Innovative AI startup aiomatic shapes the future of predictive maintenance with strategic investment
In the fast-paced industrial tech landscape, aiomatic is setting new standards for smarter, more efficient maintenance solutions.
By harnessing AI-driven predictive analytics, the startup helps companies cut downtime and optimise operations. With rapid deployment across diverse machine types and industries, aiomatic has captured the attention of major clients like SEFE Storage GmbH and PHW Group. Backed by a €2 million investment from diverse investors including EIT Manufacturing, the company is on its way to rapid growth, looking to expand across Europe and beyond.
Read more below as co-founders Lena Weirauch (CEO) and Felix Kraft (CFO) talk about their journey, challenges, and ambitions to make their solution the global standard for predictive maintenance.
The technology behind aiomatic
At the core of aiomatic’s success is their unique digital maintenance assistant. This software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform is designed to prevent unplanned production downtimes, which are a major source of inefficiency and cost for large manufacturing companies. Their technology uses predictive maintenance to monitor machinery, enabling companies to foresee equipment issues before they result in failures. This proactive approach saves both time and money, enhancing efficiency and extending machinery lifespans.
The software integrates seamlessly with a variety of machine types, which is a key differentiator in the market. Traditional solutions often require lengthy installation and customisation periods, while aiomatic’s system can be deployed eight times faster than most other predictive maintenance technologies. This quick integration, coupled with scalability, allows businesses across multiple industries — automotive, packaging, and critical infrastructure — to deploy the software rapidly, regardless of their machinery complexity. According to co-founder Lena Weirauch, this scalability makes their product unique: “We can scale very easily because we don’t need to adjust the software for a very long time on different machines.”
The dramatic reduction of downtime and maintenance costs stand out as the major benefits for clients. Aiomatic’s predictive AI platform constantly analyses data from machinery, identifying patterns and potential issues before they escalate. This is crucial for industries where unplanned downtime can lead to massive financial losses, especially in sectors where a single machine failure can cost millions of euros.
Their adaptable technology supports a wide range of industries and applications, from simple motor monitoring to managing complex robotic systems and tooling machines. Lena highlights the broad applicability of their technology: “We currently serve around 15 to 20 customers across different sectors, and the common thread is the significant cost savings and efficiency gains they experience.” Aiomatic has been able to attract a diverse client base, including prominent companies such as SEFE Storage GmbH, PHW Group, and Nitto, among others. With a number of renowned clients already on board, the startup has proven its capability to deliver substantial value in diverse industrial settings, leading to a significant investment.
EIT Manufacturing’s key role in the success of aiomatic
Earlier this year, the company raised €2 million in a funding round comprising a complementary group of investors including EIT Manufacturing. Felix highlights the comprehensive support aiomatic has received from EIT Manufacturing as part of their participation in the Accelerate Programme. Accelerate is a permanently open call with the objective to support, scale and accelerate industry startups into impactful players in the European manufacturing ecosystem.
“EIT Manufacturing has been instrumental not only in financial backing but also in providing valuable customer introductions and event opportunities. With EIT Manufacturing, everything is combined in one — the financial support, customer introductions, and networking events.”
Felix Kraft, co-founder & CFO, aiomatic
This investment will help accelerate the company’s growth, particularly in marketing and sales, as they aim to establish their platform as the industry standard for predictive maintenance in Germany and beyond. The company plans to expand its market reach to Portugal and other European countries, while continuously enhancing its technology to stay ahead of the curve. “Our goal is to become the leading solution in Europe and eventually globally,” says Felix.
Overcoming challenges and building a strong team
Despite the recent successes of aiomatic, Lena and Felix acknowledge the journey has not been without challenges. Raising funds during a global pandemic and economic downturn turned out to be particularly difficult. “Securing investment at a time when the market was at its lowest was incredibly challenging,” recalls Lena. Nonetheless, the team persevered, driven by a shared vision of transforming the maintenance landscape with AI.
As a female co-founder in a predominantly male industry, Lena offers valuable advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs: “Finding a balance between accepting the reality of being often the only woman in the room and connecting with other women in the industry has been crucial.” Her approach emphasises resilience and building supportive networks to navigate the challenges unique to women in tech.
Currently, aiomatic boasts a team of 26 dedicated professionals, each contributing to the company’s innovative edge. The founders attribute their success to a strong customer-centric approach and the ability to deliver a product that meets real-world needs in predictive maintenance.
Apply for the Accelerate Programme 2024!
Are you a startup with innovative solutions that can address critical challenges in the manufacturing sector? Apply to the EIT Manufacturing Accelerate Programme! This open call offers tailored support, internationalisation services, and funding of up to €500,000 to help scale your business. If your technology aligns with areas such as digitalisation, net-zero industry, or renewable energy, and you’re ready to grow in Europe’s manufacturing ecosystem, now is the time to apply. Diverse, inclusive teams are especially encouraged!
Apply for the Accelerate Programme 2024!
Apply by 10 September 2024 to receive an investment of up to €500,000.