What Exertus does

Exertus Oy is a Finnish designer and manufacturer of control systems and software for mobile machinery, founded in 2003 in Seinäjoki and operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sweden's Dacke Industri Group since June 2020. The company builds an integrated hardware-software stack: modular CAN-bus controllers (HCM and MIC families), rugged displays (CDC, MID, RD, CCD, CCM series), edge computing modules (ECM2040), and a connected software platform comprising the Guitu graphical programming environment, Canto CAN configuration tool, Vento virtual simulation environment, and Redi fleet connectivity service. The element-based modular hardware approach reuses pre-validated building blocks to compress customer development cycles by an estimated 3-6 months versus ground-up custom electronics, and the license-free Guitu environment eliminates recurring runtime fees for end customers.

The business model is a mix of one-time hardware sales, license-free software tooling (no recurring runtime fees), professional system design services delivered either co-developed with the customer or as turnkey solutions, and subscription-style recurring revenue through the Redi remote connectivity platform. The company employs 44-50 people across Finland and Germany and produces approximately 20,000 controllers annually through a global manufacturing partner. Its primary customer segment is mobile machinery OEMs across construction, mining, forestry, and special vehicles, with additional reach into system integrators and emerging marine applications. Sales are executed through a direct enterprise field sales team and a regional channel network including exclusive partnerships with Hydrastore (UK), PMC Hydraulics (Nordic), and TU (Korea).

Customer relationships are anchored by multi-year co-development partnerships such as the Normet engagement spanning nearly 20 years in underground mining machinery and the Logset collaboration that produced the world's first hybrid harvester in 2016. The company reports turnover of approximately 10 million EUR with self-stated 15% profitable growth, and is sustaining its expansion through renewed product launches, an EMEA sales leadership appointment in early 2025, and entry into the autonomous surface vessel domain via the 2026 USVA pilot with Atostek.

Name

Exertus

Legal name

Exertus Oy

Website

https://exertus.fi

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Exertus Oy is a Finnish designer and manufacturer of modular hardware controllers, displays, and an integrated software toolchain (Guitu, Canto, Vento, Redi) for mobile machinery OEMs across construction, mining, forestry, and marine applications, operating as a Dacke Industri subsidiary since 2020.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Control Systems for Mobile Machinery

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing (33632)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Motion Control Electronics & Controls (Controllers, Drivers, Feedback Interfaces) (IMAHAGAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Automotive E/E Architecture Components Manufacturing (Domain/Zonal Controllers, Gateways, Network Switches) (IMACAJAI)

Keywords

• Mobile machinery control systems
• CAN bus controllers
• Embedded machine controllers
• Mobile machinery software development
• Vehicle display HMI solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Seinäjoki

HQ country

Finland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 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. Hardware Products: Sale of control system components including master controllers, IO-controllers, displays, sensors, and connectivity devices. Standard product portfolio plus custom tailored solutions. Element-based design enables cost-effective and agile customer application development.
2. Software Tools and Technologies: Software development tools including Guitu programming environment, Canto configuration tool, and Vento simulation environment. License-free model with no recurring runtime fees.
3. System Design Services: Professional system design and application development services. Co-created with customer development team or delivered as fully tested and validated turnkey solution. Includes concept design, functional safety, UX/UI design, and custom product design.
4. Remote Connectivity Services: Redi platform for two-way communication enabling remote diagnostics, maintenance, software updates, and operator support for global machine fleets.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Exertus designs, manufactures, and supports advanced control systems and software for mobile machinery. Its offering combines element-based modular hardware (master controllers, programmable I/O controllers, displays, sensors, edge computing modules) with an integrated software ecosystem (Guitu graphical programming, Canto CAN configuration, Vento simulation, Redi remote connectivity, Mobile App Platform) plus professional system design and application development services for OEMs and system integrators.

