Agile Robots SE
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Robotics, artificial intelligence, industrial automation |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founders | Zhaopeng Chen, Peter Meusel |
| Headquarters | Munich, Germany |
Key people | Zhaopeng Chen (CEO) |
| Subsidiaries | Franka Robotics, idealworks |
| Website | www |
Agile Robots SE is a German robotics and artificial intelligence company based in Munich, Germany. The company develops industrial robots and automation systems for manufacturing and logistics applications. It was founded in 2018 as a spin-off from the German Aerospace Center (DLR).[1]
History
Agile Robots was founded in Munich in 2018 by researchers from the German Aerospace Center’s Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics, including Zhaopeng Chen and Peter Meusel.[1]
In September 2021 the company raised $220 million in venture capital in a Series C funding round led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2. The financing valued the company at more than $1 billion.[2][3]
In November 2023 Agile Robots acquired the Munich-based robotics company Franka Emika, which had filed for insolvency earlier that year.[4]
In October 2023 BMW Group announced that Agile Robots had become the majority shareholder of idealworks, a BMW spin-off developing autonomous mobile robots for intralogistics.[5] In September 2025 Agile Robots acquired the remaining shares in the company.[6]
In June 2025 the company opened a manufacturing facility in the SIPCOT industrial park in Irungattukottai, Tamil Nadu, India.[7]
In April 2026, Agile Robots SE presented its first humanoid robot for industrial applications at Hannover Messe.[8] The company had announced the launch of the robot in November 2025.[9]
Funding
Agile Robots raised multiple venture capital rounds during its early growth. Investors in the company have included SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Hillhouse Capital, Sequoia Capital and Linear Venture.[2][10]
Technology
Agile Robots develops robotic manipulation systems that combine sensors, control software and artificial intelligence with robotic hardware.[1]
One of the company's early industrial robots is the Diana 7, a seven-axis robotic arm designed for precision assembly tasks.[11]
The company also develops autonomous mobile robots and automation systems used in industrial logistics and manufacturing environments.[12]
Operations
Agile Robots operates internationally with engineering and manufacturing activities in Europe and Asia. The company had headquarters in Munich and Beijing.[2]
The company's automation systems are used in sectors including automotive manufacturing, electronics manufacturing and industrial logistics.[13]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 "Making smarter, more agile robots". Nature. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 "German-Chinese startup Agile Robots raises $220 million from investors". Reuters. 9 September 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
- ↑ "Agile Robots raises €186 million and becomes a unicorn". Munich Startup. 13 September 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
- ↑ "Agile Robots acquires Franka Emika". The Robot Report. 13 November 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
- ↑ "idealworks: BMW Group subsidiary gains Agile Robots AG as majority shareholder". BMW Group. 17 October 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
- ↑ "Agile Robots completes acquisition of BMW Group spin-off idealworks". idealworks. 16 September 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
- ↑ "Tamil Nadu CM inaugurates Agile Robots' AI-powered machine parts unit". Business Standard. 4 June 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
- ↑ Müller, Franziska (2026-04-23). "Гуманоидные роботы впечатлили канцлера Мерца. Он ждет новой промышленной революции" [Humanoid robots impress Chancellor Merz. He expects a new industrial revolution]. Euronews (in Russian). Retrieved 2026-07-26.
- ↑ Bünte, Oliver (2025-11-21). "Munich robotics company Agile Robots showcases its first humanoid robot". Heise Online. Retrieved 2026-07-26.
- ↑ "European deeptech in 2021: These were the 10 biggest funding rounds". Tech.eu. 30 December 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
- ↑ "Diana 7". Agile Robots. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
- ↑ "Rising energy prices are driving up demand for robotics". Sifted. 31 October 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
- ↑ "This Week in European Tech: Agile Robots is Germany's latest unicorn". Tech.eu. 10 September 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2026.