The fascination with robots is anything but new—it’s a tale that stretches back centuries. From ancient myths where craftsmen like Daedalus fashioned lifelike statues to Renaissance geniuses like Leonardo da Vinci designing mechanical knights, humans have long been captivated by the idea of creating autonomous machines. The term “robot” itself, derived from the Czech word robota, meaning “forced labour,” was first introduced 100 years ago by the author Karel Čapek in his play.
Nowadays, besides being a significant part of our pop culture and science fiction, robots play a crucial role in real-life applications. From healthcare and manufacturing to agriculture and logistics, robots are increasingly integrated into various industries, performing tasks that range from the mundane to the highly complex. These advancements are not just about creating machines; they are revolutionising how we live and work, pushing the boundaries of what technology can achieve.
In this article, we explore 10 promising European startups that are pushing the boundaries of robotics and redefining various industries. From autonomous systems in agriculture to AI-driven solutions in healthcare, these startups are not only driving the robotics revolution forward but also setting new benchmarks for excellence and innovation across the continent.
ARX Robotics: Headquartered in Munich, ARX is a defence technology company that specialises in developing autonomous unmanned systems and sensors for European defence technology. Their dual-use unmanned ground systems and sensors assist NATO armies and civilian first responders in tackling their most challenging problems. Founded in 2021, ARX Robotics has raised €10.15 million to advance its mission of creating autonomous robots capable of performing critical tasks in challenging environments.
Circus Group: Based in Hamburg, Circus Group aims to revolutionise the food service industry with AI-driven robotics, creating autonomous kitchen ecosystems. Their technology enables fully automated food production, from ingredients to packaged meals, ensuring efficiency, quality, and hygiene. Their proprietary software manages kitchen operations, while their AI generates new recipes and concepts for rapid B2C brand launches. Founded in 2021, Circus Group has raised €26.9 million to disrupt food-service operations by enhancing efficiency and reducing costs with their advanced robotic systems.
E-TERRY: Located in Erfurt, Germany, E-TERRY develops an autonomous agricultural robot designed for sustainable large-scale farming. The E-TERRY robot is customizable, acting as an open equipment carrier with adaptive features like adjustable width and smart vision, making it a versatile tool for various farming applications. It supports farmers in transitioning to more sustainable practices, offering precision farming technologies for tasks like weed removal. Founded in 2022, the company has secured €1.2 million empowering farmers to enhance productivity while maintaining environmental resilience.
Enchanted Tools: Based in Paris, Enchanted Tools develops Mirokaï robots, designed to be both practical and versatile for use in industries such as healthcare, hospitality, and retail. These robots are compact, agile, and feature interactive facial expressions, making them suitable for tasks like logistics, navigation, and customer service. The company focuses on creating robots that are easy to use and integrate into various environments, aiming to enhance functionality with thoughtful design. Since its founding in 2021, Enchanted Tools has raised €15 million to combine advanced technology with a focus on ethical and responsible innovation.
Keybotic: Located in Barcelona, Keybotic develops Keyper, an autonomous four-legged robot designed for industrial inspections. Keyper navigates facilities independently, providing real-time visual, thermal, and acoustic data to enhance safety and efficiency. It’s equipped with sensors and cameras for precise environmental monitoring and can operate in complex environments, including multi-story buildings and rough terrains. Keyper is lightweight, impact-resistant, and can be easily controlled or programmed through an intuitive interface, making it accessible even to users without robotics expertise. Founded in 2020, Keybotic has raised over €3 million allowing companies to automate inspections with minimal upfront costs.
Moon Surgical: Headquartered in Paris, Moon Surgical is developing a surgical robot for laparoscopy assistance, aiming to broaden access to minimally invasive techniques for surgeons. Their flagship product, the Maestro System, integrates advanced technology to enhance surgical precision and adaptability, ultimately improving operating room efficiency. Founded in 2019, the company has raised €83.3 million to enhance operating room efficiency and improve patient outcomes through advanced robotics.
Monumental: Based in Amsterdam, Monumental develops AI-powered, autonomous construction robots designed to automate on-site tasks like bricklaying. Their robots navigate construction sites independently, using advanced sensors, computer vision, and AI-driven software to place bricks and mortar with high precision. These small, agile robots work alongside human workers, addressing labour shortages and rising costs in the construction industry. Founded in 2021 Monumental’s technology has raised €23.2 million aiming to increase efficiency, reduce project timelines, and offer a sustainable solution to the growing global demand for construction.
NEURA Robotics: Located in Metzingen, NEURA Robotics develops cognitive robotic assistants for both industrial and daily use. These robots are designed to work naturally alongside humans, featuring integrated AI, sensors, and intuitive interfaces. MAiRA is a multi-sensing robotic assistant with advanced cognitive capabilities. MAV, an autonomous vehicle, excels in indoor navigation and intralogistics. LARA combines lightweight design with industrial-grade performance, and MiPA serves as a fully cognitive personal assistant adaptable to various environments. Founded in 2019, NEURA Robotics has raised €148.67 million to advance its mission of integrating robotics into everyday life.
RobCo: Based in München, RobCo offers modular robots designed to address labour shortages in the industrial sector. Their easy-to-use, software-driven automation solutions are tailored for industrial applications, allowing companies to deploy and adapt robots using no-code programming quickly. RobCo’s highly customisable robots integrate seamlessly with existing systems, providing flexibility and scalability for various tasks. Founded in 2020, the company has raised €54.65 million to expand its platform’s capabilities.
Swiss-Mile: Headquartered in Zürich, Swiss-Mile develops autonomous robots that combine wheeled and legged mobility, designed to enhance efficiency and safety across various industries, including security, monitoring, construction, and logistics. Their robots are equipped with advanced AI, allowing them to navigate complex environments, carry heavy payloads, and perform tasks like anomaly detection and quality tracking. By integrating AI with physical robotics, Swiss-Mile aims to address labour shortages, reduce costs, and improve operational insights Founded in 2023, Swiss-Mile has raised over €23 million to advance their cutting-edge robotic solutions.
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Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2024/09/from-fiction-to-function-10-european-startups-pushing-the-boundaries-of-robotics/
