Kinetic Automation Aims to Drive Down EV Repair Costs with Robotic Tech
As the adoption of electric vehicles continues to rise, concerns about the cost of ownership are growing, particularly in regards to repairs. A new startup, Kinetic Automation, is aiming to address this issue by leveraging robotics and artificial intelligence to streamline the diagnosis and recalibration of complex systems in modern vehicles, especially EVs.
Key Takeaways:
- EV repair costs are high: The advanced technology and extensive software in modern EVs can lead to costly and time-consuming repairs.
- Kinetic’s solution: The company has developed a robotic system that uses computer vision and machine learning to quickly diagnose and fix issues with a vehicle’s digital systems.
- Faster and cheaper repairs: Kinetic’s technology helps collision repair centers and dealerships reduce repair time, leading to faster turnaround for customers and lower overall costs.
- Significant funding: Kinetic raised $21 million in Series B funding, demonstrating investor confidence in the company’s potential to disrupt the automotive repair industry.
- Growth potential: The company plans to expand its service hubs across the U.S., catering to the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road and eventually targeting autonomous vehicle fleets.
Kinetic Automation, a California-based startup, has developed a unique solution to the challenges of repairing modern vehicles, especially EVs. The company utilizes robotic systems and machine-learning software to quickly and accurately diagnose issues with complex digital systems, such as those found in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment systems, and battery control units.
"We are essentially building the next generation of automotive repair," said Nikhil Naikal, CEO and co-founder of Kinetic Automation. "Traditional methods are simply too slow and expensive for the sophisticated vehicles of today."
Kinetic’s approach involves using computer vision sensors to scan the entire vehicle, identifying components that require calibration or repair. The software then automatically initiates and tracks the necessary fixes, streamlining the repair process and reducing reliance on manual labor.
"Kinetic has helped us cut down our repair times by days," said a collision repair shop owner who participated in Kinetic’s pilot program. "We are getting cars back to our customers faster and cheaper, and it’s made our technicians’ jobs much easier."
The company is currently operating several service hubs in California and Nevada, and plans to expand its network across the U.S. Kinetic is also exploring opportunities to serve robotaxi fleets and other autonomous vehicle operators as the industry grows.
The need for efficient and affordable EV repair solutions is becoming increasingly critical as the EV market continues to expand. Kinetic’s innovative approach, combined with its strong investor support, positions the company as a key player in driving down the cost of EV ownership and accelerating the transition to a sustainable transportation future.
