recalm
recalm GmbH is a German industrial-tech company that develops and manufactures the ANCOR system—an active noise-cancellation and hands-free communication platform retrofitted or OEM-integrated into machine cabins for construction, forestry, material-handling, and agricultural operators. The company was acquired by elobau in June 2026.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersHamburg, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What recalm does
recalm GmbH is a German industrial-technology company founded in 2017 and headquartered in Hamburg (with operational headquarters later moving to Leutkirch im Allgäu), which developed the ANCOR system—a communication and active noise-cancellation (ANC) platform purpose-built for high-noise machine cabins. The company's flagship ANCOR Headrest is a retrofit audio unit installed on the headrest of operator seats in construction, forestry, material-handling, and agricultural machines; it combines reference microphones, accelerometers, digital signal processing at 48 kHz, beamforming microphone arrays, and deep-learning-based speech denoising to deliver clear voice communication and reduce perceptible low-frequency machine noise by up to 50% (approximately 10 dB(A) below 700 Hz) without requiring headphones. The ANCOR Custom line extends the same core technology into OEM-embedded integrations with display-controller operation over SOMEIP, Ethernet, and CAN J1939 bus systems, plus DoIP-based over-the-air updates and predictive acoustic maintenance.
The company monetizes primarily through hardware sales (the ANCOR Headrest unit and add-on Radio Module and DAB+ Radio Module) plus B2B consulting and customized integration projects for OEM customers; pricing is quote-based, transactions are B2B-only, and contracts tend toward multi-year engagements. Go-to-market combines a direct enterprise sales team (notably sales lead Moritz Hartwig) with an authorized dealer and OEM partner network that includes SENNEBOGEN, KAISER, Krone, Menzi Muck, and Hydrema on the manufacturer side and approximately a dozen equipment dealers. The customer base is distributed across construction and demolition contractors, forestry operations (including the Bavarian State Forestry), agricultural businesses, and truck/commercial-vehicle operators, with over 350 machines in daily deployment.
In March 2025 recalm closed a Series A round of more than €3 million led by bmp Ventures and SymbiaVC with existing investors; in June 2026 elobau acquired recalm through an asset deal, integrating the ANCOR product line and development team into elobau's broader sensor-technology and human-machine-interaction portfolio, with production planned to begin at Leutkirch. The company has been recognized with the Deutscher Arbeitsschutzpreis for its contribution to operator safety.
recalm firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- recalm
- Legal name
- recalm GmbH
- Website
- https://recalm.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Acquired
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- recalm GmbH is a German industrial-tech company that develops and manufactures the ANCOR system—an active noise-cancellation and hands-free communication platform retrofitted or OEM-integrated into machine cabins for construction, forestry, material-handling, and agricultural operators. The company was acquired by elobau in June 2026.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
recalm industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Active Noise Cancellation and Cabin Communication Systems
- NAICS
- Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334290), Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing (33421)
- SIC
- Communications Equipment, Nec (3669), Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Microphones, Headsets & Audio Input Devices (HDACAFAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Industrial Communication & Interface Components (Transceivers, PHYs, isolators, level shifters, fieldbus/Ethernet ICs) (IMAGAJAI), Pro Audio Equipment (Mics, Interfaces, Mixers, Studio Monitors) (MPAIAJAB)
Keywords
Where recalm is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hamburg
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
recalm business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales - ANCOR Headrest: Sale of the ANCOR headrest communication system - a retrofit audio solution installed on machine headrests. Plug & play installation. Primary product revenue stream.
- ANCOR Custom Integration Solutions: B2B consulting and customized solutions for specific machine integrations. Hardware configuration customization, sound experience tuning, and custom signature sounds for machines. Full customization of ANCOR to individual requirements.
- Radio Module Add-On: Optional radio module for ANCOR, compatible with various radio standards. Sold as separate module addition.
- Professional Services: Commissioning, configuration, and installation support. Remote diagnostics and updates. Ongoing customer support through service portal.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | ANCOR Headrest - Standard retrofit solution |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | ANCOR Custom - Tailored B2B integration solutions |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
recalm product offering
Product offeringCore offering
recalm develops and manufactures the ANCOR line of in-cabin communication and active noise cancellation systems for operators of heavy machinery such as excavators, forestry equipment, agricultural vehicles, and trucks. The core product is the ANCOR Headrest, a retrofit headrest-mounted device that cancels low-frequency machine noise by up to 50% in free field (without headphones), enables hands-free radio and phone communication via Bluetooth, and streams music. ANCOR Custom provides OEM and enterprise customers with tailored hardware configurations, DoIP OTA updates, edge DSP at 48 kHz, and predictive acoustic maintenance.
