R3 Robotics, formerly known as Circu Li-ion, has successfully secured $23.6 million in combined financing to advance its industrial-scale automated disassembly platform. This significant capital injection, co-led by HG Ventures and Suma Capital, will fuel the company's expansion from battery recycling to dismantling complete electric vehicle systems. The rebranding reflects a broader mission focused on repair, reuse, and recycling, powered by advanced robotics to meet growing industrial demand.
Addressing an Industrial Bottleneck
As Europe's electric vehicle fleet expands, a growing volume of complex electrified components is reaching its end-of-life, creating a significant challenge. Traditional manual disassembly is labor-intensive, hazardous due to high voltages, and lacks the scalability required to process these systems efficiently. This operational bottleneck hinders the recovery of valuable materials and limits the potential of the circular economy for mobility.
A Strategic Shift Beyond Batteries
R3 Robotics is strategically expanding its focus from isolated battery packs to integrated electric vehicle systems, including e-drives and power electronics. This evolution acknowledges that value recovery and safety depend on addressing these components as a whole. CEO Antoine Welter stated the primary bottleneck is not recycling technology, but the ability to dismantle complex systems safely and cost-effectively at industrial scale.
Advanced Technology for a Complex Challenge
The company's platform leverages a sophisticated combination of artificial intelligence, computer vision, and specialized robotic tooling to automate the disassembly process. This technology minimizes human exposure to high-voltage risks and delivers the consistency necessary for continuous industrial operations. Former KUKA CEO Peter Mohnen noted that managing the variability and safety of such systems represents a major challenge that R3's approach is designed to solve.
Investor Confidence and Market Alignment
The $16.5 million Series A round, complemented by $7 million in grants, signals strong investor confidence in the company's vision. John Glushik of HG Ventures noted that R3 Robotics is addressing a critical industrial bottleneck in the supply of strategic raw materials. This investment aligns with European policies like the Critical Raw Materials Act and EU Battery Regulation, which mandate higher recycling efficiencies.
Natalia Ruiz, a Partner at Suma Capital, highlighted the company's scalable approach as a critical capability for the industry. The funding involves a consortium of prominent investors, including the European Innovation Council Fund, underscoring broad support for this mission. This backing is essential for transforming technical capabilities into the industrial infrastructure needed for a circular economy.
Scaling for European and Global Markets
The new capital will accelerate technology development and expand the company's team across engineering, AI, and operations. R3 Robotics will scale up its lighthouse industrial facility in Karlsruhe, Germany, which serves as a key reference site. The company is initially focusing on the strong automotive ecosystems in Germany and France while working with partners like Fortum Battery Recycling.
Looking ahead, the company is preparing for a strategic entry into the U.S. market, with a planned roll-out in 2026. This global expansion strategy aims to deploy its automated dismantling platforms with industrial recyclers and automotive partners worldwide. The financing enables R3 Robotics to increase capacity in its existing facilities to meet rising demand.
R3 Robotics' successful funding and strategic rebranding mark a pivotal moment for the circular electrification ecosystem in Europe and beyond. By pioneering automated disassembly for entire EV systems, the company is building the critical infrastructure needed for a resilient and sustainable supply chain. This investment accelerates the company's growth and reinforces its position as a key enabler of the next chapter in industrial recycling.