Q5D raises £2m for automated wiring robot
Q5D Technologies has raised £2m for the development of its automated wireless harness tools.
The funding for the UK startup comes from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund and includes £500,00 from UK fund Maven Equity Finance which also backed millimetre wave specialist Blu Wireless Technology.
The investment will enhance Q5D’s capacity to scale its 5-axis robotic platform which automates the complex process of adding wiring and electronics to 3D surfaces. This technology offers a faster, more efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional manual processes and is initially aimed at automotive and aerospace applications but can be used for consumer electronics as well. Earlier this year the company raised $3m from the venture arm of aerospace giant Lockheed Martin.
The funding will also support the delivery of initial HaaS (Hardware as a Service) contracts and expand Q5D’s Technology Assessment Centre in Portishead, which has become a hub for testing and refining the company’s solutions alongside clients.
The company recently shipped its CY10W robotic wire harness manufacturing platform to the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry and achieved CE marking!
CE marking is a major step forward for the gantry robot, designed with a large, rigid frame, and equipped with high-speed, high-accuracy motion components. Q5D developed the mainboard, firmware, and electrical systems to ensure seamless integration of a full suite of feedback and monitoring sensors with the motion components.
The delivery to MTC marks the first step towards a pilot production line. This will focus on factory integration, secure operation, and operator training. A key focus has been on simplifying the software design toolchain for wiring looms, ready for automated assembly. The CY10W will be part of a robot cell to demonstrate automated part loading and harness production.
Q5D says the platform has gained interest from major industry players, including several of the world’s largest wiring harness companies
“We are really pleased to be partnering with Maven and the South West Investment Fund, their advice and capital are helping us drive the company’s growth. Q5D is already attracting large number customers and growing the support and business development teams is critical,” said Stephen Bennington, CEO of Q5D Technologies.
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