What Vathos Robotics does

Vathos GmbH, operating as Vathos Robotics, is a Düsseldorf-based software company founded in 2015 that develops AI-based machine vision software for camera-guided robotics in industrial automation. It targets manufacturers and intralogistics operators that need to automate manual processes in unstructured environments where traditional feeder machines or hard-coded automation fail, with disclosed use cases including depalletizing, machine tending, bin picking, contour picking, sorting, and assembly across automotive, consumer goods, and general industrial segments in Germany and selected international markets.

The company offers two core products. Vathos Robot Vision is a hardware-agnostic vision software providing AI-based 2D and 3D object detection and pose estimation for pick-and-place applications, with four detection models (Plane Picking, Contour Picking, Bin Picking, and integrated Calibration). Vathos IR Inspect is an inline thermography service for quality control in injection molding, detecting temperature deviations, cooling failures, and bead-wire breaks. Underlying technology includes a synthetic training data pipeline that generates training sets automatically from CAD models without manual labeling, continuous unsupervised learning from production imagery, and a hybrid cloud/edge deployment architecture. The software integrates with major industrial robots (KUKA, Universal Robots, ABB GoFA), 3D cameras (Zivid, Optonic Ensenso, Mech-Mind, Photoneo, Keyence, Wenglor), and PLCs (Siemens, Bosch, Beckhoff, Rockwell) via OPC-UA, REST-API, and XML-RPC interfaces.

The business model combines recurring software subscriptions (EUR 500/month for Robot Vision; three EUR 100–500/month tiers for IR Inspect) with one-time perpetual licenses (EUR 22,500 for Robot Vision), paid professional services for object training (~EUR 200 per object), and OEM-distributed hardware (KUMO VI at EUR 1,395 and Brick Silver at EUR 540). Distribution occurs through direct enterprise sales and a growing channel partner ecosystem including Wandelbots (NOVA platform OEM), Zasche Handling (gantry OEM), Leadec (factory services), Fehr Handlingsysteme, and Dreisbach & Jungmann. The company is privately held by founders Dr. Nicolas March (CEO) and Dr. Jonathan Balzer (CTO), has 1–10 employees (four named), and has not disclosed any external venture capital beyond public research grants.

Name

Vathos Robotics

Legal name

Vathos GmbH

Website

https://vathos-robotics.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Vathos Robotics develops AI-based, hardware-agnostic machine vision software for camera-guided industrial robotics and inline injection-molding thermography, serving manufacturers and logistics operators via direct sales and a growing system-integrator and OEM partner ecosystem across Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Machine Vision Software

NAICS

Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Machine Vision & Industrial Imaging Systems (IMAHAHAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Industrial Vision & Quality Inspection (HDAAAEAG)

Keywords

• Machine vision software
• Robot guidance systems
• Industrial automation software
• 3D object recognition
• Bin picking solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Düsseldorf

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Vathos Robot Vision Software Subscription: Subscription model for Robot Vision software with monthly or annual billing. Includes support and all software updates/upgrades. Annual prepaid billing offers 20% discount. Termination requires two months notice by end of month.
2. Vathos Robot Vision Perpetual License: One-time perpetual license purchase for Robot Vision software without term limit. Support and upgrades/updates available at cost.
3. Object Training Services: AI-based object training service for objects requiring automatic object-specific training (particularly for high-precision placement applications like machine tending). Training process takes up to 20 hours, charged at EUR 10 per started training hour. Approximately EUR 200 per object.
4. Vathos IR Inspect Subscription: Subscription-based inline thermography software for injection molding quality control. Three tiers: Starter (EUR 100/month or EUR 125/month), Standard (EUR 240/month or EUR 300/month), Professional (EUR 500/month or EUR 625/month). Annual prepaid offers 20% discount.
5. Hardware Sales (IPC/Controllers): Sale of preinstalled industrial PCs/controllers (KUMO VI for Robot Vision at EUR 1,395 net; Brick Silver for IR Inspect at EUR 540 net) through OEM partner. Customers can also bring their own device for software installation.
6. Setup Support Services: Remote and onsite setup support services. Included with SaaS/subscription contracts. Charged separately for perpetual license customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Vathos Robotics develops and sells AI-based machine vision software for industrial automation. Its core offering, Vathos Robot Vision, provides AI-based 3D and 2D object detection for camera-guided pick-and-place robotics across manufacturing and logistics (depalletizing, bin picking, machine tending). The secondary offering, Vathos IR Inspect, is in-line thermography software for quality monitoring in injection molding. Both products are sold via subscription or perpetual license, with optional pre-installed industrial PCs.

