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Even though robots are already part of everyday life in some areas, according to the International Federation of Robotics IFR While over 1 million industrial robots are now used worldwide in automotive manufacturing, they are only just beginning to conquer other areas of life. For example, systems in operating rooms, such as those now also in Ebersberg District Hospital are becoming increasingly common. The first restaurants such as Waldschlösschen Brewery have recently been experimenting with robot waiters and they could even become part of everyday life in football – MIT presented DribbleBot recently presented a robot that is supposed to be able to dribble a football on any surface.
And people are also concerned with the correct handling of the robots. For example, Tagesspiegel the question of whether it is okay to hit your Roomba or insult Alexa.
Robotics startups in Munich
For the startup scene, these developments mean one thing above all: a lot of potential for their ideas and solutions. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that around 60 startups The robotics scene in Munich is strongly represented. In this episode, after the episodes 9 and 32 for the third time – presenting Munich robotics startups and their solutions.
We start at minute 4:45 with ServailThe company, founded by Christian Ganghofer and Max Steger, develops robots for the maintenance of railway vehicles and tracks. Their platform is equipped with sensors and cameras to detect defects on railway tracks and trains, as well as obstacles in the track. Servail's robot is so small that trains can drive over it, thus avoiding any disruption to ongoing operations.
Robots for industry, logistics and care
Roundpeg Technologies (from minute 7:20) is developing an industrial robot that recognizes people in its environment. The startup aims to actively prevent accidents, even at high work speeds. Founders Oliver Krieg and Etienne Eichstaedt aim to revolutionize production with their invention and drastically reduce the costs of using automated solutions on assembly lines.
Preventing accidents is also a concern for Pixel Robotics (from minute 10:00), but in a logistics context. The startup, founded by Johannes Plapp, Valentin Plapp, and Nizar Ouarti, is developing a robot for pallet transport within a company. To ensure that the robot finds its way without running over anyone, the startup relies not only on a digital twin of the workspace, but also on cameras and other sensors directly on the robot.
Going a little further has finally Devanthro (from minute 11:45). The startup, which emerged from the Roboy project at the Technical University of Munich, aims to bring robots into healthcare. The so-called Robodies will serve as avatars for nurses, accessible from anywhere. Founder Rafael Hostettler wants to enable the professionals to quickly move from one location to another. Initially limited to check-ups and virtual patient consultations, the robot will also be able to assist patients with dressing or washing.
The VC Matterwave Ventures
With Matterwave Ventures In this episode, we introduce a VC who might be interested in some of the startups featured. The Munich-based venture capital firm sees itself as a financier of European early-stage startups in the industrial hardware and software sectors. With strong industry ties, it already supports Munich-based startups such as DyeMansion and Electrochaea. You can learn more starting at minute 14:40.
