The UK robotics landscape is witnessing an exciting shift, spearheaded by a driven 27-year-old entrepreneur. Silas Adekunle, the visionary behind Reach Robotics, is setting the stage for groundbreaking advancements in consumer robotics and augmented reality.
Recently, Reach Robotics celebrated two significant milestones: a strategic distribution deal with Apple and the successful acquisition of nearly £6 million in funding. The company’s flagship product, MekaMon, has garnered attention and praise for its innovative design and capabilities.
Pioneering Beginnings
Silas Adekunle, founder and CEO of Reach Robotics, has always had a passion for science and engineering. Born in Lagos, he moved to the UK at the age of 11 and soon immersed himself in the world of robotics. His early fascination led him to create a rudimentary robot powered by a motor and batteries.
Adekunle’s journey in robotics continued through after-school clubs and university, where he eventually launched Reach Robotics. With the help of co-founders Chris Beck and John Rees, Adekunle dedicated himself to developing MekaMon, the world’s first intelligent gaming robot. This creation made headlines globally upon its launch in November 2017.
Milestones Achieved
In the past year, Reach Robotics has celebrated the launch of MekaMon V2 and secured a vital distribution deal with Amazon. This follows their earlier success with Apple, which significantly boosted their market presence.
The substantial £5.8 million investment allowed the company to plan for future growth. Adekunle emphasises the importance of making their product more accessible, with a portion of the funds earmarked for research and development to reduce costs.
Additionally, Reach Robotics is exploring new directions and product categories, with an eye on expanding their influence in various industries. Education remains a significant market, but the company is discreet about its next steps.
Strategic Leadership and Growth
Since its inception five years ago, Reach Robotics has grown substantially, with a 129% increase in overall growth. Adekunle’s ability to attract top talent has been pivotal in the company’s success.
Key appointments include Dr Jonathan Quinn from Cardiff University to lead the games team and CFO Philip Green, who brings experience from Deliveroo and Amazon. Marketing director James Honeywell, with 21 years at Nintendo, and computer vision engineer Ian Hales from Boeing, also joined the team.
These strategic hires have fortified the company’s foundation, enabling it to push the boundaries of consumer robotics and augmented reality further.
The MekaMon Phenomenon
MekaMon Berserker, the flagship product, achieved significant acclaim upon its release. Apple featured it prominently in their Christmas 2017 product push, signalling its high potential.
The second iteration, MekaMon Berserker V2, is now available on Amazon and in major European department stores like Selfridges and Harrods. This version boasts improvements including a complete overhaul of the app and gaming experience, as well as enhanced durability and expressiveness.
These advancements underscore the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative products that captivate and engage users.
Future Aspirations
Silas Adekunle envisions a bright future for Reach Robotics, aiming to become the leading consumer robotics company worldwide. Despite the competitive landscape, he remains optimistic and driven.
Adekunle believes that the key to reaching this goal lies in continuous innovation and adapting to emerging technologies and market demands.
He is determined to break new ground and expand the company’s footprint, ensuring that Reach Robotics stays at the forefront of the robotics industry.
Challenges and Opportunities
As with any pioneering endeavour, Reach Robotics faces its share of challenges. Scaling production, managing costs, and staying ahead of technological trends are constant concerns.
However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and improvement. By investing in research and development and leveraging strategic partnerships, the company is well-positioned to overcome these obstacles.
A Community of Innovators
Reach Robotics is not just a company; it’s a community of innovators and forward-thinkers. The team’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in robotics is evident in every product they develop.
The journey of Reach Robotics, under Silas Adekunle’s leadership, exemplifies the spirit of innovation and determination. With strategic milestones achieved and a clear vision for the future, the company is poised to redefine the consumer robotics landscape.
As they continue to innovate and expand, the potential for Reach Robotics seems limitless. Their commitment to excellence and adaptability will undoubtedly drive them to new heights in the years to come.