Product overview

Vathos Robotics offers a portfolio of machine vision software products centered around two core offerings: Vathos Robot Vision for pick-and-place applications in manufacturing and logistics, and Vathos IR Inspect for inline quality monitoring in injection molding. Vathos Robot Vision provides multiple AI-based detection models (Plane Picking, Contour Picking, Bin Picking, and Calibration) that work with standard 3D/2D cameras to enable autonomous robot picking. The software supports hybrid, edge-only, and cloud-only deployment architectures. Hardware options include pre-configured industrial PCs (KUMO VI for Robot Vision, Brick Silver for IR Inspect). The company positions itself as hardware-agnostic, supporting various 3D sensors and robots from manufacturers like Zivid, Optonic, Keyence, and integrating with PLCs via OPC-UA.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Vathos Robot Vision AI-based machine vision software providing 2D and 3D object detection and pose estimation for camera-guided pick-and-place robotics. Enables depalletizing, bin picking, plane/contour picking, sorting, machine tending, and assembly. Supports cloud-only, edge-only, and hybrid deployment and integrates with all common industrial robots (KUKA, Universal Robots, ABB) and 3D cameras (Zivid, Mech-Mind, Photoneo, Keyence, Wenglor, Optonic Ensenso) via OPC-UA, XML-RPC, and REST APIs.
• Vathos IR Inspect In-line thermography software for quality control in injection molding. Continuously observes finished parts with an infrared camera to detect critical temperature deviations such as cooling system failures, incomplete filling, and bead wire breaks. Provides data analytics dashboards, multi-user system, GPIO and OPC-UA connectivity, alerting via e-mail, Messenger, MQTT, and OPC-UA.
• Plane Picking Detection Model AI-based 3D detection model that recognizes and localizes pre-trained object classes in point clouds captured with 3D cameras, assuming objects rest on planar layers such as pallets, cardboard separators, or conveyor belts. Achieves sufficient accuracy for direct machine loading without mechanical centering/alignment aids and uses synthetic training data generated automatically from CAD models.
• Contour Picking Detection Model AI-based 2D detection model that localizes items on a planar surface in 2D images for cases where 3D sensors are unsuitable due to unfavorable reflectance or prohibitive cycle times. Learns continuously and unsupervised from environmental conditions to minimize the influence of ambient light.
• Bin Picking Detection Model AI-based 3D detection model that enables robots to precisely pick objects directly from boxes or bins of bulk goods for assembly or machine loading. Does not require specific load carriers and uses synthetic training data from CAD models with continuous learning for high precision and reliability.
• Calibration Services Automated calibration service that integrates extrinsic, intrinsic, and hand-eye calibration procedures into automated processes for any robot and camera combination, replacing error-prone manual vendor-specific calibration steps.
• KUMO VI Industrial PC Pre-installed industrial PC/controller bundled with Vathos Robot Vision software. Intel Core i5-11400H, Nvidia RTX 3060 6GB, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD, WiFi/Bluetooth, 2x 2.5 Gigabit LAN. Priced at EUR 1,395 net. Customers may also bring their own device.
• Brick Silver Industrial PC Pre-installed industrial PC/controller bundled with Vathos IR Inspect software. Intel Pentium Silver J5040, Intel UHD Graphics, 8GB RAM, 512GB M.2 SSD, WiFi/Bluetooth, 2x LAN. Priced at EUR 540 net.
• Object Training Service Professional AI object training service for customers needing automatic, object-specific training of Vathos Robot Vision models (typically high-precision placement use cases such as machine tending). Training takes up to 20 hours per object, charged at EUR 10 per started hour (~EUR 200 per object).

Quantifiable outcome

• 60% more throughput per shift at THH Drehteile GmbH
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration14 records

