Linz startup develops humanoid robots to ease staff shortages

A Linz startup is developing humanoid robots to take on tasks that are currently done by people, particularly in production businesses struggling to find staff, ORF reports. The company, iono robotics, has been working on the robots for a year and a half.

The machines have more than 40 motors, allowing them to move in different ways and perform a range of tasks. Their sensors can detect pressure, heat and cold, and their field of vision can be expanded. The company sees them being used mainly for monotonous or physically demanding work, or in difficult conditions.

Rather than giving the robots as many abilities as possible, iono robotics prepares them for specific workflows. They are trained in Linz in conditions designed to resemble real working environments.

Founder and managing director Ümit Bas said the team is developing a laundry-room task with a customer. The robot is intended to open an industrial washing machine, remove the laundry and put it into an industrial dryer.

The startup says it has heard interest from different industries. It expects humanoid robots to be used especially where companies have difficulty finding staff or where working conditions are particularly demanding.

The company also believes Europe can compete with the United States and China, citing the expertise built up in manufacturing over recent decades. It plans to begin series production of its humanoid robots in Linz in two years.