Pump manufacturer KSB makes major investment in AI startup aiomatic
KSB, a long-established manufacturer of pumps and valves based in the Palatinate, is increasing its stake in the startup aiomatic from Hamburg, which uses AI to predict potential disruptions in industrial production, to 47 per cent. The partnership is intended to help both companies expand their business.
KSB invested already two years ago
Back in early 2024, KSB already participated in a funding round that raised 2 million euros for aiomatic and secured KSB a 5 per cent stake in the company. According to Handelsblatt, a mid-single-digit million euro sum has been invested this time, with a full takeover of the startup planned in three years’ time. KBS equips its components with sensors and offers a Guard Monitoring Service that provides data in real time. This service is now set to be extended to components from other manufacturers.
This is where the strong synergies with aiomatic come into play. Founded in 2020, the startup has developed software that uses artificial intelligence to predict machine failures in industrial production and thus helps to prevent them; a process known as predictive maintenance. aiomatic’s digital maintenance assistant continuously analyses machine data and, using an anomaly index ranging from 0 to 100%, provides customers with a precise analysis of the current machine condition. Through the closer integration with KBS, the startup now has the opportunity to leverage the established company’s sales structures and strong reputation to expand its business.
The aiomatic team, which currently numbers around 40 people, will persist, as well as Hamburg as the main location of the company for now. The startup has been assured that it will be able to continue operating as independently as possible.