AI capability8 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• WandelbotscoreTechnology or Integration · 7 April 2026Technology partnership announced April 2026. Vathos Robot Vision is the first image-processing solution for Wandelbots NOVA software platform, providing AI-based 3D object and position recognition through a simple interface. Enables Wandelbots customers to integrate pick-and-place solutions for production and logistics into their automation systems. Both companies share a commitment to hardware independence, allowing users to choose any robot or 3D camera. Integration completed within days due to aligned modern architectural concepts. Joint showcase presented at Hannover Messe 2026 (hall 16, booth B10/1).
• Zasche Handling GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 September 2025Partnership announced at Automatica 2025 in Munich. Zasche Handling, known for robust gantry units and handling systems, offers its gantry units with integrated Vathos image processing software. Enables detection, precise gripping, and accurate placement of heavy workpieces in disordered positions. Combination opens new possibilities from small-batch production to complex assembly processes. Depalletizing of mixed pallets with heavy cardboard boxes reduces employee workload in intralogistics. Presented publicly for the first time at Automatica with great interest.
• Fehr Handlingsysteme GmbH (Ott Group)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 12 June 2025System integrator of the Ott Group that developed a bin picking cell exhibited at Hannover Messe 2025. Combined Vathos vision system with Keyence RB-800 sensor and ABB GoFA robot for picking objects from a tote. Demonstrated dual algorithm approach: generic model for cardboard boxes and specialized algorithm for oriented plastic bottle placement.
• LeadeccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 February 2024Innovation partnership formed February 2024. Leadec is a global leader in factory lifecycle services with 22,000 employees. Together, partners develop systems for Pick & Place where solid randomly positioned objects are precisely picked and placed by robots using the Vathos API. Current implementations include depalletizing and sorting systems for small load carriers. Planning flexible feeding systems for machine loading and assembly applications. Goal: achieve higher degree of automation in less structured, repetitive processes. Leadec provides access to trusted enterprise customers in German automotive and consumer goods industries.
• KI-Park e.V.minorOthers · 15 November 2022Member since November 2022. Founded by Deloitte, Schaeffler, and other established companies that see AI as a core future technology. Provides exchange with the AI community for discussing practical relevance, strengths, and weaknesses of AI-based image processing in manufacturing. Employees have a contact point in Berlin.
• AppliedAIminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 July 2022Invited to AppliedAI Partner Meetup in Munich (July 2022) alongside four other startups. Event focused on 'Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing' with break-out sessions. Vathos presented alongside colleagues from Siemens and NVIDIA. Evening networking included discussions with Dr. Florian Nielsen from Miele on Edge Computing and colleagues from Dell.
• WeRoKit Consortium (State of NRW and EU)minorOthers · 8 January 2020Research project 'WeRoKit' (Web service for depth-screen-based robot programming with artificial intelligence methods) funded by Lead Market Competition ICT, a program of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the EU. Award presented by Minister of Economics and Digital Prof. Dr. Andreas Pinkwart on January 8, 2020. Three-year project including construction of a demonstrator with consortium partners.
• Optonic (Ensenso 3D Cameras)coreTechnology or IntegrationOptonic is a globally leading manufacturer of industrial 3D cameras with more than 20,000 Ensenso cameras delivered. Vathos software includes a dedicated Ensenso driver allowing plug-and-play camera connection via LAN cable to Vathos IPC. All Ensenso SDK configuration settings can be exported as JSON and imported into Vathos software. C-Series and B-Series cameras combined with Vathos algorithms support depalletizing and bin picking applications. Demonstrations planned at Epson Experience Center in Düsseldorf (summer 2026) and automation trade fairs.
• Dreisbach & JungmannminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSystem integrator integrating Vathos Robot Vision with Optonic Ensenso cameras into a flexible bin-picking cell. Cell will be available for demonstration from summer 2026 at the Epson Experience Center in Düsseldorf.
• Zasche Handling GmbH (LogiMAT 2025)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAt LogiMAT 2025, Zasche Handling presented its new collaborative gantry robot unit with integrated Vathos Machine Vision API for detection and unloading of truck brake disks. System uses Vathos vision with a 3D sensor from Mech-Mind. Complete collaborative gantry robot unit available in several variants for order.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Mech-Mind Robotics: AI-powered 3D vision specialist for industrial robotics, with a strong focus on bin picking and pick-and-place applications. Directly comparable to Vathos in target use cases (bin picking, machine tending, depalletizing) and supported robot/camera ecosystem.
• Photoneo: Industrial 3D vision and bin-picking solutions provider offering both hardware (3D cameras) and software. Directly competes with Vathos in 3D object localization and bin picking applications.
• Zivid: Manufacturer of industrial 3D color cameras specifically designed for robotic applications such as bin picking and pick-and-place. While primarily a camera vendor, Zivid also offers software that competes with Vathos' vision layer.
• Solomon Technology: Provider of AI-based 3D vision and industrial robot solutions, including bin picking, depalletizing, and machine tending applications. Direct overlap with Vathos' core product offering.
• Wandelbots: Robotics software platform provider whose NOVA platform now embeds Vathos as the first image-processing solution. Both companies share hardware independence and target the same robotics integrator and end-user customer base.

Broad incumbents

• Cognex Corporation: Global leader in industrial machine vision with deep product breadth across 2D/3D vision, barcode reading, and inspection. Operates at much greater scale than Vathos with overlapping applications in industrial automation and quality inspection.
• Keyence Corporation: Major Japanese industrial sensor and vision system vendor serving global manufacturing. Vathos lists Keyence as a supported camera/robot partner but competes with its broader machine vision portfolio in the same use cases.
• Basler AG: European manufacturer of industrial cameras and computer vision components used in factory automation. Overlaps with Vathos in 2D/3D vision for industrial applications, with a much larger global footprint.
• SICK AG: German-headquartered sensor and automation solutions provider with deep industrial vision capabilities. Overlaps with Vathos' IR Inspect thermography use case and broader machine vision offering.

Emerging players

• Roboception: Munich-based provider of 3D sensor products and software for robotic applications, including bin picking. Closely comparable to Vathos in technology stack (3D vision for robotics) and DACH market focus, but with a more hardware-centric go-to-market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• GitHubgithub.com/vathos
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@vathos-robotics
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vathos
• Xx.com/vathos
• Facebookfacebook.com/vathosvision

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vathos Robotics