Vienna-based startup Blue Danube Robotics, active in the field of robotics since 2013, has declared bankruptcy and plans to liquidate. The company gained fame with its development of AIRSKIN technology — a “sensitive skin” for robots that allowed machines to interact safely with humans without protective barriers. This solution was widely used in the automotive and food industries and was considered a breakthrough in industrial automation.
Despite its technological innovation and international recognition, Blue Danube Robotics was unable to achieve sustainable profitability. Over 12 years of operation, the team did not reach sales volumes sufficient to cover costs. As a result, 34 employees are losing their jobs, around 100 creditors are awaiting payments, and the company’s assets are valued at just €380,000.
The story of Blue Danube Robotics is a reminder that even the most advanced technologies require a strong business model, a stable market, and a smart growth strategy.
