Pioneering 5G, AI, and Robotics at Khasm Labs

Welcome to the September edition of the newsletter. As we continue to push the boundaries of technology and innovation, this month has been packed with exciting developments across 5G, AI, robotics, and more. From groundbreaking partnerships to transformative solutions from our Batch 10 startups, we are thrilled to share the latest advancements happening within our ecosystem.

In this edition, you’ll learn about ASOCS and their game-changing 5G solutions for Industry 4.0, how our newest cohort is driving the future of edge computing and AI, and the innovative ways our startups are addressing global challenges like labor shortages. Additionally, we’re excited to introduce our new partnership with Booz Allen Hamilton, which promises to unlock even more possibilities in the world of next-gen technology.

Lastly, we dive into the transformative power of our Telco AI Cloud project, exploring the synergy between AI and 5G to redefine telecommunications. Let's dive in and explore the breakthroughs that are shaping the future of tech.

ASOCS: Powering Industry 4.0 with Flexible and Secure Private 5G Networks

One of the standout stories from this past month is our feature on ASOCS, a startup from our Batch 8 cohort that is transforming how manufacturers harness the potential of Industry 4.0 through private 5G networks. ASOCS has developed a flexible, secure, and scalable 5G network model that is revolutionizing the way factories and industrial enterprises operate. Their CYRUS 5G software empowers manufacturers to easily deploy private 5G networks using open, interoperable technologies like O-RAN (Open Radio Access Network).

This gives manufacturers unprecedented control over their network infrastructure, allowing for seamless integration of robotics, sensors, and wearables—all critical to the interconnected factories of the future. The company's innovative approach mirrors the popular Kaizen philosophy in manufacturing, focusing on continuous improvement and scalability. With no reliance on proprietary hardware, ASOCS can provide regular software updates and rapid network adjustments, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

By eliminating the complexities of traditional RAN, ASOCS is enabling a new era of plug-and-play factory systems. Manufacturers can now move assets, such as robotic arms, between production lines without disruption—a game-changer for reducing costly downtime. Beyond manufacturing, ASOCS’s private 5G solutions are finding applications in diverse industries, including ports, healthcare, transportation, and even remote locations via satellite connectivity.

Their success speaks for itself: ASOCS hit $1.5 million in revenue in 2023, with seven offices worldwide and $24 million raised in funding. Through their involvement in the Open 5G Innovation Lab ecosystem, ASOCS is poised to continue advancing private 5G adoption, helping more industries unlock the full potential of Industry 4.0.

Read more about their story here: ASOCS feature

We Welcomed our 10th Batch of Startups

This fall, we welcome 11 new multi-stage startups, collectively backed by over $350 million in venture funding, into our industry-leading innovation ecosystem. These trailblazing startups represent the future of technology, spanning key fields such as edge computing, AI, robotics, IoT, and more.

According to our founder, Jim B, “Platform technologies such as edge computing, AI, robotics, IoT, and others are redrawing traditional industry lines, giving players in these spaces new opportunities to explore transformative blue ocean markets.” We are proud to provide these companies with the tools, resources, and partnerships they need to capitalize on the expanding potential of 5G and its associated platforms.

Startup Highlight: Armada - Driving Digital Transformation at the Edge. Among our standout startups is Armada, a company that is redefining how industries approach edge computing. Armada delivers a full-stack edge solution that integrates connectivity, compute, storage, and AI/ML applications, catering to a wide range of industries including oil & gas, manufacturing, logistics, and even public sectors like SLED (State, Local, and Education) and Federal.

What sets Armada apart is its ability to deploy solutions in remote and previously disconnected environments. From oil rigs to mining sites and beyond, Armada’s edge computing platform ensures data can be processed and insights gained even in the most challenging environments. By providing comprehensive digital transformation services globally, Armada is helping industries bridge the gap between isolated operations and real-time, data-driven decision-making.

As we continue to champion innovation in 5G and edge technology, our Batch 10 startups, like Armada, are poised to lead industries into the future. This program not only supports their growth but also brings valuable contributions to our KhasmX innovation projects, connecting them with global corporate partners and opening new revenue opportunities. Stay tuned for more updates as we work closely with these exciting new startups to advance the potential of 5G, edge computing, and AI-driven technologies.

