What Rico does

RICO Umwelttechnik GmbH, founded in 1978 and headquartered in Kempten, Germany, manufactures TV inspection systems for sewer, pipeline, and drainage applications. The company serves municipal sewer operators, plumbing and drainage professionals, and pipe-network service companies through three product categories: push systems (small-diameter portable cameras from 25mm–110mm), mobile systems (crawlers and modular control units), and vehicle systems (fully equipped TV inspection vans, trailers, and rack-mountable units). Operations span Europe (Germany, Norway, Spain, Romania, Croatia/Slovenia, Hungary) with stated Asia (China) reach, all delivered through international distribution partners rather than direct sales.

The company's technical differentiation centers on a proprietary 200V DC single-wire transmission technology that delivers high power through minimal cable cross-section, enabling inspection distances up to 600 meters at full functionality from a 60kg / 300m cable system, with field-repairable cables. The current product architecture is anchored by the CROSS|TOUCH modular control unit (integrated PC with Intel Core i5 13th Gen, Windows 11 Pro, daylight-readable monitor), which serves as the shared platform for the vehicle-system range (HIGH|LANDER, CROSS|LANDER, CROSS|PORTER, CROSS|TRAILER, CROSS|RACK). Crawler product lines include TRAC|150.ED and TRAC|150.HD for long-range main-sewer work, FW100CT.2 and FW150SAT.1 (with optional Zone 1 explosion-proof certification) for lateral and satellite inspection, and the RV-MAX 360 manhole camera with 4K panoramic video. Push systems (ROCAM mini HD, TINY|SMART, TINY|PC.3, ROCAM RICO Edition) cover residential and small-diameter use cases.

Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales of inspection equipment via the distribution network, supplemented by RICO Academy training and after-sales support for partners and end customers. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. RICO is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ROTHENBERGER AG, a German HVAC and environmental-technology conglomerate, with governance exercised through multiple managing directors (Bernhard Gierl, Thomas Bamberger, Dr. Christian Heine, Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Höppner, Otto Tomaschek). No AI/ML capabilities, public revenue figures, or independent funding rounds are disclosed in the source material.

Name

Rico

Legal name

RICO Umwelttechnik GmbH

Website

https://rico-gmbh.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

RICO Umwelttechnik GmbH, founded 1978 in Kempten, Germany, manufactures TV inspection systems for sewer, pipeline, and drainage networks — selling push cameras, crawlers, and fully equipped inspection vehicles through international distribution partners to municipal operators and pipe-service companies across Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sewer and Pipeline Inspection Equipment

NAICS

Building Inspection Services (54135), Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors (23822)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Sewer Inspection, Condition Assessment & Monitoring (CCTV, Sensors) (EUANACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Stormwater Drainage Network Operations & Maintenance (Cleaning, CCTV, Jetting) (EUANAEAB), Drain & Sewer Video Camera Inspection (HSAOABAE)

Keywords

• Sewer inspection systems
• Pipeline TV inspection
• Pipe crawler cameras
• Drainage inspection vehicles
• Push camera systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Kempten

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Inspection Equipment Sales: RICO manufactures and sells sewer inspection equipment including push systems, mobile systems, and vehicle systems. Products range from compact portable cameras to fully equipped TV inspection vehicles. Revenue is generated through direct sales to distribution partners and end customers.
2. Training and Support Services: RICO provides training through RICO Academy for partners and customers on product operation and inspection techniques. Service and support offered through partner network.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

RICO manufactures and sells TV inspection systems for sewer, pipeline, and drainage inspection. The portfolio spans push systems for small-diameter residential pipes (25-300mm), mobile crawler systems with HD cameras for main sewers (up to 2000mm), and fully equipped inspection vehicles. All systems are built around RICO's proprietary 200V DC single-wire transmission technology enabling inspection distances up to 600 meters with lightweight 60kg modular configurations. Products are sold through international distribution partners who provide regional consultation, sales, and support.

