Manufacturing is probably one of the slowest industries to adopt digitalization trends. According to a recent investigation carried out by L2L, a digital platform for manufacturers, only 24% of manufacturing companies today have a digital transformation strategy.
However, with the emergence of Industry 4.0, recent years have also seen a growing number of startups striving to innovate in manufacturing – from workflow automation to markets for engineers and more. through the implementation of technologies such as machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence in production processes. .
In this article, we look at some of the largest and most promising innovative manufacturing startups and companies working to innovate the production of goods.
Gideon Brothers – Croatia
Founded in 2017, this Croatian startup develops an AI-powered robot for various industrial applications. Its first product is an autonomous domestic transportation vehicle intended for logistics and manufacturing purposes.
As Gideon Brothers explain, these mobile robots quickly adapt to complex manufacturing or warehousing environments and workforce variability without the need for infrastructure changes.
The startup also aims to automate and orchestrate the most complex industrial workflows using scalable, easy-to-use intelligent material handling solutions powered by AI and 3D vision. Notable examples in the industry include logistics giant DB Schenker, which has used Gideon Brothers’ autonomous mobile robots to streamline the supply chain for some of its clients.
In 2021, Gideon Brothers raised $31 million in a Series A investment round. The company said it plans to use the funds to accelerate the development and commercialization of its mobile robots, as well as expand its operations in key markets from Europe and the United States.
KFactory – Romania
KFactique is an Industry 4.0 startup based in Romania that aims to revolutionize the manufacturing industry by reinventing operational processes while using technologies such as ML and AI.
Providing analytics solutions as well as AI tools like its “Virtual Engineers” team, the startup has managed to increase 600 K€ in 2021, as it aims to expand its operations in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) this year.
Founded in 2020, KFactory also launched its Green Virtual Engineer tool last year, which is part of its innovative digital platform and monitors carbon footprint sources directly from factories. It uses AI to recommend best practices for reducing emissions.
Depia Automations – Greece
Based in Thessaloniki Depia Automations was founded in 2016 and specializes in industrial, energy and building automation solutions.
The Greek startup offers solutions in automation, software engineering and software development, robotics, customization and vertical solutions, research, and industrial device modeling and development.
Although the company has not yet announced any fundraising, it currently has a specialized team of 20 employees. Depia works on projects in Greece and abroad in the manufacturing field, but has also expanded to the energy and pharmaceutical sectors.
INEA – Slovenia
INEA is a Slovenian company in the field of automation, process control and manufacturing IT, operating in the field of industry and construction.
Founded in 1987, the company has a long tradition and is the leading Slovenian company in the field of automation. It has more than 50 employees and develops, designs, manufactures, installs, commissions and supports industrial automation, management and control systems.
The company also has strong experience in research project management and over the past years it has been involved in more than 20 European and national research projects in the field of developing advanced control algorithms and the design of advanced controllers for economical, robust and safe manufacturing. .
ThingsLog – Bulgaria
ThingsLog is a Bulgaria-based startup that offers a complete solution for measuring, monitoring and alarming water, gas and electricity consumption. As the startup explains, the idea was born due to the high electricity bills that Bulgarians received at the time.
Founded in 2017, the company manufactures low-power multi-channel data loggers with various radio technologies such as GSM, NB-IoT (NarrowBand-Internet of Things) and LoRa (Long Range Radio). Its solutions are also used in markets such as agriculture and for monitoring critical buildings and equipment.
At the start of the year, ThingsLog raised €1M in a funding round, as it plans to expand its operations and further develop its product.
Spacefre – North Macedonia
Free space is an engineering marketplace based in North Macedonia that connects engineers with different companies and allows them to work for global brands and technology companies.
Founded by engineers and entrepreneurs Zhivorad and Andrej Serafimoski in 2021, the Spacefre platform is designed to individually meet the needs of each engineer and help them get the best possible job position by connecting them with manufacturing companies and projects to the search for specific talents.
The startup is currently in its pre-seed cycle, as it seeks to launch its platform first in the North Macedonia market and then more widely in the region.