Product overview

Exertus is a Finnish technology company (founded 2003, part of Dacke Industri Group) specializing in advanced control systems for mobile machinery. The product portfolio consists of modular hardware controllers and displays combined with an integrated software technology ecosystem. The hardware lineup includes master controllers (HCM2030, HCM1030, HCM530), high-power I/O controllers (HCM2010S, HCM2110S, HCM3210S), machine controllers (MIC2100S, MIC2000S), edge computing modules (ECM2040), and display solutions (CDC1430, CDC2000X, MID2170T, RD084S2, CCD1200S, CCM1100S). The software platform comprises Guitu (graphical programming environment), Canto (CAN configuration tool), Vento (virtual testing/simulation), Redi (fleet connectivity), and Mobile App Platform — all designed to work seamlessly with the hardware products for the entire machine lifecycle.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• HCM530 CAN Controller Compact high-performance CAN controller for smaller attachments and subsystems, offering 18 configurable I/O lines and an optional integrated IMU sensor as a cost-effective I/O extension or CAN bridge.
• HCM1030 CAN Controller Advanced CAN controller for smaller work machines and complex subsystems, with 38 configurable I/O lines, 2x CAN-FD capable bus interfaces, SIL2/PL d functional safety architecture, and an integrated 6-axis IMU sensor.
• HCM2030 Master Controller Master controller for mobile machinery with 62 configurable I/O lines, 3x CAN-FD capable bus interfaces, integrated IMU sensor, and an ARM Cortex M7 400MHz CPU for extensive computational power and advanced motion control.
• HCM2010S Compact High-Power I/O Controller Compact high-power I/O controller with 60 configurable I/Os, 36 current-controlled PWM outputs, built-in 3-axis accelerometer and gyro, Real-Time Clock, battery-backed memory, 3x CAN interfaces, and 3 hardware quadrature encoders.
• HCM2110S Compact Power Output Module Compact power output module with an H-Bridge for controlling high-powered equipment such as air-conditioning, lights, central locking, and blowers, featuring 52 configurable I/Os with a maximum simultaneous load of 120A.
• HCM3210S Hybrid Controller Module Hybrid Controller Module with 20 configurable I/O lines in a compact, cost-efficient package, designed for tough environments with CAN bus and RS232 interfaces.
• ECM2040 Edge Computing Module Edge Computing Module for high-performance computing in heavy machinery, providing 2x Ethernet, 3x CAN, USB, RS-232, 4G LTE global connectivity, WLAN, Bluetooth, GNSS receiver, and configurable analog/digital inputs in a robust milled aluminium housing.
• MIC2100S Embedded Linux Machine Controller Embedded Linux-based machine controller with 4x CAN interfaces, Ethernet, 2x USB, 2x RS232, 4 video inputs, 45 configurable I/Os, 2 display connectors, and an embedded graphics controller for complex control tasks.
• MIC2000S High-End Linux Controller Embedded Linux-based high-end controller combining I/O controller, display controller, and data logger functions with 3x CAN interfaces, 2x USB, 2x RS232, 4x video inputs, 40 configurable I/Os, dual display controllers, audio output, and optional WLAN.
• MID2170T 7-inch Touchscreen Machine Controller 7-inch touchscreen with an inbuilt Linux-based machine controller for complex control tasks, featuring 4x CAN interfaces, Ethernet, 2x USB, 2x serial interfaces, 45 configurable I/Os, and 4 video inputs for situational awareness.
• RD084S2 8.4-inch Remote Display 8.4-inch TFT remote display for use with MIC1100S, featuring single-cable installation, 800x600 resolution, wide viewing angle, and an operating temperature range of -30 to +80 degrees C for harsh environments.
• CCD1200S Compact I/O Controller with Display Compact I/O controller with a built-in 3.5-inch color TFT display, featuring 38 configurable I/O lines, Real-Time Clock with timestamp logging, CAN interface, and RS232 for versatile applications.
• CCM1100S Compact I/O Controller Compact and versatile I/O controller with 38 configurable I/O lines, built-in Real-Time Clock with battery-backed memory for event logging, and an optional RF interface for remote control applications.
• CDC2000X Display and I/O Controller Compact display and I/O controller with a 3.5-inch color TFT display (320x240 QVGA), 33 configurable I/Os, 2x CAN interfaces, RS232, USB, and 11 programmable buttons, running an RTOS with priority setting for timely task execution.
• CDC1430 CAN Display Unit 4.3-inch CAN display and controller with optically bonded screen (480x272 resolution), integrated WiFi and BLE connectivity, 38 configurable I/O lines, and dual CAN-FD capable bus interfaces, rated IP67 with an operating temperature range from -30 to +70 degrees C.
• Guitu Graphical Programming Environment License-free low-code graphical programming environment for application development and configuration of Exertus controllers, based on function block diagrams with a drag-and-drop interface and combined C-code integration for hybrid development without recurring runtime fees.
• Canto CAN Analysis and Configuration Tool Comprehensive CAN bus diagnostics and configuration tool supporting CANopen and J1939 standards, enabling configuration of all CAN devices in a system, CAN signal visualization, diagnostics, bus traffic monitoring, recording, and schedulability analysis.
• Vento Virtual Testing and Simulation Tool Virtual testing and simulation tool fully integrated with Guitu, providing hardware-in-the-loop simulation and hybrid testing environments with integrations for MATLAB Simulink, Mevea, and Unity 3D models.
• Redi Fleet Connectivity Platform Secure two-way communication technology connecting mobile machinery fleets, service centers, and operators globally, enabling real-time machine monitoring, remote software updates, parameter management, remote diagnostics, and operator assistance.
• Exertus Mobile App Platform Starter kit for developing native Android and iOS mobile applications for Exertus controllers, with Bluetooth connectivity for system monitoring and control.
• Exertus Functional Safety Tool Web-based, database-driven functional safety documentation tool supporting the lifecycle from risk assessment to reporting, with automated PDF reporting, built-in traceability, version control, and Excel import for PHA data.
• Exertus System Design Services Professional system design and application development services covering concept design, functional safety, UX/UI design, and custom product design, co-created with the customer's development team or delivered as a fully tested and validated turnkey solution.

