ZBV-Automation GmbH
Troisdorf, Germany machine builder founded 1988 by Norbert Berse and Alfred Elsas; ISO 9001-certified, over 150 employees, feeding and assembly automation.
ZBV-Automation GmbH is a German special-purpose machinery manufacturer founded on June 1, 1988, in Troisdorf-Oberlar by businessman Norbert Berse and engineer Alfred Elsas, initially producing automation components before moving into full assembly and handling systems. The company relocated in 1998 to a purpose-built 3,400-square-meter facility in Troisdorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, where it remains headquartered, and established a subsidiary, ZBV-Automation Romania S.R.L., in 2013.
The company builds factory-automation lines spanning manual workstations to fully automated production systems, including modular assembly cells, workpiece-carrier quick-change systems, centrifugal feeders introduced from 1994 onward, pneumatic and electromechanical handling modules, rotary tables, and vision systems for inspection. Its robotics integration covers gripper-change systems and variant configuration for automotive, pharmaceutical, electronics, and packaging lines, supported by service partners in China, the United States, and Mexico.
ZBV-Automation delivered its first self-developed special machine in 1991, passed 50 employees in 1999, reached 100 employees in 2012, and hired its 150th staff member in 2016. The company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification through TUV Rheinland, valid through August 2027, along with an Authorized Economic Operator certificate and a CrefoZert credit rating.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
ZBV-Feeder
Centrifugal feeder for automated part feeding in assembly systems
ZBV-AC-Feeder
Centrifugal feeding system for high-precision automated part supply
ALPHAcell
Flexible robotic assembly cell for automated handling operations
CORAcell
Flexible robotic cell concept for automated assembly and handling
Contact ZBV-Automation GmbH
WEBSITE
https://www.zbv-automation.de/en.htmlPHONE
+49 2241 951150HEADQUARTERS
Germany
Company Facts
Founded
1988
Primary Role
System Integrator
Company Size
-
Primary Region
Europe
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
Certifications & Memberships
Keywords
- ZBV-Automation GmbH
- assembly automation
- custom machine builder
- feeding technology
- robotics integration
- Germany automation
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Logistics & Supply Chain
- Robot Manufacturer
- System Integrator
- Manufacturer
- Industrial Robot
- End-effector & Grasping
- Perception & Vision
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare & Senior Care
- Automotive
iREX 2027: International Robot Exhibition, Tokyo, Dec 2027
iREX 2027 returns to Tokyo Big Sight in early December 2027. The 2025 edition drew a record 673 exhibitors and 156,110 visitors.
ROSCon Global 2027, Kraków, Oct 12–14
ROSCon Global 2027, Open Robotics' annual ROS developer conference, runs Oct 12–14, 2027 in Kraków, Poland. Venue, CFP and registration to be announced.
IROS 2027 Florence: Sep 26–Oct 1 | Intelligent Robots
IROS 2027, the IEEE/RSJ robotics conference, runs Sep 26–Oct 1, 2027 at Fortezza da Basso in Florence, Italy. Theme, deadlines and what to expect.
FABTECH 2027 | Sep 13–16, McCormick Place, Chicago
FABTECH 2027, Sep 13–16 at McCormick Place, Chicago: metal fabrication, welding and automation expo with robotic welding cells, AI pavilion.
IEEE CASE 2027 Linz: Aug 23–27 | Automation Science
IEEE CASE 2027, the 23rd Conference on Automation Science and Engineering, runs Aug 23–27, 2027 in Linz, Austria. Chairs, deadline and scope.
Automate 2027 | May 10–13, Las Vegas Convention Center
Automate 2027, May 10–13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center: A3's robotics and automation show moves to Las Vegas after a record 50,000+ registrants in 2026.
NVIDIA GTC 2027 – San Jose, Mar 15–18, 2027
NVIDIA GTC 2027 runs Mar 15–18 in San Jose, with physical AI and robotics as a core theme. Poster call open until Nov 10, 2026; registration opens this fall.
HANNOVER MESSE 2027 | Apr 5–8, Hannover, Germany
HANNOVER MESSE 2027, April 5–8 in Hannover: four-day industrial fair with Spain as partner country; industrial AI, robotics and automation in focus.
ICRA 2027 Seoul: May 24–28 | Robotics and Automation
ICRA 2027, the IEEE flagship robotics conference, runs May 24–28, 2027 at COEX in Seoul: theme, chairs, deadlines and expected scale.
