UK – Cambridge Mechatronics, a Cambridge, UK-based company which specializes in the design and control of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuators, raised over $40M in funding.
The round was led by Atlantic Bridge. Intel Capital and Supernova acted as co-leads with participation from Sony Innovation Fund.The company intends to use the funds to enable rapid expansion of its actuator and controller IC product portfolios. Cambridge Mechatronics specializes in the design and control of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuators, which uses SMA wire that can be controlled to sub-micron accuracy and are particularly suited to applications requiring fast motion, high precision and high force levels, in a compact and lightweight design. SMA actuators generate a high force-to-mass ratio, performing precision movements of camera components to achieve autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilisation (OIS), in a more compact and lightweight design. Compared to incumbent voice coil motor technology, SMA is free of electromagnetic interference. CML’s new SMA Variable Aperture provides continuous aperture control in a form-factor significantly smaller than the industry standard. The patented Zero Hold Power technology holds components such as the aperture in place during image capture whilst consuming no power.Its technology has shipped in over 70 million products to date, including several of the world’s top-ranking smartphone cameras, according to industry experts DXOMARK. CML has over 700 patents pending and granted.Commenting on the round, Jörgen Lantto, Chairman of Cambridge Mechatronics, said: “We are delighted to welcome such a prominent group of global investors to CML. Their expertise and experience together with the capital raised will enable us to accelerate our plans for growth. The fact that this funding round was oversubscribed is a testament to the innovation of our talented employees developing world-leading SMA technology, and the wide range of applications where CML’s SMA technology can deliver industry-leading performance.”13/02/2024
