Atoms, a robotics company founded by Travis Kalanick, has raised $1.7 billion in a funding round led by a16z. Uber is also among the investors backing the company. According to the report, Atoms has made broad statements about applying industrial AI to modernize the world.

Why it matters

The reported size of the round signals significant investor interest in the company and its stated focus on industrial AI and robotics.

Who should care

Investors, robotics startups, and companies watching the industrial AI space may follow how Atoms deploys this capital and delivers on its stated goals.