Sewts secures €7M Series A funding to transform the processing of easily deformable materials

Robotics startup sewts has successfully completed a  €7 million Series A funding round.

Founded in 2019 and based in Munich, sewts GmbH provides cutting-edge AI-embedded perception software, pushing the boundaries of robotics in the processing of easily deformable materials such as textiles and fois. 

The company has developed and demonstrated a unique technology that uses high-precision simulations to train machine learning algorithms efficiently. Combined with suitable hardware, it enables countless applications in industrial automation, like handling textiles in industrial laundries or manufacturing garments.

Traditionally automation tech struggles with deformable and soft materials such as textiles or semi-finished products made from carbon fibre. This affects the clothing and textile industry and large-scale laundries, which are struggling to find staff.

sewts has designed innovative control and image processing software that allows robots to use smart algorithms developed in-house to predict in real-time how materials with an unstable form will behave when gripped and to respond with precision.

In 2022, sewts launched VELUM, a robotic unit designed for industrial laundries that feeds wrinkled towels and other towelling products into the folding machine, thus helping to automate a predominantly manual activity.

Up to 700 items can be processed per hour, at a speed similar to that of humans. It helps overcome labour shortages and considerably enhances process efficiency.

Alongside the market launch of VELUM, sewts is already developing further automation solutions along the textile production life cycle. 

Last year, with support from the Otto Group, the company created a prototype for the automated handling of returns in online shopping. 
sewts co-founder and co-CEO Alexander Bley states:

“We are delighted to announce that our Series A funding round has concluded and would like to thank all of the investors for the trust they have placed in us.

We will use this fresh capital to progress with our growth targets internationally. These include launching further VELUM systems in international large-scale laundries and, as a next step, refining our prototype for the automated handling of returns in online shopping.”

sewts is backed by APEX Ventures, Bayern Kapital, CNB Capital, Emerald Technology Ventures, EquityPitcher Venture, High-Tech Gründerfonds, UnternehmerTUM Initiative for Industrial Innovators, Nabtesco Technology Ventures and a couple of highly experienced business angels.