Roboception
Roboception provides factory-calibrated 3D stereo vision sensors and a modular AppliedAI software suite enabling industrial robots to perform bin picking, machine tending, kitting, depalletizing, and navigation for robotics integrators and end-user manufacturers in automotive, intralogistics, and general manufacturing.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersMünchen, Germany
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Roboception does
Roboception GmbH, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Munich, develops factory-calibrated 3D stereo vision sensors and a modular AppliedAI software suite that together give industrial robots the ability to perceive, localize, and manipulate objects in production and logistics environments. The hardware portfolio comprises the next-generation rc_visard NG platform (powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin), the established rc_visard 65/160 sensors, and the high-resolution rc_viscore, supplemented by accessories such as the rc_cube edge computer and rc_randomdot pattern projector. The rc_reason software suite delivers plug-and-produce modules including CADMatch and SilhouetteMatch/SilhouetteMatchAI for machine tending, ItemPick and ItemPickAI for bin-picking, BoxPick and BoxPick+Match for depalletizing, plus SLAM and TagDetect for navigation and calibration, with a Docker-based UserSpace that lets integrators deploy custom code directly on the sensor.
The company serves robotics system integrators and end-user manufacturers in automotive components (Danfoss Drives), intralogistics (TGW Logistics, Swisslog, STIHL, Biosero), industrial automation (nexxos, RG Technologies, Kautenburger, QRS), and sand casting (Grainger & Worrall). Revenue is generated through a combination of hardware unit sales, per-module software licensing for the rc_reason suite, and professional services including feasibility studies and vision consulting. Distribution combines direct enterprise sales with a Try & Buy program, OEM co-marketing with KUKA and Universal Robots (via URCap, EKIBridge, and ROS/GenICam/REST-API interfaces), and a network of certified system integrators.
The business is privately held with a 25.1% strategic minority stake acquired by Basler AG in June 2024, and is led by co-founder and CEO Dr. Michael Suppa alongside fellow DLR-research-origin co-founders Heiko Hirschmüller and Korbinian Schmid. The company employs 1–10 people, has won multiple international design and innovation awards (Red Dot 2019, iF Design 2018, Stevie Gold 2017, Bavarian Innovation Prize 2018, euRobotics Technology Transfer Award 2018), and marked its tenth anniversary in March 2025.
Roboception firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Roboception
- Legal name
- Roboception GmbH
- Website
- https://roboception.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Roboception provides factory-calibrated 3D stereo vision sensors and a modular AppliedAI software suite enabling industrial robots to perform bin picking, machine tending, kitting, depalletizing, and navigation for robotics integrators and end-user manufacturers in automotive, intralogistics, and general manufacturing.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Roboception industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Machine Vision and 3D Robot Vision
- NAICS
- Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511)
- SIC
- Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Robot Hardware, Actuators & Components (sensors, grippers, motors) (HDAAAIAL)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Robot Software, Autonomy Stacks & Simulation (ROS, digital twins) (HDAAAIAK)
Keywords
Where Roboception is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- München
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Roboception business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- 3D Stereo Vision Hardware Sales: Sale of 3D stereo vision sensors (rc_visard NG, rc_visard, rc_viscore) and accessories (rc_cube, rc_randomdot). One-time hardware purchase with optional software modules.
- AppliedAI Software Licenses: Modular software suite (rc_reason) sold as individual licenses per module (CADMatch, SilhouetteMatch, ItemPickAI, BoxPick, etc.). +Match extension available as separate license. Subscription or perpetual licensing model implied.
- Professional Services and Consulting: Vision consulting, feasibility studies, and custom software development services provided to integrators and end users for application-specific deployments.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Entry-level 3D vision solution |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Enterprise / Project-specific deployments |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Roboception product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Roboception develops and sells factory-calibrated 3D stereo vision sensors (rc_visard NG, rc_visard, rc_viscore) combined with the modular rc_reason AppliedAI software suite for robotic perception, manipulation, and navigation. Its plug-and-produce platform enables industrial and collaborative robots to perform bin picking, machine tending, kitting, depalletizing, and pick-and-place without requiring prior machine vision expertise. Supporting hardware includes the rc_cube edge computer and rc_randomdot pattern projector, with software tools (URCap, EKIBridge, IOControl, SGMProducer) for integration with leading robot controllers.