Product overview

RICO is a German manufacturer of precision TV inspection technology solutions for sewer, pipeline, and drainage inspection. The product portfolio comprises three main categories: Push Systems (sliding systems for smaller pipes), Mobile Systems (driven inspection crawlers and cameras), and Vehicle Systems (fully equipped inspection vehicles). Key products include the CROSS|TOUCH modular control unit with integrated PC that serves as the core platform for the vehicle systems; the crossVision crawler combining HD quality with single-wire transmission technology; the HIGH|LANDER, CROSS|LANDER, CROSS|PORTER, CROSS|TRAILER, and CROSS|RACK vehicle systems built on the CROSS|TOUCH platform; the TRAC and FW series crawlers for main sewer and lateral inspection; and the ROCAM and TINY series push systems for domestic and residential pipe inspection. The systems support pipe inspection from 25mm up to 2000mm diameter with cable ranges up to 600-700m.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• HIGH|LANDER Fully equipped TV inspection vehicle with up to 700m single-wire cable, designed for professional use in daily rough work environments. Offers flexibility in configuration with options for 3.5-ton vehicles or larger.
• CROSS|LANDER Fully equipped TV inspection vehicle based on CROSS|TOUCH system with 300m single-wire cable. Features removable control unit and modular lightweight construction for vehicles up to 3.5 tons.
• CROSS|PORTER Fully developed TV inspection vehicle with 300m single-wire cable based on CROSS|TOUCH system. Designed for daily rough work with functional and cost-optimized expansion concept using lightweight materials.
• CROSS|TRAILER Mobile TV inspection workstation with integrated power supply. Offers a cost-effective alternative to fully equipped inspection vehicles with flexible positioning at any location.
• CROSS|RACK Modular TV inspection system designed for installation in all euro-pallet-compatible carrier vehicles. Comprises CROSS|TOUCH control unit with 300m single-wire cable drum.
• CROSS|TOUCH Modular control unit with integrated PC (Intel Core i5 13th Gen, 1TB NVME SSD, Windows 11 Professional) and 300m single-wire cable. Features removable control unit for flexible workspace configuration with daylight-readable anti-glare monitor.
• crossVision Modular crawler system combining high-definition image quality with single-wire transmission technology. Features 200V DC transmission, 60kg total weight with 300m cable, supporting distances up to 600m.
• CAM|150.HD Advanced pan and tilt camera for detailed sewer inspections in HD quality. Suitable for pipe diameters from 150 to 2000mm with integrated parallel lasers for precise measurements.
• CAM|150.ED Advanced pan and tilt camera for detailed sewer inspections with powerful LED lighting system. Features 10x optical zoom, 360° rotation, and integrated parallel lasers for precise diameter, crack, and deformation analysis.
• TRAC|150.HD Powerful drive unit for long-range inspections up to 600m with integrated electric lift for pipe diameters from DN 150 to DN 900. Features 8-wheel drive, cruise control, autopilot, and tilt protection.
• TRAC|150.ED Steerable crawler with integrated elevator and rear-view camera for long-range inspections up to 600m. Features 100-watt drive, 8-wheel propulsion, and 30% incline capability.
• FW100CT.2 Versatile camera crawler for sewer inspections starting from 100mm diameter. Features 6 easily exchangeable quick-change wheels and optional electric elevator for larger diameters up to 700mm.
• FW150SAT.1 Robust satellite crawler for inspecting main channels from 150mm diameter and lateral pipes from 100mm. Features long-distance operation up to 600m and optional explosion-proof certification for Zone 1 hazardous areas.
• RV-MAX 360 360-degree VR camera for detailed manhole inspection with 4K panoramic video recording, integrated GPS receiver, Wi-Fi wireless live video transmission, IP68-rated housing, and 360-degree LED lighting with 6000 lumens.
• ROCAM mini HD High-definition pipe inspection system for domestic and residential areas. Accommodates pipe diameters from 40mm to 110mm with 22-meter cable and app compatibility for live streaming.
• ROCAM RICO Edition Advanced inspection camera system with integrated documentation. Features removable 10.4-inch touchscreen, 30m push cable, WLAN module, and comprehensive connectivity options.
• TINY|SMART Lightweight and compact push system weighing approximately 23kg for pipe inspections. Suitable for pipes from 30mm to 300mm with 12.1-inch super-bright touchscreen and up to 16 hours battery life.
• TINY|PC.3 Compact and portable push system with integrated PC for pipe inspections. Compatible with various RICO cameras including MINI, VERTICA 30, VERTICA 40, and SR50.
• SR50 Smallest pan and tilt camera for inspecting pipes from 70mm in push mode and 100mm in crawler mode. Features endless rotation, gravity sensor for upright images, and optional explosion-proof certification.
• VERTICA 40 Compact axial camera for inspecting pipes from 50mm diameter. Features optimized bendability for branched house connections, built-in gravity sensor, and controllable LED cold light illumination.
• VERTICA 30 Compact axial camera for inspecting pipes from 40mm diameter. Features optimized bendability for tight spaces and integrated LED cold light illumination.
• MINI Compact camera module for inspecting pipes from 30mm diameter. Designed for navigating tight bends with 22-meter push cable mounted on reel basket.
• ROLOC Precise locating module for efficient problem identification. Allows positioning of transmitter attached to camera head without unnecessary excavation.
• e|SPRINTER Inspection Vehicle Fully electric TV inspection vehicle based on the proven CROSS|TOUCH system with 300m single-conductor cable, designed for professional sewer and pipeline inspection work.
• RICO Academy Training Training program offered through distribution partners for partners and customers on product operation and inspection techniques. Delivered as part of the partner enablement and customer support strategy.

