Zero Zero Robotics, manufacturer of HOVERAir, reportedly reaches billion-dollar valuation
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TechNode
technode.com

Zero Zero Robotics, manufacturer of HOVERAir, reportedly reaches billion-dollar valuation

Zero Zero Robotics, a Chinese company that developed the HOVERAir aerial cameras, has reportedly reached a one-billion-dollar valuation during its latest funding round. The publication Leiphone reported this valuation on October 28 and also presented forecasts from sources close to the company, suggesting that fourth-quarter revenue could range from 600 to 700 million yuan.

This year, the company conducted Series D and D-plus funding rounds. Investors included Boyu Capital, Xiang He Capital, Delian Capital, and an affiliate of Ant Group. Zero Zero was founded in 2014 by Stanford University graduates who hold PhDs.

The company develops portable flying cameras capable of taking off directly from the user's palm and automatically tracking objects. The HOVERAir product line is designed for consumers who want aerial photography without the need for manual control of a traditional drone.

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Reliable Robotics raises $115 million to advance autonomous aviation
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ventureburn.com

Reliable Robotics raises $115 million to advance autonomous aviation

Reliable Robotics has secured $115 million in funding for the further development of autonomous aircraft technologies. The Mountain View-based company announced the funding on October 20th. This injection increases the Series D round total to $275 million and values the company at over one billion dollars.

Nimble Partners led this venture financing round as a repeat investor. Additionally, the round includes $90 million in equity capital and $25 million in a term loan from Silicon Valley Bank. New investors participating in the funding include Gideon Strategic Partners, Rock Creek, Geek Ventures, Gold Hill Capital, and Sparkwave Capital. Island Green Partners also invested again.

The company has now accumulated over $380 million in equity financing. Plans include expanding its fleet of aircraft and manufacturing capabilities. The funds will also be used to accelerate hiring engineers and advancing technological development. Crossing the billion-dollar valuation threshold is a significant achievement.

Reliable Robotics' core technology combines the Reliable Autonomy System with a proprietary radar. This system is designed to manage aircraft operations from gate to gate. Its capabilities include taxiing, takeoff, flight control, and landing.

The technology aims to minimize serious risks in aviation, such as loss of control and controlled flight in rugged terrain. Safety is ensured through high-precision navigation, automated flight control systems, and support for four-dimensional flight planning.

Reliable is pursuing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for commercial operations on the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan. The first phase involves implementing a continuous autopilot system. CEO Robert Rose expects to receive this certification within 18–24 months.

A later phase will allow pilots to operate aircraft from ground control stations. Rose forecasts that approval for this stage will take at least three years. Furthermore, the company is developing a solid-state radar intended to improve collision detection, and Rose anticipates radar certification by the end of 2027.

Reliable Robotics is exploring opportunities in both commercial and military aviation. The company has secured contracts with several US Armed Forces units and completed several flightworthiness verification processes for military purposes with the USAF. The company's participation in the FAA's Air Mobility Pilot Project supports pre-certification operations. These flights will involve cargo delivery to small towns in New Mexico and Colorado. The program allows for demonstrating the technology in real operational conditions.

These activities provide practical experience alongside certification efforts. The company's technology is designed for use on existing aircraft, not for creating entirely new airframes. This approach may lower barriers to technology adoption if regulators approve commercial use.

John Warburg, founder of Nimble Partners, noted that the potential extends beyond creating a single autonomous aircraft. He believes this technology could ultimately support various types of aircraft. However, widespread adoption will depend on certification results and operational reliability.

The new funding will be directed toward accelerating the company's growth phase. Reliable Robotics has opened new offices in Seattle, Washington, and San Diego, California, while maintaining operations in Mountain View, San Martin, and Albuquerque. The company currently employs over 250 people and will continue to hire staff in the engineering department, as well as opening a radar center of excellence in Seattle. Moreover, increased production capacity will allow the company to meet its growing aircraft order book.