Product overview
Roboception is a Munich-based company specializing in 3D robot vision solutions under the tagline 'Eyes and Brains for Your Robot'. The product portfolio is organized as a platform-plus-modules architecture. The core hardware consists of 3D stereo vision sensors: the rc_visard NG (next-generation platform powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin), the rc_visard (standard 3D stereo sensor in 65 and 160 models), and the rc_viscore (high-resolution 12MPi sensor). These sensors are complemented by the rc_reason Software Suite, a modular AppliedAI software package that includes specialized modules for different robotic applications: CADMatch and SilhouetteMatch for machine tending, ItemPick and ItemPickAI for bin-picking, BoxPick and BoxPick+Match for depalletizing, SLAM for navigation, and TagDetect for calibration. Supporting accessories include the rc_cube edge computer and rc_randomdot pattern projector. Software tools provide robot-specific interfaces including URCap (for Universal Robots), EKIBridge (for KUKA), and IOControl (for GPIO). The entire system is designed for plug-and-produce operation with minimal configuration required.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- rc_visard NG Next-generation 3D stereo vision platform powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin series, with UserSpace for Docker-based custom software deployment and standard REST-API, ROS, and GenICam interfaces. Designed for industrial and collaborative robot integrators and end users needing applied AI perception.
- rc_visard Factory-calibrated 3D stereo sensor for plug-and-produce machine vision, available in rc_visard 65 and rc_visard 160 models. Enables user-friendly image capture and processing without requiring prior machine vision expertise, targeting robotics integrators and end-user manufacturers.
- rc_viscore High-resolution 12MPi 3D stereo sensor for precise detection of smaller objects from greater heights with submillimeter accuracy, featuring a built-in pattern projector for reduced sensitivity to lighting conditions. Aimed at industrial automation use cases requiring fine precision.
- rc_reason Software Suite Modular AppliedAI software suite providing plug-and-produce software modules (CADMatch, SilhouetteMatch/AI, ItemPick/AI, BoxPick/+Match, SLAM, TagDetect, rc_reason_stack) for robotic applications, delivering task-relevant information such as grasp points to robot controllers with minimal configuration. Sold per-module to industrial and collaborative robot users.
- rc_cube Industrial edge computer that runs Roboception vision software modules, boosts performance for industrial applications requiring fast image processing, and hosts the UserSpace Docker feature for custom software deployment. Targets industrial automation deployments needing on-device compute.
- rc_randomdot Pattern Projector Pattern projector accessory that projects random dot patterns onto surfaces to ensure reliable detection on low-texture objects and under challenging lighting conditions. Used in conjunction with Roboception 3D stereo sensors for industrial machine vision applications.
Quantifiable outcome
- ~37% production volume increase and 25,000+ parts processed in first 8 months
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Roboception
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Roboception technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
AI capability4 records
Feature8 records
Roboception partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered key integration partner, key strategic partner, key system integrator, system integrator, technology enabler, research origin partner and industry community.
- KUKAkey integration partnerKUKA integrates Roboception's rc_visard 3D stereo sensors into its robotic automation solutions. Roboception vision is demonstrated at KUKA events and used in joint customer deployments. KUKA's PLC interface supports seamless integration with Roboception software.
- Universal Robotskey integration partnerRoboception provides URCap software integration enabling seamless use of rc_visard sensors with Universal Robots' collaborative robot ecosystem.
- TGW Logistics Groupkey strategic partnerTGW uses rc_visard sensors in its Pick Center Rovolution automated picking solution. Roboception delivered custom software tailored to TGW's perception requirements. TGW's Rovolution won German Innovation Award 2019 Gold and Austrian Robotics Award 2018.
- Quality Robot Systems (QRS)key system integratorQRS is a Danish KUKA system partner that integrates Roboception's 3D vision into turnkey robotic automation solutions for customers including Danfoss Drives. QRS has implemented machine tending and kitting solutions using rc_visard and rc_reason software.
- nexxos GmbHsystem integratornexxos GmbH from Gersthofen integrates Roboception's rc_visard and CADMatch software into custom robotic automation solutions, including a robot-mounted vision solution for automated assembly.