Quantifiable outcome

• Inspection range up to 600 meters without repositioning
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

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

• GradinariucoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner in Romania since 2002. Specializes in sewer inspection equipment sales and support, known for personal touch and genuine understanding of customer needs. RICO recognized for building trust through the service team's calm efficiency.
• Solmex d.o.o.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrusted partner since 2015 in Croatia. Products valued for robust design and reliability. RICO Academy training has been invaluable to the Solmex team for developing inspection expertise.
• Visico GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner and service provider in Germany. RICO's approach to product support and training has been outstanding with quick response times and accessible expertise, minimizing client downtime.
• Aktiv Rørteknikk AScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCustomer in Hønefoss, Norway who received a new fully electric e|SPRINTER inspection vehicle based on the CROSS|TOUCH system with 300m single-conductor cable.
• Spanish CustomersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCustomers from Spain received CROSS|PORTER vehicle handover at IFAT 2026 with Sales Representative Philipp Dahms and Head of Sales Markus Hans providing detailed introduction.
• ROTHENBERGER AGflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerRICO is a subsidiary of ROTHENBERGER Group, one of the world's leading companies in HVAC and environmental technology. RICO upholds Rothenberger's core values including cohesion, trust, responsibility, efficiency, quality, courage, and entrepreneurship.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Kummert GmbH: German manufacturer of TV inspection systems for sewer and pipe networks. Direct German Mittelstand competitor with overlapping product portfolio in crawlers, cameras, and control units.
• Envirosight: North American provider of sewer inspection crawlers, cameras, and reporting software. Overlaps with RICO's crawler/camera product family and shares municipal sewer operator as the primary customer.
• Aries Industries: North American producer of sewer and pipeline inspection equipment and inspection vehicles. Competes with RICO's CROSS|LANDER/HIGH|LANDER vehicle systems and crawler portfolio for municipal buyers.
• Rausch Electronics USA, LLC: US manufacturer of CCTV pipe and sewer inspection systems, crawlers, and lateral-launch tools. Directly competes in the same equipment category RICO serves, particularly for municipal sewer operators.
• IBAK Helmut Hunger GmbH & Co. KG: German-headquartered direct competitor specializing in sewer and pipe TV inspection systems, including crawlers, push cameras, and inspection vehicles. Closest functional overlap with RICO across product categories, end markets, and technology positioning.
• CUES, Inc. US-based manufacturer of sewer, storm, and water pipeline inspection equipment including crawlers, push cameras, and vehicle systems. Direct competitor to RICO across push, mobile, and vehicle inspection categories.

Emerging players

• MiniCam (a Halma plc company): UK-based specialist in push-rod pipe inspection cameras for plumbing and drain cleaning professionals. Closely comparable to RICO's TINY/ROCAM push systems serving plumbers and drainage contractors.

Broad incumbents

• Pearpoint / Radiodetection (SPX Technologies): Part of SPX Technologies, offering pipe and sewer inspection cameras, locators, and reporting software. Comparable to RICO on push cameras and crawler systems but operates as a broader-incumbent portfolio brand.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/100057404921826
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rico-gmbh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 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 Rico