ARIA

Overview

Automata is a London-based robotics company (founded 2015) that raised a significant Series C in 2026, contributing to the UK robotics sector reaching £189m in funding for the year. ARIA is Automata's second-generation cobot platform, following the Eva arm that gained traction in lab automation from 2020 onwards.

ARIA is designed for structured, repeatable tasks in controlled environments: life sciences labs (PCR plate setup, liquid dispensing, microplate transfer), electronics manufacturing (PCB inspection, component handling), and pharmaceutical quality control. The 1 kg payload is modest but sufficient for lab consumables, syringes, and small electronic components.

Automata's software platform Eva OS provides a tablet-based no-code interface, making ARIA accessible to lab scientists and technicians without robotics engineering backgrounds. Integration with liquid handling instruments (Hamilton, Tecan) and imaging systems is supported through an open API.

Key Specifications

• Payload: 1 kg
• Reach: 700 mm
• Degrees of Freedom: 6
• Weight: 9 kg
• Programming: Eva OS no-code interface (tablet)
• Deployment model: Subscription or outright purchase

UK Market Context

Automata is headquartered in London and has a direct UK sales and support team, making ARIA one of the best-supported cobots for UK lab and electronics customers. The company has partnerships with several NHS and private pharma labs for automated sample processing workflows.

Alternatives to Consider

• UR3e (~£20,000 new, £8,000-£16,000 used): higher payload (3 kg), wider ecosystem
• Franka Panda / FR3 (~£30,000 new): superior force control for sensitive tasks
• Yaskawa HC10DT: better payload (10 kg) if scaling lab automation