California-based Machina Labs develops software-defined manufacturing systems that use robotics and artificial intelligence to produce sheet metal components without conventional tooling.
Founded in 2019, the company focuses on aerospace, defense, and advanced mobility applications.
In a previous Parola News article, we explored how Agility Robotics is applying humanoid robots to automate material handling in industrial environments. Machina Labs represents another approach to manufacturing automation, using AI-powered robotic systems to form, trim, and fabricate metal components through software-defined production.
Expanding manufacturing capacity
In February 2026, the company announced a $124 million Series C funding round. Notable investors include Woven Capital, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Balerion Space Ventures, and Strategic Development Fund (SDF)
The funding will support the expansion of the company’s manufacturing infrastructure, including the construction of a 200,000-square-foot Intelligent Factory capable of housing up to 50 robotic manufacturing cells. Once operational, the facility is expected to produce thousands of complex assemblies annually for defense and advanced mobility customers.
Software-defined manufacturing vision
Machina Labs replaces traditional, single-purpose molds with flexible robotics controlled by artificial intelligence. CEO Edward Mehr emphasizes that modern reindustrialization relies on pairing AI with agile physical hardware. Rather than retooling an entire assembly line for new designs, Machina Labs operates software-defined “elastic factories.” By using advanced AI models for real-time simulation and trajectory planning, standard robotic arms adapt dynamically to different manufacturing tasks purely through software updates.
Machina Labs’ RoboCraftsman platform
At the core of Machina Labs’ technology is the RoboCraftsman, an AI-powered platform that executes a dieless sheet metal forming process called RoboForming.
The system uses dual 7-axis industrial robotic arms working synchronously on opposing sides of a metal sheet. Guided by machine learning algorithms, the system calculates toolpaths in real time, applies exact localized force, and dynamically calculates material spring-back. This setup consolidates forming, trimming, scanning, and drilling into a single continuous digital workflow.
Machina Labs has also demonstrated the platform’s potential for defense manufacturing through its defense division, Machina Bellator. The company secured a qualification contract from Lockheed Martin to manufacture components of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) program. Using a combination of RoboForming and automated laser welding, the platform successfully produced flight-ready structural assemblies, demonstrating the platform’s application in aerospace and defense manufacturing.
Machina Labs’ Patenting Activity
Currently, Machina only has nine active US patents and patent applications, and can be grouped into their patent families listed below. While small in number, these assets solidify Machina Labs’ business model and distinct competitive advantage in AI-driven digital manufacturing space.
| Publication Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
| US11865716 | Part forming using intelligent robotic system | 2021-01-06 | 2022-01-06 |
| US12686133 | Roller tool for part forming | 2023-10-31 | 2024-10-30 |
| US20250135606 | Mechanical clamp with compressible link | 2023-10-31 | 2024-10-30 |
Two years after its founding, Machina Labs emerged from stealth with $16.3 million in Series A funding, launching its commercial manufacturing platform and accelerating the integration of robotics, AI, and proprietary software to automate metal fabrication.
In 2023, Machina Labs expanded its manufacturing capabilities after securing a $1.6 million U.S. Air Force contract to develop robotic tooling for high-rate composite manufacturing. That same year, the company raised $32 million in Series B funding to scale its AI-driven manufacturing platform across the aerospace, defense, and satellite industries. Since then, Machina Labs has further strengthened its defense presence through a partnership with the U.S. Air Force’s Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, enabling on-premise production of legacy aircraft parts to reduce supply chain bottlenecks and accelerate maintenance operations.
Machina Labs: Top Technology Areas
About 44% of Machina Labs’ filings fall under the B25J classification, which relates to manipulators and chambers provided with manipulation devices. This reflects the company’s emphasis on using robotic manipulators and automated devices to drive its manufacturing processes. Around 33% of filings are classified under B25B, indicating a focus on tools or bench devices for fastening, connecting, disengaging, or holding that support its production platform.
Other significant technologies include details, components, or accessories for machine tools (B23Q) and machines, devices, or processes for grinding or polishing (B24B). These assets boost the platform’s hardware capabilities to support its advanced manufacturing solutions.
Safeguarding software-defined robotics
The technologies powering the RoboCraftsman platform, including multi-process robotic cells and dynamic closed-loop feedback systems, are supported by a growing patent portfolio. Examining these key patents reveals how Machina Labs protects its innovations in automated metal fabrication while strengthening its competitive position in the aerospace and defense markets.
Integrating machine learning and robotics in digital manufacturing
U.S. Patent No. 11,865,716 describes an intelligent robotic system that uses closed-loop monitoring, AI-based trajectory planning, and automated tool-changing to provide personalized, real-time fabrication of sheet metal parts without the need for fixed molds.
Currently, manufacturers rely on traditional stamping presses or generic fabrication resources that lack continuous, real-time material feedback, making it difficult to ensure accurate geometry and rapid design iteration without high tooling costs. This limits flexibility and reduces the speed of scaling new hardware designs.
The disclosed system addresses these gaps by enabling AI models to review part performance through captured sensor data, predict material spring-back using simulation-based calculations, and deliver targeted force via robotic end effectors. In addition, synchronized dual robotic arms guide correct deformation in real time, while integrated multi-process capabilities, like trimming and scanning, enhance operational flexibility and improve ongoing part-forming outcomes.
The patent, titled “Part forming using intelligent robotic system,” lists Edward Mehr as its sole inventor. It was filed on January 6, 2022 and was granted on January 9, 2024, with Fenwick & West LLP serving as the legal representative.
Enhancing adaptability in robotic metal forming
U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2025/0135653 describes an adaptive roller tool for a robotic arm that uses a self-adjusting socket and fluid cooling channels to optimize surface contact and pressure during dieless sheet metal forming.
The existing robotic metal forming systems rely on standard rigid tools or styluses that lack dynamic pressure distribution, making it difficult to maintain consistent contact over complex geometries without causing material fatigue or excessive tool wear. This limits the lifespan of the end-effectors and can lead to surface imperfections on the manufactured parts.
The invention solves these challenges by using a roller tool equipped with a ball housed inside a support socket. When the robotic arm presses the ball against the sheet metal beyond a specific threshold pressure, the socket strategically deforms to increase the contact area, reducing concentrated stress. In addition, integrated channels within the support carry fluids toward or away from the ball to manage temperature, while the robotic arm maintains consistent force along the material’s surface to form the desired geometry.
The patent application, titled “Roller tool for part forming,” was filed on October 30, 2024 and was published on May 1, 2025. The application lists Aaron David Keit, James George Selin, Kyle Hickey, and Mark Anders as the inventors.
Mobilizing automated manufacturing with deployable robotics
U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2025/0135664 describes a deployable robotic part-forming system featuring a folding frame structure that collapses into standard shipping container dimensions and expands into an operational robotic manufacturing cell.
Manufacturers rely on traditional stamping presses or heavy automated machinery that require permanent facility installations and massive investments in infrastructure. This limits the ability to quickly establish manufacturing capabilities in remote locations or rapidly scale production in response to sudden supply chain demands.
These gaps are solved by enabling a set of interconnected frames to fold into an intermodal freight shipping container footprint for easy transport. Upon arriving at a site, the frames unfold to deploy a complete robotic part-forming system. In addition, the integrated robotic arm and actuator system allow for immediate, precision-controlled sheet metal fabrication, enhancing operational flexibility and allowing manufacturers to establish “elastic factories” on-demand.
The patent application, titled “Deployable robotic system,’ lists Kyle Hickey and Edward Mehr as the inventors. It was filed on October 30, 2024 and was published on May 1, 2025.