IMS Robotics

What IMS Robotics does

IMS Robotics GmbH, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Ottendorf-Okrilla near Dresden, Germany, develops and manufactures robots, UV curing systems, and ultra-high pressure water jetting equipment for trenchless sewer rehabilitation. Its product portfolio spans small-diameter house connection robots (MICRO and NANO series), main sewer robots (DRIVE and TURBO series), modular UV curing systems covering pipe diameters from DN 150 to DN 1600, ultra-high pressure water systems up to 2,500 bar, inspection cameras (WIPERcam basic), cable reel systems (MAINreel), and custom sewer-rehabilitation vehicle builds. The company self-identifies as a world market leader in house connection and main sewer milling machines, with products engineered for operation in tight bends and diameters from DN 70 to DN 1600.

The business generates revenue through a mix of one-time equipment sales, short- and long-term rentals of more than 100 specialized units globally, repair and maintenance services, custom vehicle conversions, used equipment resale, and consumables and spare parts. Distribution combines direct regional enterprise sales in Germany with a network of 12 wholly-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures across the UK, USA, Australia, Scandinavia, France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, China, Serbia, and Poland, supplemented by approximately 40 distribution partners in 30 additional countries. Customer segments are municipal sewer utilities and trenchless rehabilitation contractors, with infrastructure service companies as a secondary segment.

As of 2026, IMS Robotics has been folded into a broader Apheon-backed global trenchless pipe rehabilitation platform alongside Polypipe, Amex Sanivar, Resinnovation, Hurricane, Kardiam, Lateral Repairs, and APEX CIPP Solutions, with management headquarters in Zug, Switzerland and Dominik Berchtold appointed as CEO of the platform. The group reports over 90 employees at the original German entity (as of 2018), with materially higher combined headcount once subsidiaries and consolidated platform companies are included.

Name

IMS Robotics

Legal name

IMS Robotics GmbH

Website

https://ims-robotics.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

IMS Robotics GmbH, a German specialist in trenchless sewer rehabilitation, designs and manufactures milling robots, UV curing systems, and ultra-high pressure water jetting equipment for municipal utilities and trenchless rehabilitation contractors worldwide, selling through 12 subsidiaries and 40 distribution partners across 30 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trenchless Sewer Rehabilitation Equipment

NAICS

Construction Machinery Manufacturing (333120), Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513)

SIC

Construction Machinery & Equip (3531), Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559)

akta.pro primary industry

Construction & Mining Robotics (HDAAAIAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sewer Inspection, Condition Assessment & Monitoring (CCTV, Sensors) (EUANACAG), Hydraulic Power Units & Systems (HPUs, Manifolds, Integrated Circuits) (IMAHAGAB), Plumbing & Utility Systems (Potable/Non-Potable Water, Sanitary, Storm, Sewage Lift) (EUAEAFAF)

Keywords

• Trenchless sewer rehabilitation
• Milling robots
• UV curing systems
• Pipe rehabilitation equipment
• Ultra-high pressure water jetting

Headquarters

HQ city

Ottendorf-okrilla

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices16 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Equipment sales: Sale of trenchless rehabilitation robots, UV curing systems, water jetting equipment, inspection cameras, and accessories for sewer rehabilitation. Includes both standard and customized configurations.
2. Rental services: Short-term and long-term rental of specialized sewer rehabilitation equipment. Over 100 rental units available globally, including house connection and main sewer robots, UV curing units, and water jetting systems. Basic minimum rental period of 3 days.
3. Repair and maintenance services: Service workshops with trained personnel for repair and maintenance of all IMS equipment. Includes international service support and strategic international service management.
4. Vehicle development and conversion: Custom-fit and turnkey vehicle conversions for sewer rehabilitation equipped with professional equipment. Complete solutions from planning through construction to handover.
5. Used equipment sales: Sale of refurbished and demonstration equipment including house connection robots, UV curing systems, and main sewer equipment.
6. Consumables and spare parts: Consumables, spare parts, and accessories for IMS rehabilitation equipment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

IMS Robotics designs, develops, and manufactures specialized milling robots, UV curing systems, ultra-high pressure water jetting equipment, and inspection cameras for trenchless sewer and pipe rehabilitation. Products cover nominal pipe diameters from DN 70 (house connections) to DN 1600 (large main sewers), available for purchase, rental, custom vehicle integration, and supported by repair and maintenance services through a global subsidiary and partner network.

