Avular Offers Mobile Robots in Challenge to U.S. and Chinese Vendors

As warehouses worldwide continue to automate, a company in the Netherlands has ambitions to take the lead in providing mobile robots. Avular Holding BV last week said it is preparing new headquarters as it aims to challenge existing vendors by putting more than 1 million robots in the field by 2030.

Later this year, Avular plans to move into its new home, a former glass laboratory at Strijp-T in Eindhoven. The company said a new headquarters is "the next step" for it to scale up and meet market demand.

Founded in 2014, Avular spun out of the Eindhoven University of Technology, a six-time world champion in robotic soccer. The company said it has 75 employees and has doubled in size each year.

Avular develops its own technology stack

Aging populations, labor shortages, and food insecurity are among the challenges facing society and businesses, noted Avular. "Mobile robots will play a key role in tackling these challenges," it said.

The startup said it has developed proprietary autonomy software using modeling, sensor fusion, artificial intelligence, and robotic behavior algorithms. Avular is also developing drones and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) as integrated products.

The company’s current portfolio consists of the Origin One ground robot, the Vertex One drone, and the Autopilots modular software and hardware "for the robotization of any machine." By developing its software and hardware in house, Avular said it has full control, safeguarding the quality and security of its systems.

Avular is designing robots for inspection of utility and industrial assets. Source: Avular

Eindhoven a European innovation hub

Avular said Eindhoven has been recognized as "one of the most innovative cities in Europe" but acknowledged that the continent is still catching up to others.

“Europe is falling behind. We see major investments in robotics in the USA and China, but there are no considerable players yet here in Europe," claimed Albert Maas, founder and CEO of Avular. "We have so much to offer: the best technology, data security, and product quality in the world."

"With the move to our new HQ, we can continue to grow and get ready to become Europe’s frontrunner in the world of mobile robotics,” he added.

The Eindhoven region includes a mix of cutting-edge system design and high-tech production, driven by the university's expertise in robotics, leading academies in design, and technology companies such as ASML, according to Avular. The company said it will bring "this unique mix of technology, manufacturing, and design to the world of mobile robotics."

A rendering of Avular's new headquarters, which will include offices, R&D space, and visitor areas in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Source: Avular

Avular designs robotics, drone center

Where liquid glass once flowed, drones will fly in Europe’s largest indoor drone testing cage, Avular said. It plans to drive robots in both indoor and outdoor testing areas around the landmark building.

Avular said it is building Europe's largest indoor drone-testing cage. Souce: Avular

Not only will the new headquarters provide space for its team and the development of new robots, but it will also serve as a hub for innovation, said Avular. It said it hopes to shape the future of mobile robots by enabling collaboration among researchers, companies, and governments.

Avular listed the following specifications for its new headquarters:

• Indoor drone testing cage of 1,800 sq. m (19,375 sq. ft.)
• Indoor and outdoor testing areas for robots
• 6,500 sq. m (69,965 sq. ft.) of total space
• Space for up to 300 employees
• Auditorium and a place to welcome more than 250 visitors

Lumipol supports robotics revolution

Among Avular's backers is Lumipol Group, an investor in several leading, international technology companies. Lumipol said it shares Avular vision that mobile robots will help solve the world's most difficult problems by relieving the burden on human workers, freeing them for more complex tasks requiring creativity.

“We are always looking for companies that support our mission, which is 'Powering the World,'” said Tom Krieckaert, CEO of Lumipol Group. "Avular is no exception. The level of maturity the company has achieved in the past five years gives us the reason to believe they will really revolutionize the world of robotics.”

Avular said that its mobile robots can address labor shortages in industries including construction, healthcare, and landscaping. It also focuses on inspection and maintenance of energy and utilities infrastructure and sustainable precision agriculture.

"This way, mobile robots create a path towards solving the world’s toughest challenges, and Avular plans to play a key role in creating these solutions,” said the company.