Munich-based RobCo, a company specializing in connected robotics automation solutions tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has successfully raised $42.5 million in its Series B funding round. The investment, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey to democratize automation for SMEs.

Founded in 2020 by three researchers from the Technical University of Munich, RobCo has quickly gained traction in the automation sector. The company focuses on developing flexible robotic hardware kits designed to address various manufacturing needs within SMEs, including machine loading and unloading, palletizing, and welding.

One of RobCo’s standout features is its modular approach, allowing for intuitive assembly and adaptation of robotics applications. With its proprietary RobCo Studio platform, which integrates hardware and software seamlessly, users can configure, implement, and manage robots remotely via a digital twin. This approach eliminates the complexities associated with traditional programming and specialized personnel, making automation more accessible to SMEs.

According to Roman Hölzl, CEO and co-founder of RobCo, the company’s vision goes beyond conventional automation. Hölzl emphasizes a deeper integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into their software, enabling robots to autonomously sense, reason, and act within their environment. This autonomy paves the way for robots capable of planning and executing actions independently, further enhancing efficiency and productivity in SME manufacturing processes.

The significance of RobCo’s focus on SMEs hasn’t gone unnoticed. Alex Schmitt, a partner at Lightspeed, acknowledges the company’s breakthrough in making robotics accessible to smaller enterprises. Previously, the industrial application of robotics was largely confined to large corporations due to cost and complexity barriers. RobCo’s innovative approach is poised to unlock new opportunities for SMEs, driving technological and commercial advancements in both the German and international markets.

With the Series B funding round, which also saw participation from Sequoia Capital, Kindred Capital, and Promus Ventures, RobCo plans to expand its distribution channels and further advance product development. The investment reaffirms investor confidence in RobCo’s mission to revolutionize robotics automation for SMEs, signaling a promising future for the company as it continues to pave the way towards a more automated and efficient manufacturing landscape.