EXTERNAL, 16. June 2024. Their technology is already being celebrated as indispensable for the industry: RESONIKS , an innovative startup with offices in Finland and the Netherlands, is setting new standards in quality control. Felix Wassmann and his team use acoustic testing systems and artificial intelligence to detect structural defects in metal parts. In an interview with Ariane Lindemann , founder Felix Wassmann explains how their approach is changing the world of production.
Your journey began with the idea of measuring fill levels. What was the initial spark for this idea?
Originally, we wanted to measure fill levels in stainless steel containers without direct contact with the material. Our CTO Fabian had the idea of treating the containers like musical instruments and using their sounds to determine the contents. We then developed this technology further.
Your focus has shifted from level measurement to quality control. What was the key reason for this pivot?
We realized that the market wasn't ready for level measurement and the technology would be a hard sell. However, when validating our technology, we realized that we could detect structural defects in materials, which is a much clearer and more pressing application. So we switched the focus to quality control.
What advantages does your technology offer over traditional quality control methods?
Our system uses acoustics and artificial intelligence to detect defects. Traditional methods such as ultrasonic measurements or dye penetration tests are manual and time-consuming. Our automated sensors can identify defects faster and more efficiently, which is a great advantage, especially in high-volume production lines.
How exactly does the measurement work?
Our sensors consist of a small automated hammer and a microphone. The hammer knocks against the component with a constant force, creating sound waves. These sound waves are picked up by the microphone and analyzed by our artificial intelligence. Based on the acoustic signature, we can then determine whether the component is OK or whether it has defects such as cracks or pores. The whole process runs fully automatically and delivers a result in seconds.
Your accelerator seems to have played a key role. You chose the CyberLab Accelerator in Karlsruhe, even though you are based in Finland and the Netherlands. Why Karlsruhe and how did it help you?
This was a strategic decision. The CyberLab Accelerator has a strong focus on artificial intelligence and is known for its excellent network of AI experts. We wanted to specifically exchange ideas with these professionals and use their expertise to further develop our technology. The CyberLab Accelerator also helped us to make valuable industry contacts and validate our business model. Although we are based in Finland and the Netherlands, the support from Karlsruhe was a decisive factor in our success.
Has the geographical distribution of your team helped you work more flexibly and efficiently?
Absolutely. The locations in The Hague and Tampere have helped us to respond quickly and flexibly to new challenges. In the Netherlands and Finland, notice periods are shorter, which has enabled us to grow faster. The international focus has also allowed us to serve different markets and benefit from a broader talent pool.
You now have investors on board. How did the financing round go and what are your next steps?
Our seed round was very successful. We were able to sign the first term sheet within six weeks. With investors such as Kvanted and Faber as well as EIT Manufacturing, we raised 2.6 million euros. We are using this capital to further develop our technology and bring more systems to market.
You already have systems in place. How is your technology currently being used and what feedback are you getting?
Our systems are used in factories in Germany, especially in the automotive and mechanical engineering industries. The feedback is very positive, especially with regard to automation and increased efficiency. Customers appreciate the ability to detect defects in real time and adjust production accordingly.
You also mentioned the use of robots in your system. How does this technology integrate into existing production lines?
We are working on an inline system where robots take over the placement of the parts. This makes the process fully integrated and no longer requires manual intervention. This enables 100% control in real time, which is a great advantage for many of our customers.
Is the idea of RESONIKS unique?
The methodology of stimulating something and hearing how it sounds has been around for a long time. For example, a similar technique is used in bell making or in rail transport. Our unique selling point lies in automation through AI and the sensors developed specifically for this use case. This allows us to design the hardware efficiently and offer the whole thing as a scalable product. In addition, we usually provide the sensors on loan, which makes it easy for customers to test and use our system.
How do you assess the future of RESONIKS?
Our long-term goal is to revolutionize quality control in production. We want to continue to improve our technology and use it in various industries around the world. Our current focus is on metal parts, but the possible applications are almost unlimited.
[This article was originally published on techtag. Written by Ariane Lindemann.]