Ex-Tesla Humanoid Head Launches Innovative Robotics Startup

Robotics startup Mytra is reshaping warehouse automation

Since its founding in May 2022, robotics startup Mytra has been diligently rethinking warehouse automation. Founded by experienced professionals from the electric vehicle industry, including Tesla and Rivian, the company boasts a formidable pedigree.

The warehouse and fulfillment sector has surged in interest, particularly since the pandemic disrupted global supply chains—a challenge that persists today. This competitive arena includes major players like Amazon, Locus, and Zebra/Fetch, all pioneering innovations and highlighting the potential of bipedal humanoid robots.

Although the world is gradually recovering from the pandemic, labor shortages continue to challenge many industries, including warehousing. Nevertheless, significant opportunities remain, with estimates indicating that only 5% to 10% of global warehouses are automated on any meaningful level.

Mytra's co-founder and CEO, Chris Walti, has experienced firsthand the limitations of current automation solutions. His background at Tesla—where challenges are common—spanned seven years in various roles, ultimately leading the development of Optimus, Tesla's humanoid robot initiative.

Walti recounts his journey at Tesla as a continuous quest for solutions, ultimately realizing that existing market options did not meet their specific needs, prompting his team to innovate. This began with the creation of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

"I was drawn into manufacturing and automation during the Model 3 ramp," Walti said. "Tesla faced difficulties getting our automation systems operational, leading us to establish a manual warehouse as a temporary fix. Six months later, the decision was made to have me manage the automation system responsible for many of these challenges."

A key insight from Walti's experience was the challenge of finding AMRs capable of handling payloads as heavy as 3,000 pounds—an essential requirement in automotive manufacturing. This led the team to develop tailored in-house solutions.

"Then Elon [Musk] suggested we should create a humanoid," Walti revealed. "My team was chosen to spearhead that initiative, and I led the internal hiring for the project. Everything showcased on AI Day stemmed from our efforts." However, he acknowledged that while humanoids hold promise across various industries, they may not immediately revolutionize production operations.

Mytra's technology features similarities to vertical robotic storage systems pioneered by companies like AutoStore, but according to Walti, it stands out due to its capacity to manage heavy payloads and its remarkable adaptability.

"There are literally trillions of ways to transport pallets or shelves within our system," he elaborated. "This level of kinematic freedom is unique—it's the most flexible system ever conceived."

Despite its previously low profile, Mytra has attracted significant interest, partnering with grocery giant Albertsons and engaging with several Fortune 50 companies at different stages in the pipeline.

Additionally, Mytra recently secured $50 million in Series B funding, raising its total investment to $78 million—backed by notable investors, including Greenoaks and Eclipse.