Industrial manufacturing is facing an imminent crisis caused by labour shortages, geopolitical pressures, and supply chain issues. Automation and robotics play essential roles in tackling these challenges.
We are delighted to partner with Sunrise Robotics, based in Ljubljana, Slovenia and support their mission to elevate the world of manufacturing by introducing intelligent, flexible robots.
Founded in 2023 by three experienced entrepreneurs and operators, CEO Tomaz Stolfa, CTO Marko Thaler and CCO Joe Perrott, the company has hired an exceptional team from Waymo, Red Bull, Google and Unity. Sunrise has delivered its first robotic cells to customers in under 18 months, thanks to a software-defined approach that is 10 times cheaper to deploy.
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Our relationship with Tomaz dates back to 2011 when we first backed Vox. In 2018, we backed Tomaz again to build Edmund and we are delighted to partner for a third time as Sunrise embarks on one of the most ambitious and critical missions in European tech.
Sunrise employs a simulation-first approach to robotics hardware. Each system is designed and built with dual arms, advanced perception systems and sensors. The robot cells are then trained through simulation technology — Sunrise creates a virtual replica of the workstation or production environment for each implementation and trains the robot’s integrated AI brain within this simulation.
In addition, the cells can learn together as a fleet, with regular over-the-air updates ensuring they can continuously improve to expand capabilities and increase customer value.
Initial systems are now operational in electronics manufacturing facilities across Europe. Sunrise has also signed letters of intent with 10+ customers in areas including supercar development, high-performance batteries and consumer electronics manufacturing, alongside multiple potential use cases for precision manufacturing.
Tomaz Stolfa, co-founder of Sunrise, said:
The future of manufacturing lies in accessible automation, augmenting humanity through intelligent systems driven by simulation and digital replicas. Our smart, flexible robot cells empower businesses by automating repetitive tasks, closing employment gaps and allowing workers to focus on higher-value activities, whilst ensuring Europe has the industrial prowess and capabilities that it sorely needs. Together with our customers and investors, we’re building a more efficient and sustainable manufacturing landscape for Europe.
Andrew Buss, Managing Director at Asteelflash Bedford, said:
Asteelflash is a global leader in Electronic Manufacturing Services, and we are constantly seeking innovative, game-changing solutions that enhance the quality and reproducibility of our offering, while giving us a competitive edge. Sunrise has proven to be an outstanding partner, enabling us to adopt cutting-edge innovation at remarkable speed. Just a few months after initial data collection, we had a fully trained, operational intelligent robot up and running within hours of delivery. We’re genuinely excited about what the future holds.
On why we partnered with Sunrise, our Managing Partner, Carlos Espinal, highlights:
We are incredibly excited to partner with the exceptional team at Sunrise and support their mission to revitalise the European industrial sector. With its first successful customer deployments, Sunrise is setting a new standard in industrial automation.
We are delighted to be part of Sunrise’s journey as they announce $8.5 million of funding. The investment will support the expansion of its European-wide team and enhance AI capabilities.
Sunrise is hiring for multiple roles.
For more information visit sunriserobotics.co.