Although certification timelines may affect the pace of commercial deployment and revenue generation, the expanded funding provides additional resources for engineering and operational development.

Cost and Potential Profit from Renting Mickey Mouse Air Bouncers
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www.aajtak.in

Cost and Potential Profit from Renting Mickey Mouse Air Bouncers

Bright, air-inflated Mickey Mouse swings can often be seen at fairs. Children greatly enjoy playing on these swings. A fee of 100–150 rupees is charged for 10 minutes of play for children. This creates an opportunity to earn money for those who set up such attractions. The advantage is that starting this business does not require a large area or a big store; one can start with a small or large attraction depending on available capital.

Similar swings are used not only at fairs but also at weddings, birthdays, school events, residential complex gatherings, and other celebrations. With a suitable location and good attendance, there is potential for income generation. Next, we examine the cost of Mickey Mouse air swings and the potential daily earnings.

Sanjay, the owner of a company selling swings on India Mart, reported that Mickey Mouse air swings are available in various sizes. Their cost varies depending on the design and size of the swings. According to the information, they are available in several options, including a compressor (blower) that continuously inflates the swings.

The price for 12x18 swings with a compressor is 52,000 rupees. Swings measuring 14x22 cost 85,000 rupees, and larger models measuring 18x26 will cost 115,000 rupees. The compressor ensures continuous inflation of the swings. Thus, one can consider purchasing a small or large attraction based on their budget and available space at the fair.

Approximately 52 thousand rupees will be needed to purchase small swings, 85 thousand for a medium size, and about 1.15 lakh for large ones. Before purchasing, it is important to ask the seller for information about the swing materials, the compressor, transportation and installation costs, and repair possibilities.

Nadim, who installs swings in Shastri Nagar park, noted that the income from this business depends on the number of children and the continuous operation of the swings. He explained the income calculation: if 100 rupees are charged per child for 10 minutes of play, and four children can be on the swings simultaneously, then one full round brings in 400 rupees.

According to Nadim's calculations, if children constantly arrive at the swings and all four spots are occupied, six rounds can be completed in one hour. In this case, the total hourly income can amount to 2,400 rupees. However, this income is only possible under the condition of continuous operation of the swings and the presence of four children in each round. If children arrive late or the swings are idle for some time, the income may decrease.

Based on the rate of 100 rupees per child for 10 minutes, if 200 children play in a day, the total income will be 20,000 rupees. With 300 children, the amount reaches 30,000 rupees, and with 400 children, it reaches 40,000 rupees. Nevertheless, to achieve such income, one must take into account the capacity of the swings and the operating time. Since four children participate in one round, and each round lasts 10 minutes, serving 200 children will require about 8 hours and 20 minutes of continuous operation, and for 400 children—about 16 hours and 40 minutes. Therefore, the figures provided represent potential income at the specified rates. Actual income will depend on the number of visitors at the fair, the duration of swing operation, and the number of rounds completed per day.

According to Nadim, not all income from the swings can be considered net profit because there are various expenses in this business that must be taken into account when calculating income. These expenses include the rental fee for the fair space, electricity payment for the compressor operation, costs for transporting and maintaining and repairing the swings.

For example, if the swings bring in 20,000 rupees in a day, and the total expenses for venue rental, electricity, transportation, and other necessary costs amount to 5,000 rupees, then 15,000 rupees will remain. However, this is just an approximate calculation. The actual amount remaining will depend on daily income and expenses.

Nadim also mentioned that Mickey Mouse swings are used not only at fairs but also in other places. Such swings can be installed to entertain children at weddings, birthdays, school events, and local celebrations. The methods of earning income at such events differ: sometimes money is charged for the children's playtime, and sometimes the organizer pays a fixed sum for the entire day of swing setup.

If you plan to start a business with Mickey Mouse swings, you should first study your budget and the demand for them in your region. When purchasing swings, be sure to check their strength, quality, the availability of an air blower machine, and safety systems. It is also important to monitor the process of children boarding and disembarking from the swings.

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