Read more here: Batch ten announce

Real Life Robotics: Tackling the Labor Shortage with Innovation

Real Life Robotics, a Canadian startup founded by Cameron Waite, is addressing one of the most pressing challenges of today’s economy: the labor shortage. As industries across the globe struggle to fill jobs, particularly in logistics and last-mile delivery, Real Life Robotics has developed innovative robotics solutions that offer a sustainable and efficient alternative.

Their flagship product, Bubs, is a versatile last-mile delivery robot equipped with advanced sensors and AI, capable of navigating complex environments and delivering goods with precision. From retail and healthcare to agriculture and real estate, Bubs is designed to meet the needs of a variety of sectors.

What sets Real Life Robotics apart is its comprehensive AI-powered fleet management platform, Passenger. Described by Cameron as “mission control” for logistics robots, Passenger enables businesses to remotely deploy, manage, and optimize entire robot fleets. This platform uses real-time data, AI-driven machine learning, and human-in-the-loop oversight to ensure smooth and reliable operations, even in challenging environments.

Recently, Real Life Robotics made headlines with a groundbreaking partnership with the Toronto Zoo. Bubs, powered by Bell’s 5G IoT connectivity, is now responsible for delivering up to 1.5 tonnes of food daily across the zoo’s expansive 700-acre property. This project not only reduces costs and emissions but also showcases how cutting-edge robotics and 5G technology can revolutionize logistics and other industries.

Read their feature here: Real Life story

Through their participation in our program, Real Life Robotics has built invaluable partnerships with corporate and investment partners, helping them scale their business and expand their market presence. With pre-SEED funding from RHA Ventures, Real Life Robotics is positioned to transform the last-mile delivery landscape, proving that robotics can be a viable solution to today’s labor shortage and tomorrow’s logistics challenges.

Welcome Booz Allen Hamilton to the Ecosystem!

We are thrilled to announce our exciting new partnership with Booz Allen Hamilton, a global leader in technology and innovation. Booz Allen has long been at the forefront of harnessing next-gen technologies like 5G, edge computing, and AI to solve complex, real-world challenges across industries. By joining the ecosystem, Booz Allen brings a wealth of expertise and experience that will help drive new levels of innovation within our Lab.

This partnership is not just about pushing the boundaries of technology—it's about creating a collaborative force aimed at tackling some of the biggest challenges businesses face today. Together, we’ll explore new use cases and applications in 5G, AI, edge computing, and beyond, helping industries unlock the potential of these emerging technologies.

With Booz Allen’s vast industry reach and expertise paired with our rich startup ecosystem, this partnership is set to foster groundbreaking innovations that will shape the future of connectivity and enterprise solutions. We look forward to developing new solutions that will redefine what’s possible at the intersection of technology, industry, and 5G innovation! Stay tuned as we roll out more exciting developments from this partnership.

Read the announcement here: Welcome Booz Allen

AI and 5G: Redefining the Future

We explore how the convergence of AI and 5G technology is shaping the future of telecommunications. Our Telco AI Cloud pilot, in partnership with innovative startups like Archetype AI, Radium Cloud, and major industry players such as Dell and Accenture, is creating a pioneering AI reference architecture. This architecture aims to bring computational power closer to users, enabling new possibilities for both Telco operators and solution developers.

The Power of AI and 5GAs 5G continues to expand its reach, touching billions of users, and AI rapidly transforms industries, our pilot delves into the synergy between these two technologies. This integration has the potential to revolutionize network services, boost efficiency, and unlock significant revenue opportunities for Telcos.

Watch the video here: Telco AI Cloud

As we continue to explore and advance the potential of 5G, AI, and edge computing, it’s clear that the innovation happening within Khasm Labs is setting the stage for a transformative future. With startups like ASOCS, Armada, and Real Life Robotics leading the charge in their respective industries, and our exciting new partnership with Booz Allen Hamilton, we are excited to see what the future holds for our ecosystem and the world at large.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to break new ground, empower startups, and redefine the possibilities of 5G, AI, and beyond. Together, we’re shaping the future of innovation.