pi4_robotics – pi4 robotics :: Flexible Robotics for Industrial & Service Applications, Emphasizing “Made In Germany” Quality

pi4_robotics GmbH is a German robotics and automation company founded in 1994 by Dipl.-Ing. Matthias Krinke in Berlin. It is 100% German-owned and remains one of the few fully domestically owned robot manufacturers in the country. The company specializes in image processing systems, test machinery, automation solutions, and humanoid/service robots, with headquarters and production facilities at Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355 Berlin. With around 50 employees, pi4 focuses on practical, flexible robotics for industrial and service applications, emphasizing “Made in Germany” quality, innovation, and compliance with high engineering standards.

pi4 gained early recognition with the Workerbot series, introduced around 2010 as one of the world’s first humanoid factory workers. These robots feature anthropomorphic dual arms with fine dexterity (“seeing hands”), multi-axis mobility (including waist rotation), vision systems for object recognition and adaptive handling, and the ability to perform complex assembly, inspection, and material handling tasks alongside humans without extensive reprogramming. Later generations (e.g., Workerbot3 to Workerbot8) support higher payloads (up to 10 kg per arm), longer reach, and integration into flexible Industrie 4.0 manufacturing environments for tasks like THT placement, palletizing, and electronic assembly testing.

The current flagship is the Workerbot9 platform, a versatile service and care-oriented humanoid robot designed for real-world deployment in sectors facing labor shortages. Variants include:

• Workerbot9 Care-Home / Care-Hospital: Nursing assistants for delivery of food/drinks, patient monitoring, temperature checks, security patrols, and telepresence. Features include a friendly interactive face display, multi-language speech (95+ languages), face/speech recognition, mobile navigation, modular docking for trays or tools, and 24/7 operation.
• Other specialized models for concierge, security, waiter, customer service, baggage handling, infotainment, cleaning, and research applications.

Key technical highlights of Workerbot9 include a compact mobile platform (approx. 166 cm height, 53 cm width), 3D/2D cameras, microphone arrays, cloud connectivity (4G/5G, remote maintenance, updates), GDPR compliance, and options for purchase or Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) rental via partners like Robozän. The robots emphasize safety, ease of use (via robot interface or mobile app), and quick adaptation to new environments.

Beyond humanoids, pi4 develops factory robotics (e.g., Robofeeder series, palletizers), AI-based inspection systems (including the Inseqtor for pest detection), photovoltaics quality testing via electroluminescence, and hydrogen electrolyser-related automation. The company also offers engineering services, programming for various industrial robots (Epson, Fanuc, KUKA, etc.), distribution, and comprehensive support.

pi4 has received multiple innovation awards and positions itself at the intersection of traditional German engineering and modern service robotics. Through partnerships (e.g., with igus/RBTX) and a focus on ethical robotics (including a proposed “fourth law” extending Asimov’s principles), the company aims to address labor shortages in care, hospitality, manufacturing, and logistics while promoting sustainable, human-collaborative automation.