From industrial automation and manufacturing to space technology, Irish robotics startups are making a name for themselves.
Robots can automate, making warehouses cheaper to operate and safer to work in. Whether it’s a long arm coming off a production line, a small machine designed to work in space, or a machine that “looks like a robot” helping people in their daily lives, Ireland has a growing number of start-ups innovating in this space.
And in honor of automation, AI and robotics – our focus this month – SiliconRepublic.com has compiled a list of Irish robotics startups making a name for themselves.
Akara
This spin-out founded in 2020 by Trinity College Dublin has made it to Time Magazine’s list of best inventions not once – but twice.
In 2019, the health-tech robot Stevie became famous as the cover star of Time Magazine (while making the list of best inventions that year). Last year, the company’s AI sensor won that list under the medical and healthcare category.
Based out of Dublin 8’s Digital Hub, Akara uses AI and robotics to help monitor and disinfect sensitive areas such as theatres. The startup won the Irish leg of the 2025 KPMG Global Tech Innovator competition.
Eiratech
This Dublin-based startup is developing an “automated goods-to-person platform” across fulfillment, materials handling, shipping and sales. The company offers automated guided vehicle robots, picking stations and shuttle racks in an “easy-to-use” system.
Eiratech was founded in 2014 by CEO Alexey Tabalkin. The company opened its first UK office in 2021.
Eiratech claims to deliver a range of services, from concept design to installation and project management. It also says it does not offer any core services, including electrical and mechanical engineering, safety certification, software development, operation, maintenance and after-sales customer support.
Fabtech Robotics
Fabtech Robotics in Co Monaghan provides robotics solutions to the manufacturing industry for all applications including welding, gluing, blasting and material handling.
Incorporating robots into manufacturing provides faster and more consistent results, increased productivity, a safer workplace and better product quality, Fabtech argues.
Founded in 2018, Fabtech was formerly known as DesignPro Robotics.
Forge Robotics
Galway AI robotics startup Forge Robotics was snapped up by Y Combinator last September, joining a long list of accelerator-backed Irish startups, 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 produce welds even when the setup is not perfect.
Despite being admitted to the accelerator, the startup had already incorporated the American business and is looking for their first product in July of this year. They received $500,000 in pre-seed funding as part of being accepted into the San Francisco-based program.
HomeBot Ireland
HomeBot Ireland is a 2024 startup from Cork that makes robotic vacuums, mops and lawnmowers.
The businesses were founded by Clara Mulligan and her husband Alan. HomeBot Ireland’s main goal, Mulligan says, is to make machines that are “really easy to use, with great customer service”.
The flagship product in the company’s growing lineup is the AI-powered robotic lawnmower, Buddy, which is a wireless robot equipped with cameras and sensors. Buddy is programmed to see 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 startup raised $6.1m in a seed round last September led by Soma Capital and Xtal, with participation from Nebular and Massive Tech Ventures.
The startup wants to build intelligent robotics that take more time and less labor. Icarus is not intended to be a humanoid model, but rather, a fan-powered robot with arms equipped with grippers.
The startup’s first less than two-year-old robot will pick up and put away goods, the inventors told TechCrunch last year.
Nitrexo
Nitrexo-based space-tech is focused on delivering cost-effective solutions for thermal and analytical problems.
Founded in 2019, Nitrexo has already completed seven projects with customers involved in the production of satellites and launchers, spacecraft and other instruments.
In 2021, Nitrexo is launching a European-wide product called ‘Digital Engineer’, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA). Digital Engineer is an AI robot designed to distribute learning and work environments. The project won €500,000 in support from ESA’s space-based grant to bridge the gap between engineering education and industry.
Volta Robots
Also a Cork startup, Volta Robotics founded in 2023 provides technology that helps recycle battery packs to extend their life cycle. This startup is working on technology to remove the battery cells from EV batteries, so we can repackage them in a residential or energy storage facility.
Founder Elvis Seporaitis participated in the 2023 New Frontiers program run by Munster Technological University, where he was awarded for his business idea.
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