ANcybernetics S.R.L. Company Profile
Background
Overview
ANcybernetics S.R.L. is an innovative start-up based in Ancona, Italy, specializing in underwater robotics, educational robotics, and digital solutions for marine ecosystems. Established in 2021 as an academic spin-off of the Università Politecnica delle Marche, the company leverages over two decades of research experience in underwater and educational robotics to drive innovation in training and sustainability.
Mission and Vision
The company's mission is to support and innovate educational, training, and research processes through submarine robotics solutions. ANcybernetics aims to promote inclusiveness and environmental awareness, with a particular focus on the marine environment.
Primary Area of Focus
ANcybernetics operates in two primary domains:
1. Educational Robotics: Developing and implementing innovative programs that integrate robotics into STEAM education, providing primary and secondary school students with interactive and stimulating learning experiences.
2. Marine Robotics: Designing autonomous underwater vehicles for ocean exploration, supporting scientific research, environmental monitoring, and underwater archaeology.
Industry Significance
ANcybernetics contributes significantly to the fields of educational and marine robotics, offering solutions that enhance learning experiences and support marine conservation efforts. By combining scientific expertise with entrepreneurial vision, the company addresses critical challenges in education and environmental sustainability.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
- Educational Robotics: To enrich STEAM education by providing hands-on learning experiences through robotics kits and programs.
- Marine Robotics: To advance ocean exploration and environmental monitoring through the development of autonomous underwater vehicles.
Specific Areas of Specialization
- Educational Kits: Designing and developing robotics kits tailored for different educational levels, facilitating practical learning experiences.
- Autonomous Underwater Vehicles: Creating bio-inspired robotic fish equipped with advanced sensors for environmental monitoring and underwater archaeology.
Key Technologies Utilized
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Implementing AI algorithms for autonomous navigation and data analysis in underwater vehicles.
- 3D Printing: Utilizing rapid prototyping techniques to design and manufacture customizable robotic components.
- Modular Design: Developing flexible and scalable robotics kits that can be adapted to various educational contexts.
Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted
- Educational Institutions: Schools and universities seeking to integrate robotics into their curricula.
- Research Centers: Organizations requiring advanced tools for marine research and environmental monitoring.
- Marine Conservation Organizations: NGOs and governmental bodies focused on preserving marine ecosystems.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
ANcybernetics has secured funding from various sources, including:
- Regione Marche: Provided initial support for the company's establishment.
- Erasmus+ Program: Supported educational initiatives and international collaborations.
- Università Politecnica delle Marche: Contributed to the company's research and development efforts.
Total Funds Raised
Specific details regarding the total funds raised are not publicly disclosed.
Notable Investors
While specific investors are not publicly listed, the company's affiliations with regional and academic institutions suggest a network of supportive stakeholders.
Intended Utilization of Capital
The capital raised is primarily allocated towards:
- Research and Development: Advancing the design and functionality of robotics kits and underwater vehicles.
- Educational Programs: Developing curricula and training materials to support the integration of robotics into education.
- Market Expansion: Increasing the company's reach within the educational and marine research sectors.
Pipeline Development
Key Pipeline Candidates
- RoboAquaria Toolkit: An educational robotics kit aimed at promoting environmental sustainability among students through the development of a toolkit integrated into the school curriculum.
- MAXFISH Project: A bio-inspired robotic fish equipped with advanced sensors, including AI cameras, hydrophones, and acoustic sonar, designed for environmental monitoring and underwater archaeology.
Stages of Development
- RoboAquaria Toolkit: Currently in the development phase, with plans for pilot testing in educational institutions.
- MAXFISH Project: Prototype completed, undergoing field testing for performance evaluation.
Target Conditions
- RoboAquaria Toolkit: Aims to enhance environmental education and promote sustainability among students.
- MAXFISH Project: Targets marine research, environmental monitoring, and underwater archaeological exploration.
Anticipated Milestones
- RoboAquaria Toolkit: Expected to be integrated into select school curricula within the next academic year.
- MAXFISH Project: Anticipated deployment in marine research expeditions within the next two years.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
- Smart Blocks Platform: An international patent that utilizes AI to assess learning processes and monitor real-time assembly phases, transforming errors into educational opportunities.
Significant Scientific Methods
- Bio-Inspired Design: Emulating natural marine organisms to enhance the efficiency and functionality of underwater vehicles.
- Modular Robotics: Creating adaptable and customizable robotics kits to cater to diverse educational needs.
Leadership Team
Giacomo Fiara
- Position: Business Officer Manager
- Background: Holds a Bachelor's degree in Electronic Engineering and is pursuing a Master's in Management Engineering at UNIVPM. Experience includes Project Engineer for "Classe Virtuale" at Loccioni in 2018. Joined ANcybernetics in 2020, focusing on business management and various projects in educational and marine robotics.
Daniele Costa
- Position: Research and Development Manager and Product Manager
- Background: Holds a Master's in Aerospace Engineering from Politecnico di Milano and a Master's in Mechanical Engineering from UNIVPM. Completed a PhD in Industrial Engineering at UNIVPM. Currently an RTD-A at UNIVPM, specializing in underwater and collaborative robotics. Coordinated the design of bio-inspired underwater robots for ANcybernetics.
Marco Gatti
- Position: Chief Financial Officer and UNIVPM Representative
- Background: Holds a PhD in Business Administration and is a Full Professor at the Department of Management, UNIVPM. Research and teaching focus on management systems and financial statements. Contributes to ANcybernetics with expertise in strategic management and optimization of marketing and commercial operations.
David Scaradozzi
- Position: Key Account Manager
- Background: Researcher at the Department of Information Engineering, UNIVPM. Holds a PhD in Robotics and Automation from UNIVPM. Responsible for the Laboratory of Modeling, Analysis, and Control of Dynamic Systems (LabMACS) and coordinates UNIVPM in the scientific committee of the Interuniversity Center of Integrated Systems for the Marine Environment (ISME). Awarded the Tridente d'Oro by the International Academy of Underwater Sciences and Techniques for exceptional work in educational and underwater robotics.
Benedetta Castagna
- Position: EU Project Manager
- Background: Civil Engineer-Architect, currently a Research Fellow at UNIVPM's Department of Information Engineering, pursuing a PhD at the University of Kent, Canterbury (UK). Specializes in 3D modeling with a focus on approaches aimed at enhancing the economic-social development of heritage. Manages projects at ANcybernetics, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration.
Flavia Gioiello
- Position: PhD Candidate
- Background: PhD candidate in the national program "Robotics and Intelligent Machines for Hostile and Unstructured Environments"