.
What makes it defensible
Industrial motion planning solved as computation - paths and interlocks that take experts ~30 hours per iteration are generated in minutes, which is what lets a cell pack more robots into less space safely.
Position in the stack: Software layer above robot arms, sold to robot OEMs, integrators and manufacturers without caring whose arm it drives; the moat is the planning solver plus deep simulation-tool integrations (Visual Components, MELSOFT Gemini).
Who buys it
Named customers: Mercedes-Benz, Schaeffler, FFT, Valiant TMS
Founding team
George Konidaris — Co-founder — Duke professor who launched the project to build a motion-planning processor that generates motion plans in real time; co-founded Realtime Robotics with Dan Sorin.
Dan Sorin — Co-founder — Duke professor who co-founded Realtime Robotics with George Konidaris, building the specialised real-time motion-planning processor.
Peter Howard — Co-founder, Chairman & CFO — Has founded and grown four previous companies, leading two to IPO, one to strategic sale and one to a major technology licence; served as Realtime's CEO before handing the role to Kevin Carlin and moving to chairman.
SourceFinancing detail
- Last round
- Series B (Mitsubishi Electric-led, 2024)
Investors: Mitsubishi Electric, OMRON, Toyota Ventures, Hyundai, Shinhan Financial Group, Sony Innovation Fund
Mapped funds and investors
Direct relationships supported by published evidence.
Reported holdings as-of
No sourced relationships mapped yet.
Disclosed investment history
No sourced relationships mapped yet.
Showing up to four relationships in each group. ETF weights describe the fund’s portfolio, not ownership of this company. Private investment history does not establish current ownership.
Evidence & media
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Realtime Robotics gets Series B funding from Mitsubishi Electric
What this source supports: The Robot Report: Realtime Robotics raised a Mitsubishi Electric-led Series B.
What it does not establish: No valuation or customer revenue.
Source -
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Leads Series B Investment in Realtime Robotics
What this source supports: Automation.com corroborates the Mitsubishi-led Series B.
What it does not establish: No financial terms.
Source -
Mitsubishi Electric invests further in Realtime Robotics
What this source supports: ProcessOnline reports Mitsubishi Electric invested further in Realtime Robotics.
What it does not establish: No valuation, terms, or customer revenue.
Source -
Realtime Robotics Names Kevin Carlin Chief Executive Officer to Lead Company's Next Phase of Growth
What this source supports: BUSINESS WIRE (BOSTON, August 13, 2026): Kevin Carlin appointed CEO effective immediately, succeeding co-founder Peter Howard who becomes non-executive Chairman; framed around Resolver adoption among global automotive OEMs.
What it does not establish: No reason given for the transition; no financial or customer metrics.
Source -
Realtime Robotics Appoints Kevin Carlin as CEO to Drive Next Phase of AI-Powered Industrial Automation
What this source supports: Robotics Business News (14 August 2026): independent confirmation of the CEO appointment and of Peter Howard moving to non-executive chairman; notes accelerating Resolver adoption and expansion into complex manufacturing markets.
What it does not establish: Restates the company release; no independent interview or verification of adoption claims.
Source