FOAK

FOAK builds robots for automotive technicians

In April 2025, the IMI counted around 17,000 vacancies across the motor trades. It expects around 60% of technicians to retire or leave by 2032.

So we started building an extra pair of hands for mechanics.

A FOAK prototype beside a team member outside a garage

Current robot capabilities

Our current version can complete most parts of a VHC:

  • Check tyre pressure
  • Check oil levels
  • Check fluid levels
  • Check tyre tread
  • Check brake pad wear
  • Check for leaks, dents or damage to lights

We want to free mechanics from doing VHCs so they can focus on billable work.

Under the bonnet

Here is a look under the bonnet at our current prototype and the concept for a future version.

An early FOAK prototype on a London street at night

Garage visits

We've spent the last few months going from garage to garage around the country. Many are already turning work away because they cannot find enough technicians, and the gap is growing.

This is very worrying. Every van, bus and car needs someone to keep it on the road.

The prototype positioning a tread depth gauge at a tyre

A tool for mechanics

The robot is a tool for the mechanic.

It follows instructions, handles routine jobs and will even bring over a coffee...

Maintenance

We believe aftersales has been overlooked for too long. The pressure on garages keeps growing, but they are still having to deal with it alone.

A newspaper article about independent garages and the technician shortage
The FOAK team visiting the garage pictured in the newspaper

Funding and backing

£500k raised.

You've found us early! Our backers include leading UK tech VCs, a former BMW director, a former dealership executive and a former CEO of the IMI. If you work in aftersales, we'd like to hear from you.