Our mission? Enabling the understanding of the digital thread for every vehicle. We help manufacturers understand complex production data better, predict quality issues, and accelerate root cause analysis. Who are we? ​​With manufacturing operations becoming increasingly digitised, there is a growing treasure trove of data being generated that is becoming impossible to analyse manually. To help manufacturers get value out of the data they are already producing, we created a predictive quality platform called LinePulse that uses it to improve quality, automate root cause analysis, and get an early indication of any issues that may impact production. By operationalising machine learning, LinePulse provides information and advanced analysis in real-time to line engineers and quality teams. LinePulse sends alerts before problems arise, identifies where process improvements should be implemented, and equips them with insights to understand complex processes and make better day-to-day decisions. Acerta’s technology helps manufacturers and line engineers to… Predict quality issues to avoid problems downstream Reduce recall, retest, rework, and scrap rates Automate root cause analysis Avoid quality spills which could lead to costly warranty failures Make better, faster, and data-driven decisions Bring new products to market faster Reduce waste in factories and in the field Streamline and optimise electrical vehicle production The lightbulb moment? During our time at the University of Waterloo, researching the applications of machine learning and AI for the large amounts of data being generated from industrial machinery (e.g., drones, cars, and planes), our observations sparked an idea. We noticed that whilst a lot of automation and complex systems were being built into vehicles, the process of demonstrating they work as expected was still very manual. We also noticed that a large amount of information was becoming available from these products and manufacturing processes. We aimed to combine the two, bringing that into the automotive lifecycle. Why did we apply for Sixth Sense? Hexagon has a huge presence in manufacturing, including more traditional solutions around quality control and quality management, and Acerta brings machine-learning data techniques and cloud software to the factory. Our hope is that, in partnership together, we can create a more holistic, data-driven, and modern end-to-end quality solution for manufacturers – combining the strengths of both companies. It's a partnership that can really create a lot more value for manufacturers. Where do we hope to be in five years’ time? Right now, we're focused on bringing our technology to the automotive and off-highway industries. However, our solutions are also broadly applicable to other manufacturing sectors, whether it be medical devices, electronics or other solutions. In the next three to five years, our goal is to broaden the reach and applicability of our platform to other industries in the broader discrete manufacturing space – especially with companies like Hexagon. Which emerging technologies excite us? The most exciting for us is generative AI because these large language models open up opportunities to improve the way line engineers interact with human-machine interfaces. Instead of spending time clicking around and figuring out how to query

Our mission? Empowering tomorrow's engineers with AI. Who are we? We believe that automation is the main challenge in engineering, so we’re developing an AI-based platform that allows engineers to structure and leverage their knowledge – assisting them in everyday tasks and allowing them to make faster, better design decisions. How does it work? Our platform is non-specific – for example, we provide automation for electrical wiring as well as cooling architectures for electric vehicles – and we offer it to major players in the automotive, aerospace, space, and defence industries, helping them improve their productivity by automating their design processes. Dessia’s platform… Structures technical engineering knowledge into intelligent design workflows. Helps engineers and architects make better design decisions. Assists industrial companies in digitising their engineering processes. Provides engineers with virtual design companions called ‘engineering bots’. Uses ‘explainable AI’, helping users better understand algorithms and their outputs. Generates thousands of design options early in the product development cycle – in just a few hours. Aims to help engineers design products with lower carbon impact. Is versatile, able to be specifically tailored for different industries. The lightbulb moment? During his ten years at PSA, our CEO and founder, Pierre-Emmanuel, consistently encountered a major challenge: being unable to successfully automate design tasks to identify the optimal solution. These initial experiences were the catalyst for founding Dessia six years ago. Our goal was to democratise these innovative methodologies and make them accessible to the entire engineering sector through a universal framework. Why did we apply for Sixth Sense? We aim to bring more value to our clients by offering them more accurate simulations – enabling them to make more informed architectural choices. Therefore, we wish to explore the possibility of connecting our platform to Hexagon's numerous simulation software solutions. Where do we hope to be in five years’ time? We are currently in the process of fundraising to scale up at the European level, and we aspire to become the leader in Europe in digitising engineering processes. Which emerging technologies excite us? Automation through AI is exciting and offers numerous prospects for engineering, such as aiding the automotive and aerospace industries in reducing their development time.

