Sunrise Robotics exits stealth with €7.3M funding to tackle Europe’s factory worker shortage: Know more

Ljubljana-based Sunrise Robotics, a company on a mission to augment humanity through intelligent robotics, has announced $8.5M (nearly €7.36M) in funding as it emerges from stealth.

The round was led by Plural, with participation from Tapestry, Seedcamp, Tiny.vc, and Prototype Capital.

The company plans to use the funds to grow its team across Europe, improve its AI systems, and scale production of its first robotic cells. The move is aimed at supporting local manufacturing efforts across the continent.

Addressing Europe’s manufacturing workforce challenge

Sunrise Robotics is addressing a growing labour crisis in European industrial manufacturing. 

As a significant portion of the current workforce nears retirement and younger generations show little interest in entering the industry, manufacturers face rising labour shortages that threaten productivity and resilience. 

At the same time, geopolitical and global supply chain challenges are increasing pressure on domestic production.

Although robotics and automation could help, most current solutions are too expensive and slow to implement for small and mid-sized manufacturers, especially those producing a wide variety of products. Sunrise aims to close this gap by offering a faster, more affordable automation system.

Using simulation-based training, Sunrise develops robotic cells equipped with dual arms, sensors, and advanced perception. These cells are trained in digital replicas of real-world workspaces, speeding up deployment and reducing costs. 

The systems also operate as a connected fleet, with regular updates that allow continuous learning and performance improvements. The company aims to make automation accessible to more manufacturers, helping them adapt to workforce shortages and shifting industrial demands.

Sunrise expands deployment of robotic systems in Europe

Sunrise Robotics was founded by three entrepreneurs with backgrounds in technology and manufacturing operations. CEO Tomaz Stolfa previously founded vox.io and Layer, CTO Marko Thaler founded Airnamics, and CCO Joe Perrott led global programme management at PCH International.

Sunrise Robotics has progressed from company formation to customer deployment within 18 months. The founding team has worked on robotic systems, shipped over 100 million consumer electronics products, and developed software platforms with more than 150 million users.

The company has added team members from firms including Amazon, Google, Red Bull Formula 1, Unity, and Waymo.

Initial robotic systems are now operating in electronics manufacturing sites across Europe. Sunrise has also signed letters of intent with over 10 customers in sectors such as supercar development, battery production, and electronics manufacturing, with additional interest from companies focused on precision manufacturing.

Tomaz Stolfa, co-founder of Sunrise, says, “The future of manufacturing lies in accessible automation, augmenting humanity through intelligent systems driven by simulation and digital replicas. Our smart, flexible robot cells empower businesses by automating repetitive tasks, closing employment gaps and allowing workers to focus on higher-value activities, whilst ensuring Europe has the industrial prowess and capabilities that it sorely needs.”

“Together with our customers and investors, we’re building a more efficient and sustainable manufacturing landscape for Europe.”