ICARA 2027: Automation & Robotics Conference, Paris
ICARA 2027 runs Feb 25–27, 2027 at De Vinci Higher Education, Paris La Défense. Papers due Oct 1, 2026; author fees from USD 600.
RobCo Achieves Over $1 Billion Valuation as CEO Relocates to U.S. for Expansion
RobCo has surpassed a valuation of $1 billion following new investments and employee share sales, marking a significant milestone for the industrial robotics startup. This achievement, which doubles the company's valuation in just nine months, involved participation from existing investors like Sequoia and new investors such as Cherry Ventures. The importance of this valuation lies in RobCo's plans to launch its Alfie autonomous industrial robot in March 2027, aimed at automating complex manufacturing tasks. The company is expanding its operations in the U.S., which has become its fastest-growing market, with customer operations now covering over a dozen states. Looking ahead, RobCo is set to unveil Alfie at its inaugural summit in Munich. The relocation of CEO Roman Hölzl to the U.S. underscores the company's commitment to growth in this key market. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI Funding & Investment Business & Markets Physical AI AI autonomous industrial robots Cherry Ventures
Recent Developments in South Korea's Physical AI Sector Highlight Key Innovations
This week, South Korea's physical AI sector saw significant advancements, including a collaboration between Semifive and Mobilint on outdoor robotics AI chips. Aidin Robotics joined a Doosan-led cobot initiative, while Hanwha Ocean and Korea Expressway Corp. signed agreements for shipbuilding robots and highway automation. These developments are crucial as they reflect South Korea's commitment to enhancing automation in various industries. The $7.2 million multi-agent autonomous-manufacturing project led by SKPack and the successful KOSDAQ IPO of Brills, which raised approximately $17 million, further underscore the growing investment in physical AI technologies. Looking ahead, stakeholders should monitor the progress of these projects, particularly the ongoing work on AI chips and the integration of robotics in manufacturing and infrastructure. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI Funding & Investment Humanoids Physical AI AI Aidin Robotics Brills
Exploring OMRON's Advanced LD Mobile Robots and Their Impact on Automation
In Episode 264 of The Robot Report Podcast, Miguel Garcés Moreno, the product marketing manager for OMRON Industrial Automation Europe, discusses the company's next-generation LD mobile robots. He emphasizes the importance of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in transforming modern factory floors with flexible and fully automated intralogistics systems. Garces Moreno's expertise in industrial automation, AI vision, and motion control highlights the significance of integrating advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency. The collaboration with WiBotic for wireless charging solutions further underscores OMRON's commitment to increasing the uptime and safety of robotic fleets, which is crucial for manufacturers aiming to optimize their production processes. Listeners should keep an eye on OMRON's developments in AMRs and their partnerships, particularly with WiBotic, as these innovations could redefine intralogistics and factory automation. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Artificial Intelligence Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Industrial Robots Markets / Industries News Opinion
CSi Palletising Introduces Affordable s-Pal Robotic Palletiser for Medium-Sized Businesses
CSi Palletising has launched the s-Pal robotic palletiser, an entry-level solution priced at €95,000. This system features a FANUC industrial robot and is designed for medium-sized businesses in the FMCG and CPG sectors. Pre-orders began on October 1st, with initial deliveries expected in early 2027. The s-Pal offers three variations with options for left-hand, right-hand, or dual infeed, making it a flexible choice for users. Its lean design focuses on essential features for efficient palletising while maintaining high quality and reliability, backed by a standard 3-year warranty. The system is user-friendly, allowing a single operator to manage it effectively. Looking ahead, CSi plans to offer the s-Pal for lease starting mid-2027. As a predefined solution, it promises quick processing of quotations and orders, with guided installation instructions for self-installation. Customers can also opt for professional installation by CSi’s team, ensuring support throughout the process. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Industry News
Hitachi and Fanuc Collaborate to Launch Physical AI Solutions for Manufacturing
Hitachi and Fanuc have established a strategic partnership aimed at developing and commercializing physical AI systems tailored for manufacturing. Initial testing will occur at Hitachi's factories in Japan's Ibaraki region, with broader deployment anticipated to commence in fiscal 2027. The collaboration seeks to automate tasks that currently rely on skilled labor, enhancing productivity and addressing labor shortages. This partnership is significant as it combines Hitachi's expertise in physical AI and operational technology with Fanuc's advanced industrial robots and AI capabilities. The goal is to create systems that can adapt to varying production conditions and tasks requiring human judgment. The initial applications will focus on parts picking and production changeovers, with plans to expand across multiple industries, including semiconductors and automotive. Looking ahead, Hitachi and Fanuc will leverage their global customer bases to implement these technologies across diverse sectors starting in fiscal 2027. The companies aim to continuously improve their systems by learning from real production data, which could lead to more efficient and adaptable manufacturing processes. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Business & Markets Physical AI Fanuc Hitachi Industrial Robots Japan
