Unchained Robotics Secures €8.5 Million Series A Funding for Global Expansion
German B2B tech company Unchained Robotics has successfully closed an €8.5 million Series A extended funding round, attracting investment from prominent partners such as Direttissima Growth Partners, Navivo Capital, Future Industry Ventures, vent.io, and D11Z. This influx of capital marks a pivotal moment for the company as it sets its sights on international growth, particularly in addressing a significant challenge in the realm of automation: creating user-friendly robots through advanced software solutions.
Simplifying Automation: A Barrier Busted
The landscape of automation has long been rife with complexity, high costs, and convoluted integration processes. Companies often face the daunting task of manually programming robots, a process that can extend to weeks before machines are fully operational. These cumbersome requirements serve as a deterrent for many smaller enterprises that lack the resources or expertise to embrace automation effectively. Herein lies the innovative approach of Unchained Robotics.
The Power of Luna OS
At the heart of Unchained Robotics’ groundbreaking strategy is its proprietary software, Luna OS. This standardized control system stands out by seamlessly integrating robots from various manufacturers into existing production environments—much like a smartphone operating system. With the intuitive interface of Luna OS, anyone can operate these robots without needing prior technical experience, drastically lowering the barriers to entry for businesses of all sizes.
A One-Stop Automation Solution
Unchained Robotics offers an online platform where companies can effortlessly search for, find, and integrate the right robots into their production lines. This system is complemented by a flexible and turnkey robotic solution known as the MalocherBot. Designed for quick deployment and ease of use, the MalocherBot is perfect not just for large corporations but also for small and mid-sized enterprises that may have limited resources.
Mladen Milicevic, co-founder of Unchained Robotics, emphasizes the growing need among SMEs: "Everyone is looking for simple and affordable automation solutions that can be implemented quickly, without requiring special expertise." Over 300 companies across Europe, including industry giants like Vorwerk, have already harnessed the potential of Unchained Robotics’ innovative solutions.
Impressive Customer Endorsements
The effectiveness of Unchained Robotics’ solutions is illustrated by testimony from customers. Joern Compernass, Managing Director of Vorwerk Logistik, states, “Unchained Robotics’ solution allowed us to automate quickly and easily—without any additional programming skills or long ramp-up times.” Such endorsements encapsulate the transformative potential of Unchained Robotics’ offerings in the marketplace.
Bridging the Atlantic: Entering the US Market
With solid foundations in Europe, Unchained Robotics is now keenly focused on expanding its presence in the US market. The company has announced a major partnership with Albéa Group, recognized as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of cosmetic packaging. This collaboration will involve automating packaging and palletizing processes across multiple locations, aiming to enhance operational efficiencies and scalability.
More than 20 robots are already deployed in their factories, with plans to scale this number to approximately 70. As the American market is known for its enthusiasm for technology yet often lacks in-house automation expertise, Unchained Robotics’ solutions anticipate high demand in this landscape.
Addressing Structural Challenges in the Industry
Christopher Hoffmann from Direttissima Growth Partners, the lead investor in the current funding round, captures the essence of Unchained Robotics’ mission: "Unchained Robotics is solving one of the industry’s key structural problems: the lack of standardization." With its innovative systems, the company is equipped to establish automation practices that are easily scalable, which is vital for the future of manufacturing and logistics.
The Role of Robotics in Combating Labor Shortages
As automation gains traction, the market for accessible, standardized solutions is swelling. Research indicates that approximately 3.7 million workers are expected to exit the German labor market by 2030. Consequently, the need for automation becomes increasingly essential for businesses to maintain competitive edges, especially in manual labor tasks like machine loading and palletizing.
The combination of artificial intelligence and robotics is also on the rise. Kevin Freise, co-founder of Unchained Robotics, envisions a future where AI-powered robotic systems evolve to take on repetitive tasks while being adaptable through ongoing learning. He emphasizes that "Luna OS forms the crucial bridge between intelligent software and physical automation for this purpose."
Recognition and Future Aspirations
Unchained Robotics is already making waves in the startup ecosystem, having been named one of Germany’s 50 most promising startups and one of Europe’s 250 fastest-growing startups by the tech magazine Sifted. The company’s innovative spirit and groundbreaking solutions are well poised to set new standards in the realm of robotics and automation.
With a firm commitment to democratizing automation, Unchained Robotics stands at the forefront of a technological revolution, heralding a new age where robotics is no longer a luxury reserved for the few but a fundamental component of operational efficiency and productivity for businesses globally.