In a move that could revolutionize the adoption of robotics and automation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), German robotics company coboworx has raised €11.4 million (approximately $12.2 million) in a recent funding round. This investment will fuel the company's ambitious plans to expand its team, broaden its product range, and tap into new markets, while also paving the way for the opening of a new location in Munich later this year.

coboworx's mission is to empower SMEs to harness the power of robotics by offering a modular and accessible platform tailored to their specific needs. With its user-friendly approach, the company aims to democratize automation, making it affordable and intuitive for businesses of all sizes.

The funding round saw participation from prominent investors, including Northstar Family Holdings, SquareOne, Picus Capital, and business angels such as Mirko Novakovic, the founder of Instana. This diverse group of investors recognizes the immense potential of coboworx's innovative platform and its ability to reshape the global manufacturing landscape.

Andy Bender, founder of Northstar Family Holdings, expressed his confidence in coboworx's vision, stating, "Manufacturing is undergoing a revolutionary change both in Europe and the US. Due to personnel shortages, the market is ready for robotics on demand—made in Germany. coboworx is leading this movement, making complex robotic technologies affordable, accessible and intuitive to use. Their modular platform is more than a solution; it is a catalyst for industrial change with the potential to reshape the global manufacturing landscape."

Modular Approach to Automation

At the core of coboworx's offering is its modular platform, designed to cater to the diverse needs of SMEs. This approach allows businesses to start with specific systems for individual process steps and expand as their requirements evolve. Currently, the company offers systems for palletizing and machine tending applications, with plans to introduce solutions for welding, packaging, and material flow in intralogistics in the future.

coboworx's platform is particularly valuable for SMEs that supply large retail groups, where around-the-clock production is essential. The company's subscription-based model enables these businesses to implement robot-assisted automation quickly and without prior knowledge, eliminating the need for significant upfront investments in time and money.

A Streamlined Journey to Automation

coboworx has streamlined the journey to automation into five straightforward steps, which can be completed within a matter of weeks. The process begins with the configuration of the robotic solution through the company's intuitive configurator, allowing customers to accurately represent their requirements.

Following this, coboworx conducts an on-site visit to review the customer's production environment and create a tailored concept. A feasibility study is then conducted at the company's technical center to finalize the gripping technology and ensure reliability.

Once the concept is finalized, coboworx provides a binding offer with flexible purchase or rental models. The final step is the delivery and installation of the robotic system, which the company claims can be completed within 4-6 weeks, with the on-site installation taking just a single day.

Democratizing Automation

coboworx's mission to democratize automation and make it accessible to SMEs is aligned with the broader trends in the manufacturing sector. As personnel shortages continue to plague the industry, the demand for robotics and automation solutions has become increasingly urgent.

By offering a modular, subscription-based platform that minimizes upfront costs and simplifies the implementation process, coboworx is poised to become a catalyst for industrial change, empowering SMEs to embrace robotics and remain competitive in an ever-evolving manufacturing landscape.

With the support of its investors and the continued expansion of its product range, coboworx is well-positioned to lead the charge in democratizing automation, reshaping the global manufacturing landscape, and unlocking new opportunities for businesses of all sizes to thrive in the era of Industry 4.0.