Apera AI Secures Series A Funding and Advances 4D Vision Technology
Apera AI Inc., based in Vancouver, B.C., has successfully closed an oversubscribed Series A financing round. The company, known for its 4D Vision system aimed at industrial automation, plans to use the new capital to boost team growth, enhance processes, and accelerate product development.
Sina Afrooze, founder and CEO, highlighted the significance of this phase: “Our 4D Vision technology addresses robotic automation challenges that were previously unsolvable by applying AI in real-world manufacturing environments. With this funding and a strong leadership team, we’re expanding our ability to support leading manufacturers worldwide.”
Enhancing Factory Productivity with Human-like Vision
Apera AI’s patented 4D Vision system equips robots with human-like vision and advanced AI capabilities. This combination increases the speed and accuracy of robotic operations, helping manufacturers—especially in the automotive sector—boost productivity, improve quality, and reduce costs.
How 4D Vision Tackles Complex Automation Tasks
The 4D Vision platform integrates 3D vision technology with AI, adding what the company calls the “fourth dimension” for precise, high-speed functions such as bin picking, de-racking, and complex assembly. Unlike traditional 3D vision systems, Apera AI’s solution adapts to real-world manufacturing variables like shifting bins, changing lighting, worn grippers, and intricate part shapes.
Peter Brouwer, senior vice president of global sales, emphasized the company’s commitment to partnership: “Manufacturers want partners that grow with them. With the right technology, expertise, and now capital, Apera AI is positioned to meet these needs.” He also announced plans to double the sales team and open a Detroit office to be closer to North America’s manufacturing hubs.
No-Code Tools to Simplify Factory Automation
To make advanced automation more accessible, Apera AI has introduced no-code setup tools, AI-driven calibration, and real-time diagnostics. These features reduce deployment times and boost operational reliability, allowing engineers to focus on production rather than machine learning details.
Genèse Castonguay, vice president of marketing, noted, “AI is most effective when it works behind the scenes. Our goal is to make vision-guided robotic automation straightforward for manufacturers.”
Recently, Apera AI launched Apera Vue 9.50, an updated controller software that includes recording and playback functions alongside an accuracy insight tool. This update helps customers maintain precision despite common factory-floor challenges like shifted bins or hardware calibration drift.
Strong Support from Investors Including BDC Capital
The Series A round featured significant participation from BDC Capital, Canada’s active venture capital investor, alongside existing backers such as Lobby Capital, Flying Fish Ventures, and J-Ventures.
Aditya Aggarwal, managing partner at BDC Capital’s Industrial Innovation Venture Fund, remarked on the importance of investments in industrial technology: “4D Vision represents a key innovation for vision-guided robotics and industrial automation.”
He added that many leading automotive manufacturers and global industrial companies already rely on Apera AI’s technology, expressing enthusiasm about supporting the company’s growth as a Canadian leader.
Buddy Arnheim of Lobby Capital called the funding milestone a major step forward, noting Apera AI’s role in setting a new standard for robotic vision in practical manufacturing environments.
Expanding the Executive Team to Support Growth
As demand for robotic automation rises, Apera AI’s revenue has tripled year over year. Its customer base includes all six major North American automotive OEMs, numerous Tier 1 suppliers, and over 100 manufacturers globally.
The company has strengthened its leadership by appointing new executives:
- Peter Brouwer, Senior Vice President of Global Sales
- Genèse Castonguay, Vice President of Marketing
- Joseph Lee, Chief Financial Officer, bringing certified accounting expertise
- Robert St-Jacques, Vice President of People, with extensive experience in scaling tech firms
With teams across North America and Europe, Apera AI provides engineering support, dependable deployments, and measurable returns on investment. Their partner-focused approach ensures each deployment aligns with production objectives and delivers lasting value.
For professionals interested in how AI and automation are reshaping industrial operations, exploring educational resources on AI tools and automation can provide further insights. One such resource is Complete AI Training's automation courses, offering practical knowledge for applying AI in manufacturing and beyond.
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