Our mission? To help manufacturing clients measure data in challenging environments using the world’s smallest passive sensors, known as MicroWires. Who are we? An R&D-driven company with proprietary sensing technology that is able to “mine” data in conditions that have limited or no other measurement solutions thus far. Our tiny MicroWire sensors are compact, robust and contactless devices that are able to detect a wide range of otherwise undetectable physical data – from inaccessible spaces, with accuracies, and within timescales not otherwise possible. With this technology, we aim to provide niche and unique measurement solutions to industries including automotive, medical technology, aviation and consumer goods. This could be anything from environmental monitoring – measuring temperature, humidity, pressure, or air quality in different environments; to industrial processes – including pH sensing, temperature sensing, and pressure sensing for process control and monitoring. RVmagnetics’ MicroWires are… Tiny – 1cm of MicroWire with a diameter of ~50 micrometres is enough to sense data successfully. Biocompatible – they are made from non-harmful, non-toxic material. Contactless – they can provide measurements without any contact or wiring. Time, space and material efficient – 1g of alloy can make 1km of MicroWires in 10-15 minutes. Versatile – they can measure mechanical stress/strain, temperature, position, vibrations, and more. Sustainable – they increase effectiveness while reducing costs, downtimes, errors, and energy wastage.  Revelatory – they can collect physical data from spaces that are not visible or audio-detectable. Streamlined – multiple MicroWires can feed into one interface.  Non-destructive – they can monitor physical properties of goods without damaging their structure. The lightbulb moment? With over 30 years of experience in magnetism research, our CTO and founder, Professor Rastislav Varga, saw the vast potential of MicroWires for industrial applications. So, in 2015, he founded RVmagnetics. Today, he is backed by a team of 17 R&D professionals from different worlds – chemists, physicists, mechanical engineers, electronics engineers, and software developers. Together, we have over 80 years of combined experience developing MicroWires. An interesting fact about us: Our MicroWires have a glass coating, and the state, temperature, type, and material of this coating is important during the manufacturing of our sensors. Luckily, Tomaš – one of our scientists who has glass-working expertise – can tell if this glass coating is at the right temperature just from the smell in the room. Why did you apply for Sixth Sense? For us, identifying a correct use case with potential strategic partners like Hexagon is of utmost importance. The Sixth Sense programme is not only aimed at fully satisfying that process, but is also aligned with our focus on sustainability and innovation. Where do we hope to be in five years’ time? Looking at our current partners and customers, we are currently on the edge of getting a few of our exciting use cases into mass-manufactured state; becoming a supplier of MicroWires along with an R&D entity. In five years, we aim for this to be a reality. And in 2028/2029, we aim to be able to

Our mission? To enable robot-driven manufacturing for the future of autonomous industry. Who are we? We believe that robots are set to take centre stage in industrial environments, and we are at the forefront of enabling robot-driven manufacturing that includes autonomous process control – integrating robotics with intelligent automation in smart factories. With Flexxbotics, the robots go far beyond simply talking to the machines: they control and command the machines. Flexxbotics’ solution makes the robots smarter so that they… Can intelligently communicate and control smart factory machinery. Are compatible with many different types of factory machinery and inspection equipment. Enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability of manufacturing systems. Minimise waste, scrap and rework. Reduce energy consumption and improve safety. Streamline production workflows. Carry out automated inspections of parts processed. Carry out real-time autonomous process changes. Attain the highest quality levels in precision manufacturing. Ensure manufacturing processes are highly optimised and evolve toward greater sustainability. The lightbulb moment? While working at a global manufacturer implementing robots with automation equipment; our co-founder and CTO, Tyler Modelski, described the complexity he immediately encountered of integrating robots with machines and business systems like an anvil dropping on his head. The idea for Flexxbotics emerged from that moment. We knew that the rapid advancement of robotics would force a series of fundamental changes in factory automation scenarios – so, we set out to rethink the robots’ role. This