Ricoh has made an additional investment in Butlr Technologies, strengthening their capital and business alliance initially announced in January 2025. The investment comes through Ricoh's newly established RICOH Innovation Fund II, launched in April 2026 with JPY 3 billion to support overseas startups in digital workplace solutions. Butlr, which specialises in physical AI technology, has raised $75 million in total funding from investors including Ricoh, Wistron and Taiwan Global Angels. The company's patented sensors provide anonymous, real-time building occupancy insights for commercial real estate stakeholders to optimise space utilisation. The partnership integrates Butlr's sensor data into Ricoh's RICOH Spaces platform. Ricoh will use its global sales channels to expand deployment of Butlr's products across commercial real estate, senior care, retail and higher education sectors.

The strategic funding will go towards expanding the company beyond office spaces, the CEO said.

Butlr, a physical AI startup, raised $38M in Series B funding, led by Foundry, to meet growing demand for its sensors and anonymous data analytics. The technology enhances safety, energy efficiency, and collaboration in buildings, primarily serving senior living communities and workplaces. The company has raised $68M to date. Notable clients include Walmart, Qualcomm, and Verizon. The new funding will help expand Butlr's presence in senior care communities.