TL;DR: ExRobotics Raises €7M to Expand Explosion-Proof Inspection Robots Globally
Delft-based ExRobotics secured €7M to scale its explosion-proof inspection robots, addressing safety challenges in hazardous industries like energy and petrochemicals. Their autonomous ExR-2 robots improve safety, detect methane leaks, and provide real-time data, reducing human risk in dangerous zones.
• Funding Use: Expand global operations, scale Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS), enhance software, and increase production.
• Key Impact: Safer inspections, operational efficiency, and adaptability to extreme conditions.
For entrepreneurs exploring tech markets, ExRobotics showcases the importance of innovation and scalability in high-risk industries. Discover university-based incubators that help foster such innovations. Improve your growth strategy by learning from ExRobotics' success model and pursue certifications to access regulated markets.
Check out other fresh news that you might like:
AI News: 5 Essential Tips in Startup Lessons and SEO Benefits for 2026
Startup News: Key Trends, Investment Insights, and Mistakes to Avoid for European Founders in 2026
How to Use RSS Feeds for Startup News: Steps, Tips, and Benefits for Entrepreneurs in 2026
Epic Startup News: Hidden Benefits of Datasharp’s Strategic Step with Woosmap Revealed for 2026
Delft-based ExRobotics raises €7M funding to expand its explosion-proof inspection robots
2025 marked another milestone for the robotics industry as Delft-based ExRobotics secured €7 million in growth capital, propelling its explosion-proof autonomous inspection robots to the forefront of hazardous industrial environments. This funding round, led by venture capital experts FORWARD.one and supported by the Rotterdam Port Fund, reflects the rising demand for safety innovations in sectors such as energy and petrochemicals. With over 100 successful deployments globally, ExRobotics is poised to scale its operations and tackle the challenges of the future.
Why is ExRobotics significant for industrial safety?
Industrial environments such as oil, gas, and petrochemical plants are fraught with risks, especially in “Ex zones” where explosive gases and materials are prevalent. Human inspections in these zones are dangerous, tightly regulated, and prone to error. Enter ExRobotics’ explosion-proof ExR-2 robot, which manages autonomous inspections without risking human lives. Capable of detecting methane leaks, performing safety checks, and collecting real-time data, these machines make operations safer, more sustainable, and efficient.
- Reduced human risk: These robots eliminate the need for people to enter hazardous zones, meeting stringent safety regulations.
- Proactive hazard detection: Methane leak detection and frequent inspections identify risks before they escalate.
- Operational efficiency: Automated monitoring reduces downtime and maintenance costs.
- Versatile deployment: Functioning in tropical, desert, and arctic conditions, the robots are suited for diverse industrial applications.
How will the €7M funding be utilized?
The announced funding will pave the way for ExRobotics to scale its operations globally. The capital will be directed towards expanding their Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) fleets, enhancing software capabilities, and boosting production capacity. This aligns with customers’ growing demand for certified robots capable of navigating extreme conditions.
- Scaling RaaS fleets: Rapid deployment across global markets to cater to sectors heavily focused on safety.
- Enhanced software: Transitioning to fleet manager-agnostic architecture to improve adaptability.
- Manufacturing scale-up: Increasing production to meet rising demand.
- Certification expansion: Coverage for new regions, including emerging energy sectors like hydrogen.
Learn more about the impact of this funding from FORWARD.one’s announcement.
Common mistakes to avoid with industrial robotics adoption
Robotics adoption can yield groundbreaking outcomes, but missteps can lead to inefficiencies and setbacks. As ExRobotics scales globally, these are crucial lessons for industries considering robotic integration:
- Underestimating training needs: Teams must understand how to operate and troubleshoot robots effectively.
- Ignoring safety protocols: Robotics should complement, not replace, comprehensive safety procedures.
- Overpromising capabilities: Be realistic about the limits of technology to avoid reliance on insufficient solutions.
- Lack of scalability testing: Prioritize models like RaaS to ensure robotics can adapt to growing demands.
- Neglecting data management: Utilize the real-time data collected to predict and prevent future risks.
Efforts to avoid these pitfalls ensure that robotics serve their intended purpose of safety enhancement and operational efficiency.
ExRobotics’ future and global impact
With €7M secured, ExRobotics is positioned to lead the charge in making hazardous industrial environments safer for workers and more sustainable for the planet. As robotics integrate further into daily operations, the focus remains on innovation and adaptability, qualities ExRobotics consistently demonstrates. Their decision to expand certification for emerging sectors, such as hydrogen, reflects their commitment to future-proofing solutions.
