Agile Robots, founded in 2018, has established itself as a leading company in the field of AI-driven automation. With the acquisition of Audeering, the company is expanding its portfolio with advanced audio analysis technologies. Audeering, a spin-off of TU München, specializes in AI-based analysis of speech expressions and voice biomarkers. The collaboration is intended to enable innovative applications for human-robot interaction.
Zhaopeng Chen, CEO and co-founder of Agile Robots, explains:
“Our state-of-the-art robotics solutions leverage advanced AI technologies to make industrial manufacturing processes even more efficient. The collaboration with Audeering gives us the opportunity to significantly improve both the programming of robots and the interaction between humans and robots.”
Audeering analyzes acoustic environments, speaker states, and more than 50 different emotional expressions in real time. The company’s technology is already being used in healthcare, market research, and automotive sectors. Previous investors in Audeering included Danish conglomerate GN Group, which withdrew from the company in 2023.
“As two award-winning high-tech companies from Bavaria, we are pooling our strengths to push the boundaries of advanced AI. The combination of our world-class AI expertise sets new standards: we are shaping the future of technology and demonstrating comprehensive AI excellence in Europe”,
says Dagmar Schuller, CEO and co-founder of Audeering.
Agile Robots achieved unicorn status in 2021 and raised significant investments from SoftBank and Sequoia China, among others. The company employs over 2,300 people worldwide and has implemented more than 10,000 robotics solutions according to its own statements. Most recently, the spin-off of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) also acquired robot startup Franka Emika, which had previously slid into insolvency. With the integration of Audeering, Agile Robots is continuing its expansion in the field of AI-driven automation.