Quantifiable outcome

• Development cycles shortened by 3-6 months compared to ground-up custom electronics
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 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

Integration6 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• AtostekflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 June 2026USVA project (Uncrewed Surface Vessels for Automated Critical Infrastructure Protection) developing autonomous surface vessels. Atostek built autonomy software stack using Flexbot framework in less than a year. Exertus MIC-series hardware selected as onboard computing platform for pilot phase summer 2026.
• ReaktorcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 August 2025Global technology consultancy leading a research project with University of Helsinki to study GenAI tools impact on software development productivity. Exertus is one of several leading Finnish companies participating in this research examining AI-assisted development benefits.
• University of HelsinkicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 August 2025Finland's largest and oldest academic institution partnering with Reaktor on GenAI research. Research examines AI tools' impact on developer productivity, quality, and experience using established DORA metrics.
• HydrastorecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive partnership in UK market. Leading supplier of hydraulic components, HPUs, systems, electronic control, radio control, and electrification.
• PMC HydraulicscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNordic leader in innovative hydraulic systems and components for industrial, energy, mobile and marine sectors. Partnership covers resale of controllers and displays as well as system development.
• TUminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKorean company selling and managing remote controls for cranes, winches, and equipment in industrial, construction, mobile, and marine fields. Uses Exertus CAN controllers for customized solutions.
• MathWorkscoreTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration to develop ConnectExertus Simulink block enabling direct bidirectional data exchange between Exertus Exmebus system and Simulink simulation environment. First released 2020, latest update April 2025. Custom-built block not available elsewhere.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• ifm electronic: ifm electronic manufactures sensors, I/O modules, controllers, and diagnostic tools for industrial and mobile machinery applications, with comparable CAN bus architecture and direct overlap on diagnostic/configuration tooling (akin to Canto) and controller hardware.
• EPEC (Parker Hannifin): EPEC, part of Parker Hannifin, designs rugged CAN-based controllers and displays for mobile machinery and off-highway vehicles — a direct competitor to Exertus's HCM/MIC lines with a strong foothold in construction and agricultural OEMs.
• TTControl: TTControl (a TTTech and HYDAC joint venture) is one of the closest direct peers — it designs and manufactures rugged ECUs, displays, and safety controllers for off-highway mobile machinery using CAN bus, with a comparable element-based product portfolio and similar OEM customer base in construction, agriculture, and material handling.
• Danfoss Power Solutions (PLUS+1): Danfoss's PLUS+1 platform is the dominant off-highway control system — programmable controllers, displays, and software ecosystem serving the same mobile machinery OEMs as Exertus, with a broader hydraulic component portfolio and larger global scale.
• STW (Sensor-Technik Wiedemann): STW develops controllers, I/O modules, displays, and telematics for mobile machines and off-highway vehicles, and competes head-to-head with Exertus in CAN-based rugged controllers and HMI solutions for construction, agricultural, and special-purpose OEMs.
• Hydac Electronic (HEM): Hydac's electronic division (formerly HEM) builds controllers, displays, and CAN-based I/O for mobile machinery, directly competing with Exertus for OEM design wins in hydraulic-intensive applications such as cranes, loaders, and work machines.

Broad incumbents

• B&R Industrial Automation (ABB): B&R (now part of ABB) provides rugged controllers, HMI, and motion control for industrial and mobile applications, competing with Exertus at the higher end of machine control with broader automation portfolio strength.
• Bosch Rexroth: Bosch Rexroth's mobile machinery division offers rugged ECUs, displays, and automation solutions for construction, agricultural, and forestry OEMs as part of its broader hydraulic and factory automation portfolio — a much larger incumbent with overlapping capability but wider scope.
• Siemens (SIMATIC for mobile machinery): Siemens supplies industrial automation controllers and software that overlap with Exertus's programmable controller and software stack, particularly for OEMs that require tight integration with factory-level SIMATIC platforms.

Emerging players

• Wago: Wago offers programmable controllers and I/O systems used in industrial and mobile applications; while stronger in factory automation, its controller portfolio overlaps with Exertus's element-based modular offering for embedded OEM use cases.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ExertusSmartSolutions
• Facebookfacebook.com/exertus.fi
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/exertus-oy

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 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 Exertus