AI Sensors Track Building Use Without Cameras, Butlr Raises $38M

Butlr, a physical AI (PAI) startup, has announced a successful Series B funding round, raising $38 million to meet growing demand for its innovative building sensor technology. The company, which specializes in anonymously tracking human interaction within spaces, has now raised a total of $68 million, with Foundry leading the latest investment round.

Founded as an MIT Media Lab spinout, Butlr has developed patented technology that combines body heat sensing with machine learning. Their sensors, which can be easily mounted on walls or ceilings, provide valuable insights into how interior spaces are utilized without compromising individual privacy.

The company's platform captures only temperature data, which is then translated into information about body posture, indoor location, and occupancy. This commitment to anonymity has made Butlr an attractive option for major corporations such as Walmart, Qualcomm, and Verizon, as well as senior living communities and workplaces.

Honghao Deng, CEO and co-founder of Butlr, expressed his vision for the company's future; "With the ability to better understand how people use interior spaces, we can imagine a not too distant future where Butlr sensors and data are the essential nerve system for buildings throughout the world. Our focus for this strategic funding is to continue to support enterprise customers and meet the strong demand for our technology in senior care."