Henkel invests in machine learning software start-up Fero Labs
11.02.2020
Henkel is participating in the latest funding round of Fero Labs, a US-based start-up aiming to optimise industrial processes by using explainable machine learning. The investment is led by the company’s HenkelX Ventures unit, together with DIVC, a Munich-based B2B Tech investor.
Henkel will support Fero Labs to grow its existing customer base while at the same time further leverage the potential of Industry 4.0 applications in its own production sites, as well as in joint business development together with clients and suppliers.
"Fero Labs’ software offers a great opportunity to further analyse and optimise production processes on various levels and has already proven its potential: explainable machine learning can contribute to better planning, sourcing and production. We are looking forward to partnering with the Fero Labs team to jointly drive the further digital transformation of industrial manufacturing processes – within Henkel and beyond,” said Dr. Rahmyn Kress, Global Head of HenkelX Ventures.
Fero Labs has developed a dedicated software suite “Fero”, that provides explainable machine learning to enhance production processes and increase efficiency while improving the overall manufacturing quality. Henkel has adopted “Fero” in pilot projects at selected production sites and plans to further roll it out. “With its dashboard solution, the software simplifies the planning, forecasting and maintenance for plant engineers, while driving cooperation and efficiency in a unique way,” says Dr. Rawina Varandani, Head of Henkel’s automatic dishwashing production in Düsseldorf.
“We are living in an interconnected world and machines operate in increasingly interconnected processes. At Fero Labs, our core mission is to generate profits for our partners in industry by empowering them with our explainable machine learning software,” says Berk Birand, CEO Fero Labs. “By combining our customer’s data with the latest advances in the field of data science, we support companies like Henkel leap into this next stage of industrial productivity.”