Netherlands: From pitch to investment of € 5 million for Robot Robots Company
Left to right: Edwin Lustig (Robot Security Systems), Pieter Jonker (Robot Robots Company), Ingrid van Engelshoven (wethouder Den Haag) and Martin Roos (Robot Robots Company).
New generation robots
Whereas robots were first used mainly for dull, heavy or dangerous work in factories, the new generation of robots comes into our lives, for example, to help the elderly, or to guard a building. Robot Robots Company (RRC) is a robotics company based in The Hague that focuses on these two areas: care and security. This shows that robots can be more versatile than, for example, applications in smart industry, and that crossovers with other sectors are possible. The wider and smarter use of innovation leads to greater economic efficiency.
Martin Roos, CEO of RRC, and owner of Lobeco, has a longstanding passion for robotics and high technology, and sees many possibilities for robotic applications in the healthcare and security markets. "In order to develop advanced robots, we are convinced that it is necessary to scale up and take advantage of reusable technology building blocks. We also believe that robots should be functional and have practical designs. This is only possible by focusing with dedication and knowledge on specific vertical markets,” Roos explained.
From left to rigth: Edwin Lustig (Robot Security Systems), Mr. Yasutoshi Yokoyama (MAKIS), Martien Kuunders (InnovationQuarter), Pieter Jonker (Robot Robots Company), Martin Roos (Robot Robots Company), Ingrid van Engelshoven (wethouder Den Haag), Dennis Werkman (Directeur Grootzakelijk Rabobank Regio Den Haag), Pieter Oosterlander (MAKIS), Rinke Zonneveld (InnovationQuarter) and Marco van Alderwegen (Stichting Else).
"The care Robot ‘LEA’ is being brought to the market by specialist Robot Care Systems, and the security robots ‘SAM’ and ‘SAM XL’, by Robot Security Systems. Based on our building blocks, we can customize robots at Robot Engineered Systems. These three companies, with 40 highly skilled and passionate developers, form Robot Robots Company. Together, we make useful robots that make a difference."
Roos continues: "From the beginning, we worked closely with TU Delft and Robot Valley. They brought us access to international networks, talent and the latest technology. A striking example is the joint development of the autonomous WEpods neighbourhood bus. We are grateful for the confidence shown by this extensive investment. We will use these funds to further develop the robots and bring them to the international market. "
V.l.n.r.: Johan Stins (InnovationQuarter), Margreet Muizebelt (Rabobank Regio Den Haag), Martien Kuunders (InnovationQuarter), Joris den Bruinen (The Hague Security Delta), Frans van Spengler (Streefkerk Advocaten), Pim Jansen (Rabobank Regio Den Haag), Edwin Lustig (Robot Security Systems), Pieter Jonker (Robot Robots Company), Martin Roos (Robot Robots Company), Ingrid van Engelshoven (wethouder Den Haag), Dennis Werkman (Directeur Grootzakelijk Rabobank Regio Den Haag), Rinke Zonneveld (InnovationQuarter), Marty Le Clerq (InnovationQuarter), Mr. Yasutoshi Yokoyama (MAKIS), Hans van der Pas (Matchplan), Marco van Alderwegen (Stichting Else) en Pieter Oosterlander (MAKIS).
Robots for security
Robot Security Systems uses robots for monitoring buildings and premises, is available 24/7, and makes security affordable. The development of SAM - the mobile robot that supervises, detects and communicates - is based on the idea that a robot can support and/or take over the duties of security guards, receptionists, and mobile surveillance, and support the emergency dispatcher.
SAM is preprogrammed, with among other things, a map, the locations of detectors and the security guards’ roadmap. During surveillance rounds, it continually scans the area with its laser scanner, and makes a digital map of the area, including anything it detects. With its intelligent thermal camera, it can distinguish people, and even ask for identification. Sam perceives obstacles, such as boxes lying around, through its scanner and 360° camera. It adjusts its route to avoid the obstacle until it is removed.
SAM also is in contact with the alarm system of the building or location. When there is an alarm, SAM receives directly the position where the alarm comes from, and thus guarantees a quick verification. Meanwhile, the emergency room, police or fire service can retrieve the images from SAM and watch what is happening.
The Security Robot SAM was one of the five finalists in 2015 Accenture Awards, in the category Safe & Secure Society.
From pitch to investment
A prerequisite for innovation is access to finance. For this reason, Martin Roos pitched his investment proposition for the security robot SAM to The Hague Security Delta (HSD), The Hague Region Rabobank, and InnovationQuarter at the Access to Capital event during the Cyber Security Week 2015. Now, a year later, this successful pitch has lead to a substantial investment of over € 5 million by InnovationQuarter, Rabobank Region The Hague, MAKIS Holding BV, CbusineZ and Else BV in Robot Robots Holding Company.
Francis Quint, Head of InnovationQuarter Capital stated: "RRC introduces a new generation robotics, namely robots that can autonomously perform many tasks in complex environments and anticipate ever-changing circumstances. InnovationQuarter supports the market introduction of this innovation by investing with a consortium of strategic and financial partners." For InnovationQuarter, this investment is also the first project which has been made possible by a contribution from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) by the European Union.
"Rabobank Region The Hague wants to contribute to boosting economic growth and employment within the region. We are also looking for connections with other parties working toward the same goal. Close cooperation between investors offers national and international growth opportunities to ambitious entrepreneurs like RRC from The Hague," said Dennis Workman, Director ‘Grootzakelijk’ at Rabobank Region The Hague.
"We don’t want to only grow old, but grow old with dignity. Then we also need technology that helps us do that, but only clever and 'warm' technology. Together with seniors, Robot Care Systems has succeeded, precisely in this way to build a robotic solution, which is full of technological marvels, yet cuddly," Joep de Groot of CbusineZ explains. "CbusineZ strongly believes that this type of technology can contribute to the quality of life. Together with healthcare professionals and RCS, we will also look for patient groups that LEA can help with rehabilitation or exercises at home."
Access to Capital
The investment in RRC was announced by The Hague Alderman Ingrid van Engelshoven (Knowledge Economy, International, Youth and Education) during the second edition of Access to Capital, an investor matchmaking event for young safety and security-related technology companies and innovative SMEs with growth plans. According to its organizers - Rabobank Region The Hague, ERAC, InnovationQuarter, and the national security cluster HSD - the event is a unique opportunity for security companies and startups, to get in touch with funders, business angels and seed capital funds, and to find information and contacts about various financing options.
More than 170 entrepreneurs attended the event held at the HSD Campus in The Hague. Pitches and interactive presentations with lessons learned were presented by, among others, Fox-IT, EclecticIQ and they could also visit the Money Market. Just as RRC did in 2015, this time WeAware, Atmos, Sim-C, Delft Dynamics, Zivver and InterBox pitched for 50 potential investors. Rick Goud of Zivver was finally declared the winning pitch. The Master of Ceremonies of Access to Capital was RTL Z Economist and Journalist Mathijs Bouman.
For more information
Robot Robots Company
Martin Roos
CEO
+31 6 239 54 326
E: [email protected]
www.robotcaresystems.com
www.robotsecuritysystems.com
InnovationQuarter
Martien Kuunders
Senior Investment Manager
M: +31 6 1222 9438
E: [email protected]
www.innovationquarter.nl
