Ex-Uber CEO Travis Kalanick announces robotics startup ‘Atoms,’ targets automation for mining and logistics

Travis Kalanick, the co-founder of Uber, has officially unveiled his latest venture, a robotics startup named Atoms. This ambitious company aims to revolutionize automation across various industries, including mining, transportation, and food production. Atoms is seen as an evolution of Kalanick’s previous company, City Storage Systems, which operates the ghost kitchen platform CloudKitchens. The company's mission is to develop specialized robots designed for specific tasks, ultimately enhancing productivity in these sectors. The startup's focus is divided into three key areas. Atoms Food aims to innovate within the culinary industry, providing advanced technology and infrastructure to streamline kitchen operations, food production, and delivery services. Meanwhile, Atoms Mining is dedicated to boosting efficiency in mining endeavors by creating sophisticated robotics and automation tools. Lastly, Atoms Transport introduces a unique concept described as a “wheelbase for robots,” serving as a foundational mobility platform for various robotic systems, as detailed on their mission statement. Kalanick expressed his emotional departure from Uber in 2017, stating he was “heartbroken” due to pressure from investors, and he stepped down from the company’s board in 2019. Now, he’s returning to his passion for innovation, aiming to build atom-based machines driven by AI technology to tackle real-world challenges. Reports indicate that Uber might be providing significant support for Atoms, signaling a potential collaboration. In a recent appearance on the TBPN podcast, Kalanick shared insight into his vision, emphasizing the need to address real-world problems with the same systematic approach engineers use for software. He revealed that Atoms has been in stealth mode for eight years and boasts a workforce of thousands, positioning the company as a formidable player in the robotics landscape.