According to Mark Mildon, CEO of ExRobotics, “Our industry is at an inflection point. We’re investing to grow alongside our customers and align with global safety demands.”
Read the full insights on Silicon Canals.
Conclusion: Lessons from ExRobotics for entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs often struggle to balance early-stage deployments with long-term scalability. ExRobotics provides a template for growth through careful funding utilization, strategic partnerships, and tech innovation. To replicate their success:
- Secure funding via investors who align with your vision.
- Build solutions that address urgent industry needs.
- Prioritize certifications to increase accessibility in regulated markets.
- Ensure scalability in both production and deployment.
- Collaborate with experts in specialized fields, like industrial safety.
Stay updated on the latest robotics advancements by visiting ExRobotics’ official website. For entrepreneurs aiming to break into niche technology markets, lessons from ExRobotics are invaluable.
FAQ on Delft-based ExRobotics and Its €7M Funding
How does ExRobotics improve safety in hazardous industrial zones?
ExRobotics specializes in explosion-proof autonomous inspection robots tailored for hazardous environments like oil, gas, and petrochemical facilities. The robots, such as the ExR-2 model, autonomously carry out safety inspections in Ex zones where explosive gases or materials are present. They detect risks like methane leaks, manage safety protocols, and collect real-time operational data, ultimately reducing human exposure to life-threatening conditions. These robots comply with stringent safety regulations, making operations safer and more sustainable. Learn more about ExRobotics
What is Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) and how does ExRobotics utilize it?
Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) is a model where businesses can deploy robots as needed without upfront ownership costs. ExRobotics leverages RaaS to rapidly scale its operations globally, providing companies flexible access to their certified robots. This approach reduces capital investment for industries while enabling constant safety monitoring in extreme conditions. Explore how RaaS works
How will the €7M funding expand ExRobotics’ operations?
The €7 million growth capital led by FORWARD.one and Rotterdam Port Fund will allow ExRobotics to scale its RaaS fleets, enhance software capabilities, boost production capacity, and broaden certification for emerging energy sectors like hydrogen. The company aims to meet rising global demand for certified autonomous robots across diverse industrial environments. Check out FORWARD.one
What role does software enhancement play in scaling ExRobotics’ robots?
ExRobotics is transitioning to fleet manager-agnostic architecture in its software development, enabling flexibility in robot deployment across different platforms. Enhanced software allows better adaptability, real-time data analysis, and operational efficiency, which are crucial for diverse, harsh environments. Learn about ExRobotics’ software approach
How can startup founders learn from ExRobotics’ scaling strategy?
ExRobotics showcases how strategic funding and targeted innovation can unlock growth. Founders can mimic their method by securing aligned investors, focusing on urgent industry needs, and building scalable solutions. Access programs like Yes!Delft incubators, as highlighted in deeptech articles, to refine strategies. Discover deeptech incubators
Why are certifications critical in the robotics industry?
Certifications like IECEx Zone 1 enable ExRobotics robots to operate legally and safely in hazardous zones. Regulatory compliance ensures customer trust while unlocking access to environments like explosive gas facilities and emerging sectors such as hydrogen. Explore University-based incubators driving certifications
What mistakes should industries avoid when adopting robotics like ExRobotics’?
Common pitfalls include underestimating training needs, neglecting safety protocols, and failing to test scalability. Effective robotics implementation requires thorough training, robust safety integration, and adaptable deployment models like RaaS for long-term success. Learn about incubators in the Netherlands for robotics insights
What insights can female founders take from ExRobotics’ growth?
Female founders aiming for scalability can learn from ExRobotics’ focus on strategic partnerships, global market expansion, and providing solutions for high-risk industries. Programs like Europe’s top female founder accelerators can offer mentorship and funding guidance to navigate niche markets effectively. Discover accelerators empowering female founders
How does ExRobotics address environmental sustainability?
ExRobotics’ robots proactively detect leaks and prevent industrial hazards, thus minimizing emissions and reducing environmental damage. Additionally, automated monitoring improves efficiency, leading to sustainable industrial practices. Check how trends in AI-powered robotics are shaping industries
Where can you learn more about robotics development and innovation?
Resources like ExRobotics’ official website and specialized articles on robotics encourage deeper understanding of industrial automation and its transformative impact. Entrepreneurs can also leverage startup incubators focused on robotics and automation for growth. Dive into ExRobotics’ journey
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the point of view of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.