led to the realisation that in order for fleets of robots to successfully run the factories of the future in fully automated “lights out” operation, they would need to be able to connect with and orchestrate the machinery. Why did you apply for Sixth Sense? Our collaboration with Hexagon in the Sixth Sense program provides us with the opportunity to work with and learn from the industry leader in smart factory solutions and coordinate measuring machine technology. We believe that the integration of our Flexxbotics solution with Hexagon’s cutting-edge inspection equipment has the potential to set a new standard in closed-loop autonomous process control – which is a critical prerequisite to achieving autonomous industry. Together we can further accelerate the adoption of robot-driven manufacturing. Where do we hope to be in five years’ time? Our goal for Flexxbotics is to become the global leader in SaaS/Hybrid solutions for robot-driven manufacturing. We envision our solutions setting the standard for intelligent robotics in manufacturing with Flexxbotics being integral to factories worldwide, driving new levels of efficiency, quality and sustainability. Which emerging technologies excite us? Humanoid robotics with artificial intelligence. Their potential to perform a wide range of tasks and process vast amounts of data will completely change the manufacturing landscape – significantly increasing productivity, adaptability and safety. For true autonomous manufacturing, these robots will need to communicate directly and securely with all different types of smart factory equipment – and our patent-pending FlexxCORE technology represents the key to enabling this.

Our mission? Manufacturing made easy – using AI and advanced simulation technologies to automate and revolutionise the future of manufacturing.  Who are we? Launchpad is developing AI-powered automation for product assembly systems. We automate and streamline design, procurement and manufacturing processes – enhancing assembly precision and efficiency, addressing manufacturing labour shortages and reducing reliance on overseas production.  Set up during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve had a distributed team from day one – but despite forming our working relationships online, our company culture is really strong. When we all met in person for the first time, it was like we’d known each other forever! Launchpad’s technology… Uses AI-driven, self-programming robots known as Digitools. Serves as an innovative and efficient automation solution. Reduces the need for human intervention in assembly programming. Cuts carbon emissions through manufacturing reshoring. Champions a sustainable, collaborative, and smart manufacturing future. Quickly adapts to different product designs – unlike traditional methods. Streamlines production and ensures consistent precision and quality in product assembly. The lightbulb moment? Founding Launchpad was driven by our firsthand experiences in the manufacturing sector. What were they? Repeatedly observing outdated technology and a lack of automation. We recognised the untapped potential of AI in revolutionising assembly processes, and this realisation led to the birth of Launchpad, which aims to combine advanced AI with practical manufacturing knowledge to create our innovative Digitools solution.  Why did you apply for Sixth Sense? We believe that transformative change in manufacturing comes from strong alliances with like-minded entities. Our goal is to align with the program’s network, introducing our technologies to a broader range of customers and partners – enhancing our impact in the industry and accelerating the adoption of sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices on a larger scale. Where do we hope to be in five years? At the forefront of manufacturing innovation, with thousands of Digitools deployed worldwide. Our technology will be pivotal in designing superior products and enabling rapid, local product launches through flexible factories. Alongside our focus on mass customisation, this approach will increase customer value and significantly reduce inventory, setting a new industry standard for efficiency and innovation. The strategic investment we’ve recently secured from Lockheed Martin Ventures will help to scale and develop our innovative technology further. Which emerging technologies excite us? The potential of large language models and AI image generation – especially when integrated with advanced simulation techniques. These technologies hold immense promise for the manufacturing sector – enabling designers to bring their ideas to life. Our technology plays a crucial role in this ecosystem, validating that these innovative designs are feasible and efficiently scalable. This combination of AI-driven design and practical manufacturability is set to revolutionise the speed and responsiveness of manufacturing processes.