The ex9 startup, which we presented to you a few weeks ago, has just raised 2 million euros in priming To automate logistics operations in closed areas. In reverse of the spectacular promises of autonomous driving on open road, the company assumes an industrial approach, centered on the loading quays. Its system combines electrified vehicles, complete autonomy, and digital twins to optimize trailer movements on the platforms.
Ex9 targets a precise market and criticizes the areas of loading quayswhere the trailers accumulate, where manual rotations generate costs, deadlines and risks, the startup deploys a zero emission autonomous tractorreconditioned from Renault Trucks trucks by Neotrucksits industrial partner. Technical architecture is based on three software bricks: perception (lidars, cameras, sensors), decision (on -board algorithms synchronized at the Yard Management System), and action (autonomous maneuver in reverse to the team).
A structuring pilot with DHL
Since the end of 2023, Ex9 has been carrying out a pilot with Dhl on a site near Roissy, as part of a partnership with The Belfort-Montbéliard University of Technology (UTBM)funded by theNational Research Agency (ANR). The test relates to the “drop-and-coup” phase, which consists in moving a semi-trailer between the parking lot and the quays.
The results are:
- Reduction of hardware incidents
- Fluidification of flows
- 94 % reduction in CO₂ emissions by site through electrification
The entire deployment is modeled in advance thanks to a Site digital twinallowing to simulate periods of strong activity, such as Christmas or Black Friday.
Robots-as-a-service and low capex strategy
Ex9 operates a “Robots-as-A-Service” model In which customers engage in contracts of 3 to 5 years, monthly payment, including software, maintenance, supervision and support. A POC at 50,000 euros is offered over two to three weeks, with an operational tractor.
This model allows a Quick Time-toPloyreinforced by internal tools for automation of training, supervision and on -site configuration procedures.
A European ambition … and an American exploration
Ex9 is currently preparing theindustrialization of its system For large -scale deployments, with several European logisticians. It was also selected by the accelerator GENER8TOR / CO.LAB in the Wisconsin, starting a Exploration of the North American market. If the establishment in the United States remains early, the promise of a robust product, deployable quickly and at a lower cost could allow it to compete with the giants of the sector.
A European alternative to American behemoths
In his viewfinder of actors as Outrider (more than 200 M € lifted) or ISEEas approaching more about generative AI, deemed risky in standard environment. Ex 9 claims a differentiation by the technological sovereigntycustomer proximity and a frugal but solid execution.
A sustained and inclusive trajectory
This first round of financing was led by Business Angels women,, Impulse4Women/SIA,, Oscar Club,, Aran Ventures,, The Company Lab (Co.Lab) And several specialized business angels. The co -founder Ksenia Duarte is also the program winner Orange entrepreneurous womenpiloted by Sandrine Joseph.
The next financing steps are already planned:
- 4 to 5 M € for European industrialization and deployment
- 15 to 20 M € If the startup chooses to accelerate its expansion in North America
Note: The purchase of vehicles is funded by partnersallowing Ex9 to concentrate the funds raised on the Software R&D, operational deployment and the customer support.
A future reinvented logistics
Ex9 projects a structural transformation of logistics sites:
- infrastructure designed for autonomy from the construction phase
- a Operations remotely orchestration
- of the automated charging process
- an improvement in working conditions by reducing painful or dangerous tasks
