Tech Explained: Here’s a simplified explanation of the latest technology update around Tech Explained: Germany’s FLEXOO, whose tech is used in NASA’s lunar rover, raises €11 million to scale physical AI – BeBeez International in Simple Termsand what it means for users..
FLEXOO, a Heidelberg-based DeepTech startup focused on physical AI sensor technology, today announced the closing of its €11 million Series A funding round. The round was led by eCAPITAL and AUMOVIO.
The company plans to use this capital to drive its global business and scale its physical AI sensor platform for battery storage and the automotive industries.
“FLEXOO sensors make Physical AI possible: Only ultra-thin, free-form sensor technology bridges the gap between physical hardware and learning algorithms. With eCAPITAL and AUMOVIO, as investors, we are scaling a patented technology for a multi-billion-dollar market,” said Dr Michael Kröger, founding CEO of FLEXOO.
FLEXOO was founded in 2023 and is a dynamic spin-off of InnovationLab GmbH. It claims to offer the hardware data layer that modern industries need. Its scalable platform technology combines ultra-thin, free-form sensors with real-time AI at the edge.
According to the company, it addresses the core challenge of physical AI: AI algorithms require precise, real-time physical data from technical systems. FLEXOO states that its ultra-thin, flexible, and modular sensor platform integrates into any surface or space, and it is economically viable and patent-protected.
“The world is pouring billions into AI models, yet starving them of the physical data they need. FLEXOO closes that gap. What underpins our conviction is a scalable platform technology – a validated stack from R&D to deployment – and a targeted go‐to‐market with a tangible customer pipeline in large industries that have a clear need for reliable, real‐time sensor intelligence. The interplay of the most precise tactile sensor in the market and the Physical AI platform is unique and cannot easily be replicated. It strongly aligns with our ambition to back visionary deep‐tech companies that deliver lasting impact, particularly across sustainability and IoT,” said Hannes Schill, Managing Partner, eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS.
It provides services such as contract engineering and contract manufacturing, and also offers a range of solutions in the printed electronics spectrum, including printed sensors, battery monitoring systems, foil heaters, printed antennas, and Flex PCBs.
The company claims that its printed heaters and battery monitoring solutions power NASA’s lunar rover. “AI algorithms receive the most precise real-time operational data from any device or system. Validation with leading battery manufacturers showcases capacity improvements of up to 5% without battery redesign or new chemistry. FLEXOO’s ability to capture real-time data directly at the cell level is a breakthrough which conventional systems cannot achieve, providing higher-level AI control systems with unique insights. Additionally, early warning systems can now be implemented to avoid battery failures,” the company mentioned while highlighting some of its use cases customers are evaluating.
Addressing how it protects intellectual property during service engagements, FLEXOO states that it maintains strict confidentiality agreements and professional standards to protect client intellectual property. The company adds that its engineering and manufacturing collaborations are governed by agreements that define intellectual property ownership and usage rights.
FLEXOO states that in 2026, it plans to focus on international sales and customer support expansion, securing higher-value supply contracts, delivering prototypes of the advanced physical AI platform to close partners, and securing foundational IP for its physical AI platform and dexterous sensing.