UK-based AI startup, Productive Machines, has successfully raised £2.2 million in seed funding, paving the way for its advanced machine tool process optimization technology to revolutionize manufacturers globally.
TWC – Productive Machines, an artificial intelligence (AI) startup from The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), recently announced securing £2.2 million in seed funding.
UK is taking the helm in leading the funding round, Innovation & Science Seed Fund (UKI2S), with participation from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, ACT Venture Partners, and Fuel Ventures. Innovate UK also provided grant funding to support this innovative venture.
Alexander Leigh, Investment Director for UKI2S and Future Planet Capital Group, expressed enthusiasm for backing this UK-based deep tech University spin-out, stating, “We are excited by the technology’s ability to reduce energy consumption by up to 25% while enhancing surface quality, yield, and waste reduction. This breakthrough has the potential to bring high-value jobs back to the UK’s machining industry.”
The investment from UKI2S played a crucial role in Productive Machines securing £700,000 in non-dilutive grant funding alongside the investment round, thanks to their partnership with Innovate UK. Productive Machines intends to utilize the funding to deliver its AI technology as a fully-automated Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) product. The financial injection will also substantially expand the company’s team, growing from eight members to over 20.
Dr Erdem Ozturk, CEO of Productive Machines, and Dr Huseyin Celikag, CTO, founded the company intending to commercialize the findings of a six-year AMRC research project on machining dynamics. Their research covered process and machine-tool interactions, mainly focusing on how cutting forces and vibrations impact machine-tool performance.
To combat these detrimental vibrations in metal and composite milling jobs, Productive Machines developed a robust computational model capable of predicting and mitigating their influence at every stage. Utilizing a digital twin determines the optimal parameters for each machine tool and production run, eliminating wasteful configuration experiments and ensuring flawless milling operations from the outset.
The demonstrated in ten significant manufacturers, including industry leaders such as Renault and MASA Aerospace. Implementing Productive Machines’ optimized machine configurations have resulted in considerable time savings, with parts being produced in half the original duration. Furthermore, these improvements have enhanced surface quality, as the technology successfully mitigates chatter vibrations arising from machining process instabilities. Users have reported an impressive 30% increase in cutting tool lifespan on optimized machines.
Productive Machines is actively establishing partnerships with key players in the industry to bring its technology to market. Notable collaborators include measurement technology specialist Kistler, metal cutting solutions company Seco, and various machine tool manufacturers.
Dr. Erdem Ozturk, CEO of Productive Machines, emphasized the company’s commitment to addressing manufacturers’ desires for cost reduction, improved quality, and carbon emissions reduction. He stated, “We offer solutions that align with all of their goals. Our research and innovation have yielded proven results with major manufacturers, and this investment empowers us to make these significant benefits accessible to manufacturers of all sizes worldwide.”
With its cutting-edge technology poised to disrupt a $400 billion industry ripe for optimization, Productive Machines aims to eliminate the cost and skill barriers hindering the widespread adoption of AI technology. Driven by a vision of a more accurate, productive, and sustainable machining industry, Productive Machines aims to leverage its best-in-class technology to revolutionize the three million machines worldwide that could benefit from its AI solutions.
The investment secured in this funding round marks a significant milestone for Productive Machines. It validates the company’s innovative approach and positions them as a critical player in the AI-driven manufacturing landscape. With a clear focus on delivering practical, user-friendly solutions, Productive Machines aims to bridge the gap between complex software products and the everyday needs of manufacturers.
By making their AI technology available as a fully-automated Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) product, Productive Machines eliminates the need for extensive technical expertise or the employment of PhD-level engineers. This democratizes access to cutting-edge AI capabilities, allowing manufacturers of all sizes, regardless of their technical resources, to harness the benefits of optimization, cost reduction, and improved quality.
The positive feedback from major manufacturers such as Renault and MASA Aerospace speaks volumes about the efficacy of Productive Machines’ technology. Their optimized machine configurations have yielded impressive time and cost savings and contributed to sustainability efforts by reducing energy consumption. The industry-wide implications of this technology are vast, offering a transformative solution for manufacturers seeking to enhance their competitiveness while minimizing their environmental impact.
Looking ahead, Productive Machines is well-positioned for growth and expansion. As they continue to forge partnerships with industry leaders and key stakeholders, Productive Machines is on track to establish a global network that will facilitate the adoption of their AI technology.
In conclusion, the £2.2 million seed funding secured by Productive Machines signifies a significant step forward in advancing AI-driven machine tool process optimization. The company is poised to revolutionize the manufacturing industry on a global scale. By democratizing access to cutting-edge AI capabilities and addressing the needs of manufacturers of all sizes, Productive Machines is driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in the machining industry. As they expand their reach and refine their technology, Productive Machines is well-positioned to shape the future of manufacturing and propel the industry toward a more productive and sustainable end.