Sunrise Robotics
Overview
Sunrise Robotics is a Slovenian company focused on creating intelligent robotic cells that can be easily integrated into various industrial environments. Launched in 2023 by technology veterans Tomaz Stolfa, Marko Thaler, and Joe Perrott, the company has quickly gained attention for its innovative use of simulation technology in training robots. With its headquarters in Ljubljana, Sunrise Robotics has successfully raised €7.3 million (equivalent to $8.5 million) in seed funding, led by Plural, along with other notable investors including Tapestry and Seedcamp.
Recent Developments
In June 2025, Sunrise Robotics announced it had emerged from stealth mode, unveiling its latest technological breakthroughs and securing significant funding:
- June 2025: Sunrise Robotics secured €7.3 million in funding. The company's founders have stated that the newly acquired funds will be used to expand their team across Europe and enhance AI capabilities, facilitating the scale-up of their robotic innovations.
- Technological Advancements: The company has developed a fleet of robotic cells designed to automate complex manufacturing tasks rapidly. These systems are trained using a simulation-first approach, which creates digital replicas of real-world workspaces allowing robots to learn and improve their performance continuously.
- Strategic Partnerships: Sunrise Robotics has already deployed its initial systems across various electronic manufacturing facilities in Europe. They've also secured letters of intent with over ten potential clients spanning sectors like supercar development and high-performance batteries.
- Funding Utilization: The financial influx will support the development of AI systems and the production scaling of the robotic systems. The adaptability of Sunrise Robotics' systems has attracted considerable interest across industries that require precision and flexibility.
- Market Challenges: The European manufacturing industry faces a labor shortage, with a significant percentage of the workforce nearing retirement. Sunrise Robotics aims to use its technology to fill these gaps, offering more accessible automation solutions.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2023 |
| Headquarters | Ljubljana, Slovenia |
| Founders | Tomaz Stolfa, Marko Thaler, Joe Perrott |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Plural, Tapestry, Seedcamp, Tiny.vc, Prototype Capital |
| Industry | Robotics, Manufacturing Automation |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 25 |
Early History
Sunrise Robotics was founded by Tomaz Stolfa, Marko Thaler, and Joe Perrott, each bringing extensive experience from the tech industry. Tomaz Stolfa has a history of founding successful ventures like vox.io and Layer, whereas Marko Thaler founded Airnamics. Joe Perrott brought over two decades of global program management experience from PCH International. This foundation of expertise facilitated Sunrise Robotics' rapid development from inception to customer deployment in just 18 months. Sunrise Robotics leveraged a combination of simulation technology and open-source robotics solutions to quickly establish a presence in the robotics market. The company's approach to creating intelligent robotic cells trained through digital simulation enabled developers to significantly reduce the time and cost it takes to implement automation solutions.
Company Profile and Achievements
Sunrise Robotics has accomplished numerous feats within its relatively short span of operation:
- Business Model: The company employs a simulation-first approach that allows them to build flexible, intelligent robots adaptable to any manufacturing setting.
- Product Innovation: Sunrise Robotics' robotic cells are equipped with advanced sensors and AI capabilities. Through over-the-air updates and a connected fleet approach, these robots can continuously learn and adapt.
- Strategic Growth: Recruiting talent from global tech firms such as Amazon, Google, and Red Bull Formula 1 has enabled the company to expand its development efforts across Europe.
- Customer Deployment: The initial deployment of Sunrise’s systems in operational electronics manufacturing facilities across Europe speaks to their rapid scalability and effectiveness.
Current Operations and Market Position
Today, Sunrise Robotics plays a significant role in the European industrial manufacturing landscape, addressing labor shortages while providing flexible automation solutions. The company stands out for its cost-effective and quick deployment capabilities, servicing a demographic of industries that traditional robots cannot economically cater to. Their market presence continues to expand as they secure more partnerships and deployment agreements across various sectors.
Conclusion
Sunrise Robotics represents a pivotal advancement in the field of manufacturing automation. By leveraging simulation technology to enhance the speed and efficiency of industrial automation, Sunrise Robotics is setting new industry standards for accessibility and adaptability of robotic solutions. With strategic investments and a deep talent pool, the company is well-positioned to transform manufacturing practices in Europe and beyond, potentially addressing critical labor shortages as they expand their reach and capabilities.