fruitcore robotics is a German industrial robotics company based in Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg. It was founded in May 2017 as a spin-off from HTWG Konstanz (Konstanz University of Applied Sciences) by Jens Riegger, Patrick Heimburger, Tim Schmiedl, Manuel Frey and Tobias Kuentzle. Its flagship product line is the HORST series of six-axis articulated industrial robots, which are designed and manufactured in Germany, with a production site in Villingen-Schwenningen opened in 2020. The HORST600 G2 and HORST800 G2 were launched in April 2026, followed by the announcement of PLEXA One, a modular industrial humanoid platform intended for production environments.

The company's technology combines robot hardware with a proprietary software stack. horstOS is its operating system, offering graphical and no-code programming, PLC functions and an AI Copilot that supports natural-language control, and PLEXA OS is positioned for AI-driven automation. The company also sells robotic solutions, such as plug-and-produce kits for pick-and-place, machine tending, part separation and dispensing, along with grippers, sensors and services. Partnerships include a 2024 solution kit with SCHUNK for part separation and a 2025 strategic partnership with EDM specialist Sodick Germany for automating erosion machines.

fruitcore robotics serves mainly small and medium-sized manufacturers, targeting applications in machine loading, quality inspection and assembly across automotive, electronics, medical technology, plastics, metal and education. The company reports more than 1,300 installed robotic systems and around five billion cycles completed in the field. Its robots carry a six-year drivetrain warranty.

The company has raised two rounds of venture funding: a €17M Series A in October 2021 led by UVC Partners, btov Partners and CNB Capital, and a €23M Series B in December 2022 led by Capricorn Partners and XAI Technologies, with KOMPAS and existing investors participating. The proceeds were earmarked for product innovation, sales, marketing and European expansion.