Product overview
recalm develops and manufactures communication systems for machine cabins, offering a modular product portfolio centered on the ANCOR system. The core ANCOR Headrest is a retrofit all-in-one solution combining active noise cancellation (up to 50% noise reduction), hands-free radio/telephony communication, and Bluetooth music entertainment in a single headrest-mounted unit. ANCOR Custom provides B2B customized integration services including DoIP OTA updates, display controller integration (SOMEIP/Ethernet/CAN J1939), edge computing at 48 kHz, DAB+ radio module, GUI configuration, and predictive acoustic maintenance. Optional add-ons include the Radio Module for professional mobile/PMR/CB radio connectivity and a DAB+ Radio Module for digital broadcast audio. The ANCOR App provides mobile device support for Android. All solutions are developed and manufactured in Germany with over 350 machines in daily deployment across construction, forestry, material handling, and agriculture.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- ANCOR: Flagship audio and communication system product line for machine cabins, available as a retrofit headrest solution (ANCOR Headrest) or as a customized B2B integration (ANCOR Custom). Features active noise cancellation, hands-free radio/telephony communication, and Bluetooth entertainment.
Products and services
- ANCOR Headrest Award-winning retrofit communication system installed at the headrest of construction, agricultural, forestry, truck, and aircraft vehicle seats. Combines active noise cancellation (reducing machine noise by up to 50% / 10 dB(A) below 700 Hz) with hands-free communication via radio or telephony and Bluetooth music entertainment in a single plug-and-play solution. Compatible with any machine having a headrest and long backrest. Sold to B2B customers in construction, forestry, material handling, agriculture, and commercial trucking.
- ANCOR Custom B2B consulting and customized integration solution based on experience from over 250 vehicles. Provides tailored hardware configuration, custom sound experience, DoIP for OTA updates and diagnostics, operation via display controller through SOMEIP/Ethernet/CAN J1939, edge computing DSP at 48 kHz, DAB+ radio module support, graphical user interface, and predictive acoustic maintenance for failure detection.
- ANCOR Radio Module Optional radio module for ANCOR enabling user-centered radio communication with freely placeable push-to-talk foot pedal. Supports PMR, professional mobile radio, and CB radio options from Kenwood (NX-1200, NX-1300, NX-3220, NX-3320, TK 3501), Motorola (XT420), Midland (G7 Pro, M-30), iCom (IC-F1100, IC-F2100, TCB-H100), Stabo (XM-3004e), Baofeng (BF-88ST Pro, BF-88E), and Radioddity (PR-T6). Compatible with helmet radio systems from 3M Peltor LiteCom, Protos BTcom, and Stihl Advance proCOM.
- ANCOR DAB+ Radio Module Digital audio broadcast (DAB+) radio module with twin tuner for high-quality digital radio reception in machine cabins. Compatible with Blaupunkt Dublin 112 BT, Kenwood KMM-BT508DAB, and Kienzle MCR 1118DAB+ car radios. Delivers interference-free high-end digital radio audio to replace tinny cabin radio sound.
- ANCOR App Mobile application for Android devices enabling product configuration, commissioning support, and remote diagnostics. Available on Google Play Store. Active noise reduction commissioning is planned to be available via the app in the future.
Quantifiable outcome
- Active noise cancellation reduces machine noise by up to 50%
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use recalm
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
recalm technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration15 records
AI capability3 records
Feature6 records
recalm partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, general and minor.
- elobaucoreelobau acquired recalm through an asset deal in June 2026 to expand its portfolio with audio, voice, and active noise-canceling technologies for off-highway and industrial applications. The acquisition brings recalm's ANCOR headrest product and development resources under elobau, with production expected to begin in Leutkirch. This represents elobau's strategy to broaden sensor technology and human-machine interaction offerings while safeguarding jobs.
- SENNEBOGENcoreEquipment manufacturer and partner that trusts in recalm and resells/distributes ANCOR products alongside their machinery.
- KAISERcoreEquipment manufacturer and partner that resells and distributes ANCOR products alongside their equipment.
- Kenwood, Motorola, Midland, iCom, Stabo (Radio Manufacturers)coreRadio equipment manufacturers whose handheld radios, mobile radios, and helmet radio solutions are compatible with ANCOR. ANCOR supports PMR, professional mobile radio, and CB radio from these brands.
- 3M Peltor LiteCom, Protos BTcom, Stihl advanceCOM (Helmet Radio Systems)coreHelmet radio solutions compatible with ANCOR through connected handheld radios. Enables communication with forestry and industrial workers wearing helmet radio systems.
- Dealer PartnersgeneralNetwork of equipment dealers distributing ANCOR products: Comhead, Granit, DiTec, Stefan Ebert Forsttechnik, Konrad Forsttechnik, Menzi Muck, Hydrema, Schlüter, HSM Schweiz, Gehörschutzshop, Excav8.
- Hetzner Online GmbHgeneralWeb hosting provider for recalm's website and digital services. Based in Gunzenhausen, Germany.
- AtlassiangeneralJira Service Management platform used for recalm's customer support portal (service.recalm.com). Enables incident reporting, ANCOR support requests, and knowledge base.
