From rainforest to refinery: Soft robot reaches where no one else can
The startup company XiniX AI has developed a soft robot capable of navigating into places no one else can reach, delivering data that can save time, money, and lives. They have now secured a spot in the Danish Technological Institute’s robot incubator, funded by the Odense Robotics StartUp Fund.
Imagine a robot that can twist and squeeze its way into the most inaccessible corners of industrial facilities—without risking human lives and with the ability to provide precise data on even the smallest defects.
That is exactly what the startup XiniX AI has created with their soft robot.
“Every year, hundreds of people die due to inspection work in hazardous confined spaces. Our technology can not only save lives but also revolutionize how the industry operates,” says Eric Herrero, founder of XiniX AI, who has now established himself in Odense to take the technology to the next level.
XiniX AI’s soft robot has earned them a place in the Odense Robotics StartUp Fund, which provides robotics and drone startups from Denmark and abroad access to soft funding, mentorship, and a dedicated incubator environment at the Danish Technological Institute in Odense.
Able to squeeze in
Many industries face challenges when it comes to inspecting confined spaces, and most solve them using drones. But drones can fall short in tight and dusty environments, which pose no issue for XiniX AI’s robot. It can adapt to complex geometries and perform inspections with high precision—without causing the problems typically associated with drone propellers.
“Our robot can be squeezed into spaces smaller than its own body and can be equipped with various sensors to detect everything from corrosion to welding defects. This gives industries the ability to act on precise data rather than guesswork,” explains Eric Herrero.
From rainforest to refinery
XiniX AI has just been admitted to the robot incubator of the Odense Robotics StartUp Fund, where the company gains access to Denmark’s leading robotics ecosystem at the Danish Technological Institute. Here, the Belgian startup will refine their prototype into a commercial, market-ready product.
The story behind XiniX AI is as fascinating as the technology itself.
It all began in the tropical rainforest during the XPRIZE Rainforest competition in 2019, where the team originally developed technology to identify animal and plant species.
“After seeing the potential of our technology during the competition, we decided to adapt it for industrial use,” explains Eric Herrero and continues:
“What originally could identify rare plants can now detect corrosion, welding flaws, and cracks in industrial facilities. Right now, we’re focusing on inspection with the robot, but in the future, it will also be able to take samples and similar tasks.”
About XiniX AI
XiniX AI develops soft robots and AI-based solutions for inspections in confined spaces. Their technology is designed to improve safety, reduce costs, and deliver high-quality data to industries such as oil, gas, and energy.