Attabotics

Calgary robotics startup Attabotics is restarting operations under U.S.-based LaFayette Systems following last year’s bankruptcy. Founded in 2015, Attabotics developed automated warehouse systems inspired by ant colonies, using dense vertical storage and autonomous robots to simplify fulfillment operations. Despite raising nearly $200 million, the company filed for bankruptcy in 2025 after widespread layoffs.

LaFayette acquired Attabotics in September 2025, and today’s announcement marks the formal relaunch under new leadership. The Calgary facility will remain active, housing engineering, manufacturing, and business functions, with several legacy leaders and engineers staying on staff as the company focuses on reliability, customer needs, and scaled deployment.

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Calgary robotics startup Attabotics, once hailed as a supply chain innovator, has entered bankruptcy protection after raising $200 million and securing clients like Nordstrom and Canadian Tire. The company’s cube-shaped warehouse system, inspired by ant colonies, attracted major investors including Honeywell and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.

But persistent technical failures—including three fires—crippled operations, fueled lawsuits, and strained customer relations. Revenues plunged from $11.4 million in 2022 to $3 million in 2024, while losses ballooned to nearly $50 million. With 192 staff laid off in July, Attabotics is now seeking buyers for its intellectual property.

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Calgary’s Attabotics, now in creditor protection, received a US$350-million all-cash acquisition offer from Honeywell in 2020, according to documents obtained by The Logic. The robotics firm, once a rising tech star backed by $200 million in funding and taxpayer support, laid off 192 workers on July 2.

Its vertical robotic warehousing system drew major clients like Nordstrom and Canadian Tire. Though Honeywell remained an investor, its takeover bid was never finalized. Attabotics’ assets are now valued at $31.6 million—against $73.8 million in liabilities. The reason the 2020 deal fell through remains undisclosed.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on The Logic.

Calgary-based Attabotics has filed for bankruptcy protection after spending nearly $200 million in funding and laying off most of its workforce, multiple reports indicate. Founded in 2015, Attabotics developed robotic fulfillment systems inspired by ant colonies, aiming to transform warehouse operations for major retailers.

Despite backing from Export Development Canada and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, the company reportedly burned through millions monthly. Documents circulated online show a June 30 filing under Canada’s Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, with Richter Inc. named trustee. The filing has yet to appear in federal records. Attabotics has not publicly disclosed plans for restructuring.

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