From automating in industry and manufacturing to space-tech, Irish robotics start-ups making a name for themselves.
Robotics can automate, make warehouses cheaper to run and safer to work in. Whether it’s a long arm helping in the production line, a tiny machine designed to work up in space, or a more “robot-looking” machine helping people in their day-to-day life, Ireland has a growing number of start-ups innovating in this space.
And in honour of automation, AI and robotics – our focus for this month – SiliconRepublic.com has put together a list of Irish robotics start-up making a name for themselves.
Akara
This 2020-founded Trinity College Dublin spin-out made it to Time Magazine’s best inventions list not once – but twice.
In 2019, the health-tech’s robot Stevie shot to fame as a Time Magazine cover star (while also making it to the best inventions list that year). While last year, the company’s AI sensor graced that list under the medical and healthcare category.
Based out of Dublin 8’s Digital Hub, Akara uses AI and robots to assist in monitoring and disinfecting critical areas such as hospital operating theatres. The start-up won the Irish leg of the 2025 KPMG Global Tech Innovator competition.
Eiratech
This Dublin-based start-up develops a “complete goods-to-person robotics automation platform” across e-fulfilment, materials handling, kitting and retail. The company offers automated guided vehicle robots, picking stations and shuttle racks in a “user-friendly” system.
Eiratech was founded in 2014 by CEO Alexey Tabolkin. The company opened its first UK office in 2021.
Eiratech says it delivers a range of services, from concept design to project installation and management. It also claims to not outsource any core services, including electrical and mechanical engineering, safety certification, software development, operational, maintenance and post-sales customer support.
Fabtech Robotics
Co Monaghan-based Fabtech Robotics provides robotic solutions to the manufacturing industry across applications including welding, coating, blasting and material preparation.
Incorporating robots into manufacturing provides faster and consistent results, an increase in production, a safer work environment and better product quality, Fabtech argues.
Founded in 2018, Fabtech was previously known as DesignPro Robotics.
Forge Robotics
Galway-based AI robotics start-up Forge Robotics was picked up by Y Combinator in last September, joining a long list of Irish start-ups that have been backed by the accelerator, such as Luminate Medical, Protex AI and Solidroad.
Forge Robotics, founded by CEO Eoin Cobbe and chief technology officer Robert Cormican, is building an AI-powered intelligence layer to improve the welding capabilities of industrial robots. Its system allows robots to scan a part, interpret its geometry and execute welds even when the set-up is imperfect.
Despite just being inducted into the accelerator, the start-up had already incorporated a US entity and is on track to launch their first product in July this year. They received $500,000 in pre-seed funding as part of acceptance into the San Francisco-based programme.
HomeBot Ireland
HomeBot Ireland is a 2024-founded start-up from Cork that makes robotic vacuums, mops and lawnmowers.
The businesses was founded by Clara Mulligan and her husband Alan. HomeBot Ireland’s main mission, Mulligan says, is to make machines that are “really simple to use, with excellent customer service”.
The flagship product in the company’s growing range is the AI-enabled robot mower, Buddy, which is a wireless robot equipped with cameras and sensors. Buddy is programmed to recognise anything that isn’t grass, such as flower beds, paths and water.
Icarus
Space-tech start-up Icarus was co-founded by Co Tyrone-born Jamie Palmer. The New York-headquartered start-up raised $6.1m in a seed round last September led by Soma Capital and Xtal, with participation from Nebular and Massive Tech Ventures.
The start-up wants to create an intelligent robot force that take over the time-consuming and menial tasks. Icarus isn’t aiming for a humanoid model, rather, a fan-propelled robot with arms fitted with grippers.
The less than two-years-old start-up’s first robot will unpack and stow cargo, the founders told TechCrunch last year.
Nitrexo
Cork-based space-tech Nitrexo specialises in delivering cost-effective solutions for thermal and analytical problems.
Founded in 2019, Nitrexo has already completed seven projects with customers engaged in manufacturing satellites and launchers, spacecraft and other instruments.
In 2021, Nitrexo launched a Europe-wide product called ‘Digital Engineer’, backed by the European Space Agency (ESA). Digital Engineer is an AI robot designed for distributed learning and working environments. The project won €500,000 in support from the ESA in space-based funding to bridge the gap between engineering education and industry.
Volta Robotics
Also a Cork start-up, the 2023-founded Volta Robotics provides technology that helps reuse battery packs to prolong their life cycle. This start-up is working on technology to extract battery cells from EV batteries, in order to repackage them into residential or utility energy storage.
Founder Elvis Seporaitis participated in the 2023 New Frontiers programme hosted by Munster Technological University, where he was awarded for his business idea.
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