- NVIDIAtechnology enablerThe rc_visard NG vision platform is powered by the NVIDIA Jetson Orin series, representing embedded AI technology integration that enhances the sensor's processing capabilities.
- DLR - Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt / Institut für Robotik und Mechatronikresearch origin partnerRoboception originated from DLR (German Aerospace Center) robotics research. The rc_visard is a direct result of technology transfer from DLR-Institut für Robotik und Mechatronik, recognized with the euRobotics Technology Transfer Award 2018.
- euRobotics Association / ERF Topic Group Perceptionindustry communityRoboception organizes workshops at the European Robotics Forum annually since 2016 and co-leads the ERF Topic Group on Perception, contributing to robotics research roadmapping and knowledge sharing.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Roboception competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Keyence: Global leader in industrial sensors and machine vision with a broad portfolio including 3D vision systems for robotics — a much larger incumbent whose product breadth overlaps with Roboception's industrial vision offering.
- SICK AG: German sensor and machine vision vendor serving industrial automation with 2D/3D vision systems for robotics and logistics — geographically and technically adjacent to Roboception's core industrial customer base.
- Cognex: Public US machine vision company with 2D/3D vision systems widely used in factory automation — a larger incumbent with overlapping industrial-vision capabilities, though more focused on 2D and inspection than robotic 3D perception.
- ifm electronic: German industrial sensor and 3D vision supplier serving factory automation with PMD-based ToF cameras for robotics — adjacent technology to Roboception's stereo offering with overlapping use cases.
Others
- Basler AG: German machine vision components vendor and Roboception's 25.1% strategic investor; comparable in 2D industrial cameras and optics, with adjacent (and partially competing) 3D vision ambitions.
- FRAMOS: German embedded vision specialist distributing and developing 3D/2D vision components and platforms — ecosystem partner and partial competitor in the European machine vision supply chain Roboception operates in.
Direct peers
- Photoneo: Bratislava-based 3D vision provider for robotics (bin picking, depalletizing, parcel handling) using structured light and AI perception — the closest functional rival to Roboception's stereo+AI stack.
- Mech-Mind Robotics: China-headquartered 3D vision supplier for industrial robots, offering structured-light sensors and AI perception software for bin picking, machine tending, and depalletizing — direct overlap in product and use case.
- Zivid: Norwegian maker of high-resolution 3D color cameras (Zivid 2) for industrial robotic applications including bin picking and assembly — competes head-to-head with rc_viscore and rc_visard in industrial 3D sensing.
Emerging players
- Stereolabs: US-based maker of ZED stereo cameras and AI depth-sensing software for robotics, AMR, and spatial AI — comparable stereo+AI architecture, though more developer/research-focused than Roboception's industrial plug-and-produce.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Roboception social profiles
Digital presenceRoboception financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Roboception leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Roboception funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Roboception 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 Roboception
What does Roboception do?
Roboception develops and sells factory-calibrated 3D stereo vision sensors (rc_visard NG, rc_visard, rc_viscore) combined with the modular rc_reason AppliedAI software suite for robotic perception, manipulation, and navigation. Its plug-and-produce platform enables industrial and collaborative robots to perform bin picking, machine tending, kitting, depalletizing, and pick-and-place without requiring prior machine vision expertise. Supporting hardware includes the rc_cube edge computer and rc_randomdot pattern projector, with software tools (URCap, EKIBridge, IOControl, SGMProducer) for integration with leading robot controllers.
Is Roboception a public or private company?
Roboception is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Roboception founded?
Roboception was founded in 2015. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Roboception based?
Roboception is headquartered in München, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Roboception make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. 3D Stereo Vision Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are appliedAI Software Licenses and professional Services and Consulting.
Who are Roboception's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Keyence, SICK AG, Cognex and ifm electronic. Others are Basler AG and FRAMOS. Direct peers are Photoneo, Mech-Mind Robotics and Zivid. Stereolabs is listed as an emerging player.
Does Roboception have an API?
No public API is recorded for Roboception.
What industry is Roboception in?
Roboception's product category is Industrial Machine Vision and 3D Robot Vision. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAAAIAL, Robot Hardware, Actuators & Components (sensors, grippers, motors), with a secondary code of HDAAAIAK, Robot Software, Autonomy Stacks & Simulation (ROS, digital twins). Its NAICS code is 334519 and its SIC code is 3559.