Product overview

IMS Robotics is a world market leader in trenchless sewer rehabilitation technology, offering a comprehensive portfolio of specialized robots and systems. The product line includes: (1) House connection robots (MICRO series, NANO series) for pipe diameters DN 70-250 for cutting, cleaning, and rehabilitation; (2) Main sewer robots (DRIVE series, TURBO series) for DN 150-800; (3) UV curing systems (UV 12000 Compact, MICROcure) for curing liners DN 150-1600; (4) Ultra-high pressure water technology (CLEANER systems) up to 2,500 bar; (5) Inspection cameras (WIPERcam basic); and (6) Cable reel systems (MAINreel). Products are available for purchase, rental, and can be integrated into custom vehicle builds. The company has expanded globally through subsidiaries in UK, USA, Australia, Nordic region, and maintains approximately 40 distribution partners in 30 countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IMS Robotics Group: The parent group entity marketing under the IMS Robotics brand name for sewer rehabilitation robots, UV curing systems, and water technology solutions.

Products and services

• MICRO S automatic Automated house connection cutting robot for DN 75 to DN 250 pipe diameters with excellent bendability, axial feed, and creeping/climbing function for precision cutting in small house connections. Designed for trenchless rehabilitation contractors and municipal utilities.
• MICROpremium flex Modular system for house connection rehabilitation with flexible cable drum and control unit combinations; can be paired with cutting robots or CLEANERbasic for pipe cleaning and rehabilitation in a single device. Targeted at contractors needing flexibility across different pipe diameters and applications.
• DRIVEplus Versatile main sewer robot applicable from DN 150, offering maximum flexibility combined with high performance for medium-sized main sewer rehabilitation. Built for trenchless rehabilitation contractors servicing municipal and industrial sewer networks.
• DRIVE E Electric milling robot specially developed for main sewers with mobility and versatility, designed for nominal diameters 150mm to 400mm and entry depth up to 100 meters. Suited for contractors seeking electric-drive main sewer rehabilitation equipment.
• DRIVE 5 Pneumatic cutting robot developed for the main sewer sector with mobility and versatility for nominal diameters 150mm to 400mm and entry depth up to 100 meters. Used by trenchless rehabilitation contractors for medium-sized main sewers.
• UV 12000 Compact UV curing system for trenchless rehabilitation of large main sewers, curing liners up to DN 1600 with different light sources. Targeted at contractors and municipalities rehabilitating large-diameter main sewers using CIPP liners.
• MAINreel E/A High-performance cable reels developed for use with milling robots, compatible with IMS milling robots for nominal diameters from DN 150 to DN 800, featuring 100-meter media hose cable reel and user-friendly control system. Built for contractors operating extended main sewer rehabilitation projects.
• TURBO E Electric milling robot for main sewers with DN 250 to DN 800, featuring electric motor with optional water cooling, 100m cable drum, integrated position sensors, rotating color camera with LED and wiper, and electric rotation 440° / pivoting 100°. For trenchless contractors working on large main sewers.
• MICROpremium flex CLEANER Material-friendly milling with ultra-high water pressure up to 2500 bar for house connections and small main sewers, integrated into the modular MICROpremium flex system. Used by contractors to remove deposits, concrete and lime without damaging host pipes.
• NANOeasy Compact house connection robot for DN 70 to DN 150 with excellent 90° bend capability in DN 100 for removing deposits in hard-to-reach places. Designed for contractors working on tight, small-diameter house connections.
• NANO E Compact electrically powered milling robot developed for in-house use in small nominal width ranges, built for bends and designed to last. Targeted at house installation contractors requiring electric-drive flexibility.
• WIPERcam basic Push inspection camera for pipe inspection in DN 50 to DN 110, featuring unique integrated wiper blade, 25m robust cable, 90° bend capability from DN 50, photo/video recording, adjustable LED, and built-in locator (33kHz). Used by sewer inspection professionals and contractors for diagnostic work before and after rehabilitation.
• TURBO 3 Milling robot for main sewers with nominal diameters between DN 200 and DN 600 using a powerful pneumatic motor. Built for trenchless rehabilitation contractors working on medium-sized main sewers.
• TURBO 4 Versatile robot for large nominal widths in main sewers, working without problems in nominal diameters between DN 200 and DN 800. Used by contractors performing trenchless rehabilitation on large municipal main sewers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Entry depth up to 100 meters for main sewer robots
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• APEX CIPP SolutionscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 May 2026US-based distributor specializing in trenchless sewer rehabilitation headquartered in Sarasota, Florida. Known for comprehensive product portfolio, technical expertise, training and support, and long-standing customer relationships.
• Lateral RepairscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2026International manufacturer of CIPP felt liners that joined the IMS Trenchless group as of April 2026. Develops and manufactures high-quality felt liners for CIPP applications at production facility in Lithuania.
• ResinnovationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 January 2026Company joined the newly founded group around IMS Trenchless and Polypipe as part of integrated platform for pipe rehabilitation sector combining complementary strengths.
• PolypipecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 January 2026Company joined the newly founded group around IMS Trenchless as part of integrated platform combining complementary strengths for high-quality, holistic product solutions.
• Amex SanivarcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 January 2026Company joined the newly founded group around IMS Trenchless as part of integrated platform for pipe rehabilitation sector.
• Dominik BerchtoldcoreOthers · 16 January 2026Appointed as CEO of the global trenchless platform around IMS Trenchless and Polypipe in June 2026. The group established Management Headquarters in Zug, Switzerland.
• IMS Robotics AustriacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 October 2025New location in Vienna-Simmering providing direct point of contact for customers and partners throughout Austria with shorter distances, fast deliveries, and personal contact.
• KRE Engineering Services Pty LtdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 30 September 2022Australian company established since 1991 specializing in development and distribution of main line cutting robots for Australian and Asian markets. Partner in joint venture IMS Robotics Australia Pty Ltd.
• UVR Hire Pty LtdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 30 September 2022Australian company in UV curing technology business serving the Australian trenchless market. Third shareholder in joint venture IMS Robotics Australia Pty Ltd.
• Vortex CompaniescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2022The Vortex Companies serve as the exclusive distributor for IMS mainline UV curing systems and products in North and South America. Vortex is a leading provider of advanced trenchless water and sewer technologies and infrastructure renewal services.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Brandenburger Liner: German manufacturer of CIPP glass-fiber reinforced liners for sewer and pipe rehabilitation. Directly comparable as a German-based trenchless rehabilitation specialist now operating within the broader Apheon/IMS Trenchless platform — overlapping customer base and complementary (but adjacent) product offering.
• Pipeline Renewal Technologies (PRT): US provider of CIPP and pipe rehabilitation solutions including UV curing systems and lateral cutting technology. Directly comparable as a maker of trenchless pipe rehabilitation equipment and consumables serving municipal and contractor customers in North America.
• SAERTEX MultiCom: German manufacturer of UV-curable CIPP liners and glass-fiber reinforcement systems for trenchless pipe rehabilitation. Directly comparable as a specialty manufacturer serving the same trenchless rehabilitation value chain with complementary liner technology.
• iMPREG: German manufacturer of UV-cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) liner systems for trenchless sewer rehabilitation. Directly comparable as a German-based CIPP/UV specialist serving overlapping municipal customers and the same trenchless ecosystem as IMS Robotics.
• Vortex Companies: US-based provider of advanced trenchless water and sewer rehabilitation technologies and infrastructure renewal services. Directly comparable as a trenchless rehabilitation specialist and the exclusive distributor of IMS mainline UV curing systems in the Americas — overlapping product lines (UV curing, CIPP, robotics) make it both partner and competitor.
• Hammerhead Trenchless Equipment: Manufacturer of trenchless equipment for pipe bursting, pipe splitting and rehabilitation. Directly comparable as a maker of specialty equipment for trenchless underground infrastructure renewal serving similar municipal and contractor customers.
• Tracto-Technik: German manufacturer of trenchless technology equipment including HDD rigs, pipe-bursting systems and underground drilling tools. Directly comparable as a German-headquartered specialist in trenchless pipe rehabilitation/installation equipment serving similar European municipal customers.
• Sekisui SPR Americas: North American licensee of Sekisui Chemical's SPR (Spiral Wound) and CIPP/UV liner technologies for sewer and storm pipe renewal. Directly comparable as a pipe rehabilitation specialist focused on trenchless renewal methods with overlapping technology and customer base.

Emerging players

• RELINEREUROPE: European specialist in CIPP liner systems and pipe rehabilitation services with focus on UV-cured liners. Comparable as a niche trenchless rehabilitation player serving municipal customers in Europe with overlapping UV/CIPP technology focus.

Broad incumbents

• Per Aarsleff (Ground Engineering): Large Danish infrastructure contractor with trenchless pipe rehabilitation operations across Europe. Comparable as a broader incumbent in the same trenchless pipe renewal space, offering no-dig methods as part of a wider infrastructure services portfolio rather than specializing purely in robotics equipment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ims-robotics-gmbh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

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 IMS Robotics