Dash Robotics
About
About Dash Robotics
Dash Robotics developed lightweight multi-legged robots from folded laminate structures that could be manufactured flat and assembled into a working mechanism. Kamigami translated that approach into a consumer kit: users folded and snapped together the body, then drove the six-legged robot through a mobile application. Infrared sensing, an accelerometer and a gyroscope supported racing, obstacle interaction and programmable behaviours without the cost or mass of a conventional rigid chassis.
The company expanded the software layer after acquiring Bots Alive in 2017. A phone or tablet camera observed the play area, tracked connected toys and environmental markers, and supplied the computer-vision input used to generate more autonomous, character-like behaviour. Mattel commercialised Kamigami as a build-it-yourself toy line. Dash therefore combined pop-up mechanical fabrication, app-connected locomotion and camera-based autonomy running through a consumer mobile device.
Funding
- 2015-04-23 - Seed - $1.4M - Dash Robotics secures USD 1.4 million seed round
Dash Robotics secured USD 1.4 million in seed financing led by IronFire Capital to commercialise its low-cost bio-inspired robot platform. - source: prnewswire.com
Investors
- IronFire Capital - Lead - VC - 1 funding event - first seen 2015-04-23
Team
- Nick Kohut - Co-founder and CEO
Timeline
Events
- 2017-11-16 - Acquisition - Dash Robotics acquires Bots Alive
Bots Alive used smartphone cameras to track play environments and coordinate multiple Bluetooth-connected robots. Dash integrated the acquired AI and perception capabilities into its DashConnect development platform. The deal followed the Mattel-backed Kamigami retail launch and expanded Dash from robot motion into connected-toy behaviour software.
Source - 2017-10-12 - Product Launch - Dash Robotics and Mattel launch Kamigami at national retailers
The collaboration brought eight insect-inspired Kamigami variants to national retail at a USD 49.99 launch price. Children assembled the foldable robots and used an app to drive, race and programme behaviours. The release converted Dash's biomimetic robot technology into a mass-market STEM toy platform under Mattel distribution.
Source - 2015-10-20 - Product Launch - Dash Robotics unveils first Kamigami robot line
Kamigami used foldable composite construction and insect-inspired movement in an app-controlled robot kit. Dash positioned the platform for games including racing, sumo and autonomous interaction. The company planned direct and Amazon availability in 2016 after introducing the line in October 2015.
Source - 2015-04-23 - Funding - Dash Robotics secures USD 1.4 million seed round
IronFire Capital led the seed round for the maker of foldable, animal-inspired robots. Dash planned to use the capital for a consumer-market launch and an education pilot programme. The financing followed a 2014 beta robot-kit crowdfunding campaign that sold out in less than two weeks.
Source
Relations
Relationships
- Mattel
Commercial Partner - Dash Robotics partnered with Mattel to launch Kamigami through national retailers.
- Bots Alive
Acquired Company - Dash Robotics acquired Bots Alive to add computer vision and AI behaviours to DashConnect.