In a world where automation is key to staying competitive, one startup is helping manufacturers overcome long-standing barriers. Inbolt, a Paris-based pioneer in real-time robot guidance solutions, has secured €15M in a Series A funding round led by Exor Ventures, to develop AI-powered vision for industrial robots. This funding will drive Inbolt’s mission to revolutionise factory automation through cutting-edge AI-powered software that gives robotic arms the ability to adapt in real-time to their surroundings.
Imagine a factory floor where robots not only execute tasks but also make instant decisions, adjusting to unexpected changes in their environment. For manufacturers struggling with labour shortages and the complexities of automation, Inbolt’s solution, GuideNOW, offers a way to modernise quickly and cost-effectively. By turning standard 3D cameras into smart vision systems, Inbolt allows robots to see, think, and act independently.
AI-powered vision for industrial robots
The latest funding round, led by Exor Ventures, the early-stage investment arm of Exor N.V., will accelerate Inbolt’s research and development efforts, helping the company expand its operations in the US and Japan. Existing investors such as MIG Capital (Germany), SOSV (US), BNP Paribas Développement, and Bpifrance also participated in the round, bringing the total amount raised to €20M. Notably, Exor Ventures is the largest shareholder in companies like Ferrari and Stellantis, linking Inbolt to a broader network of industrial giants.
“We enable any robot to make real-time decisions and adapt to all types of environments, even the most complex. With a 400% increase in demand over the past six months from various regions, it is strategic for us to strengthen our presence in Europe while accelerating our expansion into the United States and Japan,” said Rudy Cohen, CEO of Inbolt.
Tackling manufacturing challenges with AI
The manufacturing industry is increasingly turning to automation to tackle issues such as labour shortages and the demand for better working conditions. However, deploying robots at scale has historically been costly and complicated. Inbolt’s solution, GuideNOW, aims to change that. Using 3D vision cameras powered by AI, GuideNOW processes 3D data to guide robotic arms, adjusting their trajectories in real-time, even in unstructured environments.
“Until now, manufacturers have had to choose between ROI and deployment velocity of automation solutions. The ingenuity of Inbolt’s platform is to leverage 3D cameras and AI to give eyes and brains to robotic arms that were previously complex to manipulate, This solution has two massive advantages: it can be deployed in a matter of hours and at a much lower cost and used even by less tech-savvy operators. We are delighted to be joining Inbolt and to be able to support them in their ambition for international growth,” said Noam Ohana, Managing Director at Exor Ventures.
Inbolt’s technology has already been deployed across twenty industrial sites in Europe and the United States, including at Stellantis, where it saved the automotive manufacturer more than €3.1M in one year. Other notable clients include Ford, Whirlpool, Thyssenkrupp Automotive, and Atlas Copco.
Rapid deployment and expanding use cases
One of Inbolt’s standout features is its ease of deployment. According to the company, GuideNOW can be operational within hours, offering flexibility and accessibility to manufacturers without requiring a highly technical workforce. This low-cost, high-speed deployment has led to a 400% surge in demand over the past six months, and Inbolt plans to expand its product range to cover new use cases.
“Inbolt has been moving at an incredible pace, especially over the last 10 months. Going from development to production in factories so quickly is seriously impressive. We’re excited to see how far they’ll take this,” added Oliver Kahl from MIG Capital.
Global vision for smarter factories
Founded in 2019 by Rudy Cohen, Albane Dersy, and Louis Dumas, Inbolt has quickly positioned itself as a leader in AI-driven robotic solutions. The three co-founders met during the MSc X-HEC Entrepreneurs programme and were inspired by their time at UC Berkeley, where they recognised the potential for AI to transform industrial automation. With a presence in France, Germany, and plans to grow in the US and Japan, Inbolt is set to play a significant role in the future of factory automation.
By offering manufacturers a way to modernise rapidly and affordably, Inbolt is poised to reshape the automation landscape. As demand for AI-powered robotics continues to surge, Inbolt’s GuideNOW could soon become the go-to solution for factories worldwide.
