Refraction AI
[PRIVATE]Service & Cobot Robotics · HQ: Ann Arbor, MI · Est. 2019 · 1 model registered · 1 deployments
As of Sep 2026, DEPLOY verifies Refraction AI: 1 model, 1 deployment across 1 region, $4.2M raised. 4 sources back the record.
Ownership
PRIVATE
Capital / Funding
$4M
Headquarters
Ann Arbor, MI
IP / Patents
Undisclosed
Platform Models
1
Audited Incidents
0
Overview
Refraction AI was an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based last-mile delivery robot company founded in 2019 by University of michigan researchers. The company's REV-1 robots were battery-powered, five feet tall, traveling at 10-15 mph, and operated on streets and bike lanes for food and goods delivery. Refraction raised $4.2M in seed funding and partnered with Chick-fil-A for autonomous delivery pilots, but abruptly closed Ann Arbor operations due to funding challenges.
Clean safety record across 1 verified deployment. Deployment footprint remains limited relative to category peers.
- AMR
- SIDEWALK
Key Facts
Safety & Regulatory Posture
No incidents on record for Refraction AI.
Leadership & Founders
Current Program Leadership & Executives
Chief Operating Officer
CEO
Founding Team
cofounder · founded 2019-01-01
cofounder · founded 2019-01-01
Key Former Leadership (1 Tracked)
Partnerships & Commercial Deployments
Operator Customers & Fleet Integrators
Platform Models
Deployments
Sectors & Applications
FAQ
What is Refraction AI?
Refraction AI was an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based last-mile delivery robot company founded in 2019 by University of michigan researchers. The company's REV-1 robots were battery-powered, five feet tall, traveling at 10-15 mph, and operated on streets and bike lanes for food and goods delivery. Refraction raised $4.2M in seed funding and partnered with Chick-fil-A for autonomous delivery pilots, but abruptly closed Ann Arbor operations due to funding challenges.
What does Refraction AI make?
Refraction AI has 1 robot model on the DEPLOY registry: REV-1 (Refraction AI builds both physical robots and the AI that runs them).
Is Refraction AI publicly traded?
No. Refraction AI is privately held and not publicly traded, per the DEPLOY registry.
Who competes with Refraction AI?
On the DEPLOY registry, peer companies to Refraction AI building in the same form factors include Amazon, Serve Robotics, Also, Avride.
Who is the CEO of Refraction AI?
Luke Schneider is the ceo of Refraction AI, per the DEPLOY registry.
How can I invest in Refraction AI?
Refraction AI is a private company; its shares are not available on public markets, so retail investors cannot buy the stock today. It has raised $4M in disclosed funding.
Where is Refraction AI headquartered?
Refraction AI is headquartered in Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
How much funding has Refraction AI raised?
Refraction AI has raised approximately $4M in disclosed funding on record in the DEPLOY registry.
Who owns Refraction AI?
Refraction AI is privately held and venture-backed ($4M raised); ownership sits with its founders and private investors.
Where does Refraction AI operate robots?
Refraction AI operates 1 verified deployment, including at Ann Arbor.
How many robots has Refraction AI deployed?
DEPLOY has 1 verified Refraction AI deployment on record at sites including Ann Arbor. That is a count of distinct field deployments each backed by sourced evidence, not a manufacturer's claimed unit total; it updates as new sites are verified.
Is Refraction AI a top robotics company?
On DEPLOY's intelligence score, which blends verified deployments, funding, hiring, media, safety, and IP signals, Refraction AI ranks in roughly the top 70% of companies tracked by the registry.
When was Refraction AI founded?
Refraction AI was founded in 2019.
Is Refraction AI safe?
Refraction AI has no incidents on record in the DEPLOY registry. This does not constitute a safety guarantee; it reflects the incidents DEPLOY has tracked and verified to date.