Munich Startup: What does your startup do? What problem do you solve?
Seal Robotics: We develop robotic systems for automating safety-critical and previously predominantly manual work steps in container handling, including twistlock handling on ships and pin handling on trains. The goal is to enable terminals to operate more stable, predictable, and faster in the face of skilled labor shortages, increasing time pressure, and high safety requirements.
Munich Startup: But that's been around for a long time!
Seal Robotics: Actually, no. Existing approaches are either not reliable enough for continuous operation or not as modular as our solution. Ours is designed for use in ongoing terminal operations and is suitable for both seaports and inland terminals for combined rail and inland transport.
From container ship to robotics startup
Munich Startup: What is your founding story?
Seal Robotics: Our CEO, Marie-Elisabeth Makohl, who herself spent several weeks on a container ship a few years ago, wants to solve real-world problems with Seal. During her experiences in the European Arctic and the North Atlantic, she witnessed firsthand that this work is often carried out under intense time pressure and difficult weather conditions, and is extremely physically demanding.
Our CTO, Daniel Leidner, spent fifteen years in space robotics at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) learning to develop systems that function reliably under challenging conditions and can be safely operated remotely. Many of these principles can be directly applied to terminals.
In September 2025, we will have our Startup then founded in Munich.
Munich Startup: What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Seal Robotics: Because we pursued a "data-first approach" from the outset and conducted numerous customer interviews and on-site visits, we were able to develop in a very targeted manner. The first step in this direction, however, was naturally to build a strong network, which can be quite a challenge in the very traditional shipping industry.
Scaling plans and global ambitions
Munich Startup: Where would you like to be in one year, where in five years?
Seal Robotics: Over the next twelve months, we will focus on deploying and scaling our robotic systems in real-world terminal environments, further developing our engineering and operations capabilities, and deepening partnerships with terminal operators worldwide. We plan to expand ongoing pilot projects in Northern Europe and, given the diverse market requirements, also look to Southeast Asia and North America. Over the next five years, every Robots for container securing in ports worldwide by Seal Robotics.
Munich Startup: How have you experienced Munich as a startup location so far?
Seal Robotics: The location offers us proximity to the Technical University of Munich and the UnternehmerTUM innovation network, as well as excellent international connections. After all, the world's largest ports are located outside of Germany.
Munich Startup: Quick exit or long breath?
Seal Robotics: There's no answer to that yet; time will tell. After all, when you start a business, you're also embarking on a great adventure.
