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Industry 4.0 was already in Episode 16 was the focus of our podcast, but back then it was mainly about the digital factory. And also in our robotics episodes (Episode 9 and Episode 32) the topic was in the background of every mentioned industrial solution. And with Episode 36 We have dedicated ourselves to 3D printing, a technology that will be indispensable in modern industrial production in the future.
Bitkom also provides a look at the technologies used in Industry 4.0 in the current edition of its study “Industry 4.0 – how digital Germany’s factories are”It shows that artificial intelligence is used by 38 percent of German industrial companies. In 2020, this figure was only 14 percent. IoT platforms (35 percent), digital twins (33 percent), and virtual and augmented reality (32 percent) are also already being used relatively frequently. However, digital marketplaces are the frontrunners: every second company (50 percent) uses them to purchase or sell products and services.
Solutions for manufacturing in Industry 4.0
The startup also offers such a marketplace Chip flight (from minute 4:05). With their platform, the Munich-based company enables the manufacturing industry to automate the procurement of their components. A special algorithm is used to predict production costs and market-based bid prices. This allows platform users to immediately find out the price and delivery time – and also order directly through the Spanflug platform.
36zero Vision (from minute 6:30) is also concerned with the production of certain parts. The startup, formerly known as Fotonow has developed an AI-powered visual manufacturing inspection system that can instantly detect defects such as scratches, dents, or color differences. The startup relies on off-the-shelf cameras instead of specialized hardware. Character recognition and conformance testing are now also part of the offering.
Help with the development of new products
However, it becomes more fundamental with ExomatterThe startup, founded just last year, is developing a platform for material properties. It is intended to enable development departments to find suitable materials for specific applications in the future – thus replacing the often common trial-and-error method in the laboratory. We explain exactly how this works starting at minute 9:00.
Modelwise In turn, focuses on the certification of mechatronic products. The startup has developed a solution that helps engineers keep an eye on safety analyses right from the design phase. Modelwise aims to not only accelerate development processes but also reduce their costs. You can hear exactly what this "spell checker for engineering models" is all about starting at minute 11:00.
The VC Join Capital
The second part of the episode is about Join Capital, a Berlin-based VC that has also invested in 36zero Vision, among others. With an industry focus, the investor is interested in B2B startups in the manufacturing, construction, supply chain, logistics, and R&D sectors, among others. Starting at minute 13:20, we reveal how the VC supports its portfolio companies in addition to financial support.
