HandsOn Robotics secures funding for automation in commercial kitchens

The robotics start-up HandsOn Robotics from Dresden has successfully completed a financing round. The investors include Technologiegründerfonds Sachsen (TGFS), Gigahertz Ventures, Superangels and business angel Thomas Heimann. The startup intends to use the fresh capital to accelerate product development, acquire additional pilot customers and prepare series production for market launch in mid-2026.

Automation for everyday life in commercial kitchens

HandsOn Robotics develops compact robotic systems that automate monotonous and physically demanding tasks in commercial kitchens. The startup is kicking off with a system for automatic cutlery sorting that can supplement existing dishwashing lines without the need for major modifications.

The systems are designed in such a way that they can be integrated into existing processes without taking up additional space. The company is thus targeting facilities such as hospitals, student unions and large canteens, which are faced with high staffing requirements and a shortage of skilled workers.

Our mission is to make commercial kitchens more resilient, despite persistent staff shortages. With our plug-and-play systems, customers can stabilize their processes without having to rebuild their infrastructure and with a clearly measurable ROI.

Dr. Ernst-Friedrich Markus Henke, Co-CEO of HandsOn Robotics

Market entry planned for mid-2026

The company is currently preparing for the start of series production in mid-2026."With a stable supply chain and regional service partners, we want to reliably meet the needs of our customers," adds Fabian Finster, Co-CEO and responsible for Operations and Finance.

In addition to building up production, the capital will also be used to expand pilot projects with reference customers. HandsOn Robotics is working closely with kitchen planners and operators to develop practical solutions for use in day-to-day operations.

Investors focus on practical robotics

HandsOn Robotics addresses a very specific, recurring problem with a pragmatic architecture and a clear market entry strategy via reference customers and planners. The combination of compact hardware, vision/AI and a scalable service model is convincing.

Andreas Werner, Gigahertz Ventures

Marie Unger from TGFS is also convinced:"With this investment, we are enabling HandsOn Robotics to take the next big step in the automation of commercial kitchens. The team pursues a customer-centric, practical approach - we look forward to continuing on this path together."

Robotics from Saxony for the global market

HandsOn Robotics was founded at TU Dresden and benefits from the strong regional research and start-up environment in the field of robotics and automation. The start-up sees long-term potential to use its technology in other process steps in the kitchen, such as handling trays, dishes or food.

With the successful financing round, the young team is sending a clear signal. Robotic solutions don't have to be futuristic to solve real problems. They have to work. The investors and the start-up have agreed not to disclose the amount of the financing round.