ExRobotics, the Dutch-based, global leader in explosion-proof autonomous inspection robots for the energy and petrochemical industries, has closed the first half of up to €7 million in growth capital. The round is being led by FORWARD.one, with follow-on participation from Rotterdam Port Fund, a longstanding backer of the company. Other value-add investors are in active discussions to participate in this investment round
ExRobotics is already reaching cash flow break-even. This investment provides the firepower to accelerate global deployment of its Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) fleets, expand software capabilities, and increase manufacturing capacity.
The company’s ExR-2 robots perform autonomous inspections in potentially hazardous or hard-to-reach industrial sites. They detect methane leaks, carry out safety checks, and collect real-time data. This helps operators prevent downtime and reduce emissions. Robots are already deployed across tropical, desert and arctic environments, supporting more than 100 deployments across first- and second-generation platforms.
“Our industry is at an inflection point,” said Mark Mildon, CEO of ExRobotics. “Our core customers are scaling fast, and we’re investing to grow with them. FORWARD.one brings the right experience in scaling industrial technologies and intuitively understands the challenges we face. Together, we will accelerate our ability to help customers operate more safely, sustainably and efficiently.”
“We firmly believe in the role of autonomous robots in solving real, high-impact problems for the oil and gas sector,” said Arjan Göbel, Partner at FORWARD.one. “ExRobotics stands out through its proven deployments, deep certification expertise and clear customer value. The company turns safety, emissions and uptime into measurable performance. That’s our kind of business.”
“Over the past years, a solid foundation has been built in terms of technology, team and customer relationships, positioning ExRobotics exceptionally well to meet the growing global demand for certified autonomous inspection robots,” said David van Loo, Investment Director of Rotterdam Port Fund. “We are very pleased to join forces with FORWARD.one to enable the next phase of scaling.”
Safety:
Industrial sites such as oil, gas and chemical plants often contain “Ex zones”, areas where explosive gases or materials may be present. Inspections in these zones are dangerous and tightly regulated. ExRobotics’ certified robots can enter and operate safely without putting people at risk, performing frequent checks and identifying hazards before they become incidents.
Emissions:
Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases, and detecting and fixing leaks is now a major regulatory and environmental priority. ExRobotics’ robots can perform automated methane-detection rounds multiple times a day, helping operators meet stricter emissions standards and reduce their environmental footprint.
Efficiency and uptime:
By automating inspections, ExRobotics enables continuous monitoring and early issue detection. This improves uptime, reduces maintenance costs and minimises disruptions. The result: safer operations, lower costs and more productive facilities worldwide.
With over 100+ successful deployments, ExRobotics is the world leader in Ex-certified autonomous inspection robots for hazardous industrial environments. Its robots enable safer, more efficient and lower-emission operations for leading global energy and chemical companies. Headquartered in Delft, the Netherlands, the company holds multiple patents, operates a certified ISO/IEC 80079-34 production system, and delivers robots worldwide.
www.exrobotics.global
Founded in 2017, FORWARD.one is a venture capital firm dedicated to industrial technology. With a team combining entrepreneurial, engineering and financial expertise, the firm has become one of Europe’s most commercially oriented and top-performing technology investors.
Driven by a tough-love ethos and bold, non-conformist bets, FORWARD.one has demonstrated that exceptional commercialisation builds winners that generate outstanding returns. With Funds I and II ranking among the top 5% of European VC funds, the firm is a coveted partner for founders building Europe’s next industrial champions.
FORWARD.one. Serious about performance.
www.forward.one
The Rotterdam Port Fund (RPF) is a growth investment capital fund established in 2016 that focuses on providing growth capital to companies involved in transport, logistics, energy, refining, maritime and port-related activities. It supports fast-growing companies that contribute to the transition towards a more sustainable and innovative port sector with capital, knowledge and network. The fund is a collaborative initiative by a.o. Port of Rotterdam Authority, InnovationQuarter, Cornelder, Koninklijke Doeksen, First Dutch and Rotterdam-based entrepreneurs.www.rotterdamportfund.com
This operation benefits from support from the European Union under the InvestEU Fund
