Malaysia-based robotics firm DF Automation & Robotics (DF Auto) has successfully secured an impressive $1.85 million in fresh funds aimed at accelerating its ambitious expansion plans within the region.
This investment round is spearheaded by Vynn Capital, a Malaysia-based investment firm, through its specialized mobility and supply chain fund, which boasts backing from notable investors including KWAP, Sime Darby Berhad, MAVCAP, along with several strategic limited partners, as announced in a statement from the company on Friday.
The funding round also saw participation from the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC), marking its second investment in DF Auto, alongside new entrant Leave a Nest Capital from Japan, and individual investors engaging through an equity crowdfunding platform.
According to the company’s statement, DF Auto’s clientele now spans across multiple countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Ireland, and Malta, reflecting its global ambitions.
Dr Yeong Che Fai, the Co-Founder and CEO of DF Auto, expressed enthusiasm about the new funding, stating, “This investment will momentously support our business growth and expansion. Additionally, the strategic collaboration with our investment partners will enable us to leverage their extensive expertise in finance, business growth, and customer networking for the growth of DF Auto.”
Founded in 2012 by three visionary engineers who met at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)—Dr Yeong Che Fai, Ricky Yap Wee Yang, and Tan Ping Hua—DF Auto emerged with a mission to tackle the escalating labor costs faced by the region’s vibrant manufacturing sector through innovative robotic automation solutions.
As a proudly Malaysian startup, DF Auto has developed cutting-edge capabilities in the design and manufacture of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) tailored for various industries.
An AMR is a highly adaptive mobile robot capable of navigating accurately and autonomously from one point to another. This advanced technology is particularly beneficial for automating intralogistics, aligning with the ongoing transformation towards smart factory operations.
Additional advantages of incorporating AMRs include not only a significant reduction in labor dependency but also marked increases in operational efficiency and safety, particularly in automating tasks that involve heavy and repetitive loads that could pose risks to human workers.
DF Auto showcases several series of AMR models—including Zalpha, Zetha, Zamma, Titan, and Zoei—each engineered to cater to specific loads, purposes, and operational capabilities. The startup is proud to have secured a distinguished clientele, primarily comprising multinational corporations (MNCs) across key global sectors.
These sectors encompass semiconductor manufacturing, automotive, electronics and electrical (E&E), food and beverage (F&B), aerospace, and healthcare services, highlighting the versatility and demand for DF Auto’s robots, which are exported to multiple countries.
According to Statista Market Insights, the global industrial robot sector is projected to generate a staggering $11.4 billion in revenue by 2029. In an industry characterized by fragmentation, where smaller manufacturers captured half of the global industrial robotics market revenue in 2022, DF Auto is optimistic about securing a meaningful market share in the coming years.
DF Auto has built a solid reputation for pioneering advanced technologies as well as delivering customized solutions tailored to the unique needs of its clients.
Among its notable projects is Mak Cik Kiah 19 (MCK19), which played a crucial role in distributing essential medicines and food to COVID patients’ rooms. Recently, the company launched Zoei, an innovative AMR that boasts omnidirectional navigation capabilities, enabling it to move seamlessly in any direction across a 2-dimensional plane, thus enhancing operational speed and safety. Moreover, DF Auto supports its extensive robot range with in-house operating systems such as Navigation Wizard (NavWiz), and DFleet, coupled with comprehensive maintenance support, creating a user-friendly ecosystem for a diverse global clientele.
Victor Chua, the Founding & Managing Partner at Vynn Capital, elaborated on their investment philosophy, stating, “As a venture capital firm, we stand behind great founders who are able to observe long-term opportunities and be able to build meaningful products that are customer-centric. We believe the team in DF Auto is ready to bring the business to the next level, and hence Vynn Capital is ready to support the team with the ecosystem that we have built.”
JIA Asset Management joins Vynn Capital Progression Fund as limited partner
What are the key industries where DF Automation & Robotics’ autonomous mobile robots are making an impact?
**Interview with Dr. Yeong Che Fai, Co-Founder and CEO of DF Automation & Robotics (DF Auto)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Yeong. Congratulations on securing $1.85 million in funding. Can you share what this investment means for DF Auto and your expansion plans?
**Dr. Yeong:** Thank you for having me! This funding is a pivotal moment for DF Auto. It will significantly bolster our business growth and expansion efforts across the region. With the support of our investment partners, we aim to leverage their expertise in finance and networking to strengthen our market position and accelerate our development of innovative robotic solutions.
**Editor:** That’s exciting to hear! Could you elaborate on the role of your investors, particularly Vynn Capital and the involvement of the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation?
**Dr. Yeong:** Vynn Capital’s specialized mobility and supply chain fund brings invaluable expertise and a network. Their backing enhances our credibility and opens doors to new opportunities. The Malaysian Technology Development Corporation’s continued investment demonstrates trust in our vision, while new partners like Leave a Nest Capital from Japan bring additional international perspectives, which is crucial for our global aspirations.
**Editor:** DF Auto has made quite an impact since its founding in 2012. What challenges did you face in your journey, particularly in the context of the Malaysian manufacturing sector?
**Dr. Yeong:** The primary challenge has been addressing the rising labor costs within our vibrant manufacturing sector. We recognized the need for robotic automation, allowing businesses to enhance efficiency and reduce human dependency on repetitive tasks. Our focus on developing advanced autonomous mobile robots has positioned us well to meet these challenges.
**Editor:** Speaking of your robots, can you tell us about some of the applications of your AMRs in various industries?
**Dr. Yeong:** Certainly! Our autonomous mobile robots cater to a wide array of sectors, including semiconductor manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, and food and beverage. For example, our robots efficiently handle heavy loads in semiconductor factories, improving overall productivity and safety by reducing the risk of worker injury in repetitive tasks.
**Editor:** Your clientele spans across multiple countries. How does that align with your global ambitions for DF Auto?
**Dr. Yeong:** We are proud to serve clients not just in Malaysia but also in Singapore, Thailand, and beyond. This diverse geographic presence underlines our commitment to expansion and showcases the versatility of our technology. Our goal is to solidify our position as a leader in robotic automation solutions globally, adapting our offerings to suit various market demands.
**Editor:** what’s next for DF Auto in the coming years?
**Dr. Yeong:** Our immediate focus will be on scaling our operations and advancing our R&D efforts to develop even more sophisticated automation solutions. We aim to expand our market presence, explore new strategic partnerships, and continually elevate the standards of robotics in the manufacturing sector. The future is promising and we’re excited to be at the forefront of this transformation!
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Yeong, for providing these insights into DF Auto’s journey and future. We wish you the best in your upcoming endeavors!
**Dr. Yeong:** Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing our vision and plans.