4cost invests in Berlin-based AI start-up Aprion
4cost GmbH has acquired a 25.3% stake in Aprion GmbH, an innovative AI start-up in the field of digital quality assurance for manufacturing companies.
Aprion develops AI solutions for digital quality assurance and process control in industrial production. Its core product is the Aprion Production System (APS). This is a modular software platform that enables the use of AI-supported solutions for automated quality control by means of anomaly detection. The system combines various sensor technologies – e.g. optical sensors (cameras, line scan cameras, profile sensors) or acoustic testing methods – with intelligent analysis software that detects errors, foreign objects and anomalies in real time. Aprion’s solutions address key challenges in modern production: they minimise human error rates, reduce scrap and complaint costs, and counteract the shortage of skilled workers through intelligent automation.
4cost’s investment in Aprion follows a clear strategic goal: The two companies are working together to integrate Aprion’s advanced AI technology for image and object recognition into the 4cost costing software. This will enable cost data to be automatically derived from technical drawings and 3D models in the future – a significant innovation in the field of AI-supported cost calculation.
‘We see enormous potential in Aprion’s solutions for AI-supported automation in the quality sector,’ explains Joachim Schöffer, managing partner of 4cost GmbH. ‘We immediately identified with the founders of Aprion. We were particularly impressed by the team’s agility and solution-oriented approach. The first projects and use cases that Aprion has been able to generate, including in the automotive industry, are very impressive. We expect synergies, particularly in the area of software development, and are convinced that the collaboration will bring considerable benefits to both companies.’
In addition to technology transfer, 4cost actively supports Aprion in the development and implementation of processes in the areas of certification, quality management and sales. Both companies are also pursuing cross-selling potential in order to optimally serve their respective customer bases.
‘With the support of 4cost GmbH, we can benefit from the company’s many years of experience and the corresponding market environment. 4cost’s expertise is particularly important for our further growth,’ adds Alexander Augustowsky, Managing Director of Aprion GmbH. ‘We are also looking forward to collaborating on software development and supporting 4cost with our technological expertise.’
With its investment in Aprion, 4cost is sending a clear signal for innovation and sustainability. Both companies expect dynamic growth and close cooperation in the coming years to further advance AI technologies and set new standards in the digital industry.