FORT Robotics to Go Public via Business Combination with Newbury Street II Acquisition Corp to Advance the Safety of Physical AI

FORT Robotics, Inc. has announced a definitive business combination with Newbury Street II Acquisition Corp, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), valued at approximately $556.6 million. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, resulting in FORT becoming a publicly traded entity under the name FORT Robotics Holdings, Inc. and the ticker symbol "FROB" on the Nasdaq Stock Market. This merger aims to position FORT as a leader in the safe deployment of physical artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors.

Founded in 2018, FORT Robotics specializes in creating safety solutions for the robotics industry, with a focus on establishing a universal safety layer for autonomous machines. The company has garnered a diverse customer base of over 600, including notable firms such as Google DeepMind, DoorDash, and Agility Robotics. This extensive network underscores FORT's critical role in facilitating safe interactions between robots and humans, particularly as the adoption of robotics accelerates across industries like manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture.

The strategic rationale behind this merger lies in the growing demand for safety solutions in the rapidly evolving robotics sector. As organizations increasingly integrate autonomous systems into their operations, the need for reliable safety frameworks becomes paramount. FORT's Trust Layer, which is backed by 25 patents and certified to meet Safety Integrity Level 3 standards, is designed to be machine-agnostic, enabling safe collaboration among various robotic systems. This capability is essential as industries seek to scale their use of physical AI while mitigating risks associated with automation.

The transaction is also supported by a strong financial foundation, with FORT expected to receive approximately $201 million in gross proceeds from the merger. The company has secured commitments for over $31 million in common equity from institutional investors, including Tiger Global and Prologis Ventures. This financial backing will enable FORT to accelerate product development, expand its global reach, and explore strategic partnerships and acquisitions, further solidifying its market position.

As the robotics sector continues to evolve, the implications of this merger extend beyond FORT Robotics. The partnership with Newbury Street II highlights the increasing interest in companies that address safety challenges in the deployment of physical AI. With the global robotics market projected to grow significantly, FORT's public listing may attract further investment and innovation within the sector. The successful integration of safety solutions will be crucial in fostering trust among users and regulators, ultimately driving broader acceptance and adoption of robotics across various industries.