Industrial Companies Embrace Smart Systems for Bee Conservation Efforts
An increasing number of industrial companies are engaging in bee conservation, driven by ecological responsibility and sustainability strategies. These companies do not need to be high-tech firms to contribute; the technological range includes industrial robotic systems and affordable open-source solutions for workplace training. The involvement of various industries in bee protection highlights a growing awareness of environmental issues and the importance of biodiversity. By integrating smart systems, companies can enhance their sustainability efforts while also potentially benefiting from improved workplace environments. Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how these initiatives evolve and whether more companies will adopt similar strategies. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Allgemein Anwendungen & Lösungen
Industrial Companies Embrace Smart Systems for Bee Conservation Efforts
An increasing number of industrial companies are engaging in bee conservation, driven by ecological responsibility and sustainability strategies. These efforts are not limited to high-tech firms; a range of technological solutions is available, from industrial robotic systems to affordable open-source options for workplace training. The significance of this trend lies in the growing recognition of the role bees play in ecosystems and agriculture. By integrating bee conservation into their operations, companies can enhance their sustainability profiles while contributing positively to environmental health. Looking ahead, it will be important to monitor how these initiatives evolve and whether more companies adopt similar practices. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Allgemein Anwendungen & Lösungen
Dürr Introduces Four New EcoRS Generation 2 Robots for Automotive Paint Shops
Dürr has unveiled four new industrial robots tailored for automotive paint shops, with payload capacities ranging from 20 kg to 150 kg. The EcoRS Generation 2 series is designed for various applications, including sealing, cleaning, and material handling, and features a reach of up to 3,100 mm. This standardized platform aims to streamline paint-shop automation planning and maintenance. The introduction of the EcoRS Generation 2 robots is significant as it establishes a standardized solution for sealing applications, enhancing process quality and availability while reducing complexity throughout the equipment's lifecycle. Martin Wurst, product manager at Dürr, emphasized the benefits of this new platform for customers, particularly in achieving consistent seams across vehicle bodies. Looking ahead, Dürr's focus on integrating robot mechanics, control systems, and application technology is expected to improve path accuracy and operational flexibility. The redesigned EcoRS platform, with its internal component relocation, not only minimizes interference but also simplifies cleaning and reduces space requirements. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Inbolt Secures $12.5M Funding to Enhance AI Vision for Industrial Robotics
Inbolt has successfully raised $12.5 million to advance its AI-driven 3D vision software tailored for industrial robots. This funding will support the company's expansion into the U.S. and Asia-Pacific markets, as well as its entry into data centers and electronics manufacturing. The significance of this funding round, led by Shift4Good with contributions from Bridges Climate Transition Partners, BNP Paribas Développement, and Ora Global, brings Inbolt's total funding to $34 million. The company aims to enhance its operations in the U.S. following the establishment of a Detroit office in 2026, targeting sectors such as automotive and electronics manufacturing. Inbolt's software enables robots to adapt in real-time to changes in their environment, addressing issues like part misalignment and tooling wear. As the demand for more intelligent robotic solutions grows, Inbolt's hardware-agnostic approach positions it well for future developments in industrial automation. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI AI Funding & Investment Physical AI 3D vision BNP Paribas Développement Bridges Climate Transition Partners
Inbolt Secures $12.5M Funding to Enhance Industrial Robots' Vision and Intelligence
Inbolt has announced a successful funding round of $12.5 million, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of industrial robots. This funding will support the company's expansion into the US and APAC markets, as well as its entry into data centers and electronics manufacturing. The significance of this funding lies in Inbolt's innovative technology that enables industrial robots to see, think, and adapt in real time. This advancement allows robots to master various processes, parts, or stations, thereby increasing efficiency and versatility in manufacturing environments. Looking ahead, Inbolt's total funding has now reached $34 million, with participation from notable investors including Shift4Good, Bridges Climate Transition Partners, BNP Paribas Développement, and Ora Global. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
