OpenAI Veteran Launches Factory Automation Startup With $232M

SAN FRANCISCO -- Arda Industries, co-founded by former OpenAI chief research officer Bob McGrew, has emerged from stealth with $232 million in total funding to develop artificial intelligence software that helps manufacturers adapt assembly lines to changing product designs.

The company announced Oct. 20 that it raised $160 million in a Series A round at a $1.5 billion valuation. Altimeter, Accel and Khosla Ventures co-led the financing, following a $72 million seed round backed by Accel, Founders Fund and other investors.

Arda's software uses AI agents to analyze computer-aided design files and other engineering documents, determine assembly sequences and generate work instructions for factory employees.

The company says its technology reduces the time engineers spend preparing production lines and updating manufacturing processes when product designs change.

Anduril Industries, a defense technology manufacturer, was Arda's first design partner and customer. Its manufacturing software, ArsenalOS, incorporates Arda's technology, according to the startup.

Arda's longer-term plan is to develop AI models that allow robotic assembly lines to adapt to new product designs without extensive manual reprogramming.

That capability remains a development goal rather than an established commercial product. Arda's current offering focuses on manufacturing engineering and production planning.

McGrew previously led research at OpenAI, leaving in 2024. His co-founders include Augustus Odena, who previously worked at Adept, and former Palantir engineers Alex Mark and Jakob Frick.

The company plans to use the financing to expand its research and engineering teams, work with additional manufacturers and develop AI models for robotic assembly.

Arda has not announced a timetable for releasing its robotic automation technology or disclosed performance results from a fully automated assembly line using its system.