Take heed to this text

Whereas most industrial automation is at the moment utilized by massive producers akin to world automakers, robotic builders and suppliers are constructing techniques to make it extra accessible. RobCo GmbH at this time mentioned it has raised $42.5 million in Collection B funding to help its growth and progress trajectory.

Three researchers led by Roman Hölzl, the chair of robotics and synthetic intelligence on the Technical College of Munich, based RobCo in 2020. The corporate at the moment has greater than 50 staff.

It develops versatile robotic {hardware} kits for functions at small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) together with machine loading and unloading, allotting, palletizing, and welding. Along with its patented modular {hardware}, RobCo affords a low-code and distant strategy to deploying techniques.

The Munich-based startup additionally mentioned that its “plug-and-play performance” will help producers tackle challenges akin to skilled-labor shortages, manufacturing scalability, and the transition to Trade 4.0.

“We’re solely in the beginning of an intensive journey in automation and intention to turn into a pacesetter in modular robotic automation for SMEs in Europe,” said Hölzl in a launch. “RobCo is uniquely positioned with its easy-to-implement robots that supply a optimistic ROI [return on investment] from Day 1.”

Study from Agility Robotics, Amazon, Disney, Teradyne and lots of extra.

RobCo affords modular robotic arms

For SMEs, machines are definitely worth the funding provided that they are often rapidly and flexibly reprogrammed for altering duties and most utilization, mentioned RobCo. The corporate’s robotic arms are made up of seven or eight modular items with various payload capacities and ranges, relying on the use case.

For instance, its machine-tending laser system consists of eight modules, has a 4 kg (8.8 lb.) payload, and has an 800 mm (31.5 in.) vary. In the meantime, RobCo’s palletizing providing, which additionally makes use of eight modules, has an 8.5 kg (18.7 lb.) payload and 1,300 mm (51 in.) vary.

These kits allow customers to intuitively assemble robots with RobCo Studio, a vertically built-in {hardware} and software program platform, mentioned the corporate. With RobCo Studio, deployed robots may be configured, applied, and managed remotely by way of a digital twin.

This low-code strategy eliminates the necessity for complicated programming or specialised personnel on-site, claimed RobCo. It added that the platform consists of “future-proof interfaces,” in addition to a sensor and software program layer to make sure the longevity of the {hardware}. 

“By a complete RobCo automation resolution within the palletizing space, we will actively tackle the continued scarcity of expert employees with know-how and on the similar time save prices,” mentioned Martin Matern, plant supervisor at DE-VAU-GE Gesundkostwerk Deutschland GmbH in Lüneburg, Germany.

RobCo has designed its modular robotic arm and software program for small and midsize enterprises. Supply: RobCo

Lightspeed leads funding spherical

Lightspeed Enterprise Companions led RobCo’s Collection B spherical as a brand new investor. Former Apple and NVIDIA investor Sequoia Capital additionally participated within the spherical, together with Kindred Capital and Promus Ventures. 

This funding brings RobCo’s complete so far to $60 million. The corporate mentioned it plans to speculate the capital into increasing its distribution channels and advancing product growth.

“The truth that a enterprise capital powerhouse like Lightspeed helps our subsequent steps with a $42.5 million financing spherical tells us that we’re on the suitable path – and is an unimaginable motivational enhance for all of us to take our options to the following stage,” mentioned Hölzl.

“Using robotics within the industrial setting was beforehand reserved nearly completely for big companies with the corresponding monetary and human sources,” famous Alex Schmitt, a companion at Lightspeed. “Excessive prices and massive complexity made them partly unaffordable and difficult to handle for small and medium-sized enterprises.”

“RobCo has already made a major breakthrough on this subject with its developments,” he mentioned. “We acknowledge each technological and industrial potential for the German and worldwide markets. It’s essential to optimally foster this potential and make robotic automation options accessible to all corporations.”