- Brevo (Sendinblue)generalEmail marketing and newsletter service provider used for customer communications and promotional emails.
- Airbus BizLabminorAirbus startup accelerator program. Recalm appears as one of their supported/startup companies. Less clear if active partnership.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
recalm competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Bose Corporation: Bose is the dominant ANC technology provider for automotive and aviation cabins (e.g., QuietComfort, automotive seat ANC). It is broadly comparable to recalm in active noise cancellation technology but serves consumer, automotive OEM, and aviation markets rather than off-highway machine cabins.
- Sennheiser: Sennheiser is a leading pro-audio equipment manufacturer (microphones, headsets, DSP solutions for conferencing and broadcast). Comparable to recalm in pro-audio microphone and DSP expertise, though Sennheiser focuses on consumer/professional audio, broadcast, and enterprise communications rather than off-highway vehicle cabins.
- HARMAN International: HARMAN (a Samsung subsidiary) supplies automotive audio systems, ANC, and in-cabin communication technology to vehicle OEMs worldwide. Comparable to recalm as a major automotive/audio technology provider, but focused on passenger vehicles rather than off-highway and industrial machinery.
- EPOS (formerly Sennheiser Communications): EPOS produces enterprise headsets, speakerphones, and professional audio solutions for offices, contact centers, and gaming. Comparable to recalm in DSP-based audio communication technology, though focused on indoor enterprise and contact-center environments rather than industrial machine cabins.
- Shure Incorporated: Shure is a major pro-audio manufacturer of microphones, wireless systems, and DSP solutions used in broadcast, live sound, and conferencing. Comparable to recalm in microphone-array and DSP technology, though Shure serves music, broadcast, and enterprise rather than off-highway cabins.
- MSA Safety: MSA Safety is a global leader in safety equipment including hearing protection, communication headsets, and respiratory protection for industrial, fire service, and construction workers. Comparable to recalm in industrial worker safety and communication, though MSA operates broadly across PPE categories.
Direct peers
- 3M PELTOR: 3M PELTOR makes industrial hearing-protection headsets and helmet radio solutions (LiteCom, WS series) for construction, forestry, and manufacturing. PELTOR is a directly comparable competitor in hands-free hearing-protection communication for noisy industrial environments, and is explicitly supported by recalm's ANCOR.
Emerging players
- Silentium: Silentium is an active noise control technology company specializing in broadband ANC for automotive, HVAC, and industrial applications. It is an emerging player comparable to recalm in the core technology of active noise cancellation but serving broader markets including consumer electronics and white goods.
- HearSafe / SonX Communications: Honeywell's Howard Leight and safety division offer industrial hearing-protection solutions including electronic earmuffs and communication-enabled hearing protectors. Comparable to recalm in worker hearing-protection and in-cab communication, though Honeywell is much broader in scope and focused on PPE rather than ANC retrofit.
Regional players
- Stihl advanceCOM: Stihl is a leading manufacturer of forestry and outdoor power equipment, offering the advanceCOM helmet radio communication system compatible with recalm's ANCOR. Comparable as an integrated communication solution for forestry/landscape operators, though Stihl is a regional equipment manufacturer rather than a cabin-AVC specialist.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
recalm social profiles
Digital presencerecalm financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
recalm leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
recalm funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds7 records
Investors8 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
recalm M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about recalm
What does recalm do?
recalm develops and manufactures the ANCOR line of in-cabin communication and active noise cancellation systems for operators of heavy machinery such as excavators, forestry equipment, agricultural vehicles, and trucks. The core product is the ANCOR Headrest, a retrofit headrest-mounted device that cancels low-frequency machine noise by up to 50% in free field (without headphones), enables hands-free radio and phone communication via Bluetooth, and streams music. ANCOR Custom provides OEM and enterprise customers with tailored hardware configurations, DoIP OTA updates, edge DSP at 48 kHz, and predictive acoustic maintenance.
Is recalm a public or private company?
recalm is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently acquired.
When was recalm founded?
recalm was founded in 2017. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is recalm based?
recalm is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does recalm make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales - ANCOR Headrest is the primary driver. The others are ANCOR Custom Integration Solutions, radio Module Add-On and professional Services.
Who are recalm's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Bose Corporation, Sennheiser, HARMAN International, EPOS (formerly Sennheiser Communications), Shure Incorporated and MSA Safety. 3M PELTOR is listed as a direct peer. Emerging players are Silentium and HearSafe / SonX Communications. Stihl advanceCOM is listed as a regional player.
Does recalm have an API?
No public API is recorded for recalm.
What industry is recalm in?
recalm's product category is Industrial Active Noise Cancellation and Cabin Communication Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDACAFAH, Microphones, Headsets & Audio Input Devices, with a secondary code of IMAGAJAI, Industrial Communication & Interface Components (Transceivers, PHYs, isolators, level shifters, fieldbus/Ethernet ICs). Its NAICS code is 33431 and its SIC code is 3669.