Bristol's Perceptual Robotics brings in Susten as investor as it eyes global expansion
Bristol-based Perceptual Robotics, which has developed a drone and technology to inspect wind turbine blades, has completed its latest and largest funding round and brought in sustainable energy focused Susten as an investor.
It means the company will be able to continue to expand globally and create more product lines.
READ MORE: Bristol’s Perceptual Robotics sets eyes on expansion following largest investment so far
The firm's unpiloted Dhalion drone, combined with AI-driven processing, can detect damage such as erosion and cracks in wind turbine blades.
The innovative solution is already commercially deployed in a growing number of geographies as it offers clients the ability to reduce the cost of repairs and increase production.
Alongside the funding, Chrys Vakla, the deputy CEO of Susten, has joined the Perceptual Robotics board as a director.
Her experience and industry understanding will support the company's technological advances.
"After a deep dive into robotic services in the renewable sector by Susten, we identified Perceptual Robotics as the leading company due to its advanced technology and an exceptionally skilled and motivated team. I am delighted to join the Board at Perceptual Robotics and I am confident that together we will continue to grow," she said.
Kostas Karachalios, CEO of Perceptual Robotics, added: "We are delighted to bring Susten onboard, which will further enhance our work, allowing us to continue to grow as a business.
"The investment will enhance our company’s aims by further expanding our talented team and support with our expansion into new markets."
This latest investment completes the latest round of funding secured by Perceptual Robotics earlier this year, which was led by One Planet Capital with the participation of a consortium of international investors such as Metavallon VC, TSP Ventures, Brookstreet Equity Partners and Lstone Capital.
The investments have enabled Perceptual Robotics to begin expanding into Southeast Asia, North and South America as well as growing its global team.
Founded in Bristol in 2016, Perceptual Robotics emerged from the University of Bristol and with venture capital backing, began commercialisation in 2019.
In 2022, it started operations outside the UK and Greece, moving into Spain and the rest of Europe.
Earlier this week, it emerged that the UK government would relax planning rules for new onshore wind farms. The changes, which came into effect immediately, scrap a previous rule that allowed just one objection to stand in the way of a new development.
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