April 7, 2025 by Giovanni Fatelli
Next Generation Robotics is revolutionizing the railway sector with cutting-edge robotics solutions. Specializing in automation technologies for train inspection and predictive maintenance, the company is at the forefront of advancing digitalization and AI in railway systems, and poised to transform infrastructure monitoring and maintenance operations. With its latest €4.5 million Series A funding round, the startup secured a significant milestone in its growth journey to accelerate its European presence and expand its global footprint.
Founded in 2020 as a spin-off from the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Next Generation Robotics is an Italian startup specializing in advanced robotics solutions for the railway sector. The company, led by CEO and co-founder Massimiliano Gabardi, employs a team of 12, among which 11 are engineers, and is pioneering automation technologies to revolutionize train inspection and predictive maintenance.
On April 1st, 2025, Next Generation Robotics announced a €4.5 million Series A funding round. The investment was led by Cdp Venture Capital SGR through its Digital Transition – a PNRR fund with participation from ToscanaNext, RIF-T, the Cysero EuVeca fund by AVM SGR, Kilometro Rosso, Simest, Pariter Robotics, and RoboIT. The newly raised capital will be used to strengthen the company’s presence in the European market, as well as supporting its international expansion. The startup aims to push the boundaries of digitalization and AI in railway systems by developing autonomous solutions for infrastructure monitoring.
In partnership with Trenitalia and Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, as well as with the support of RoboIT, Next Generation Robotics has developed Argo, a robotic system capable of autonomously inspecting the underside of trains. This technology enables remote monitoring, enhancing both the safety and efficiency of maintenance operations.
The funding reflects investors’ confidence in the company’s business model and the growing demand for innovative maintenance solutions in the railway industry. With a strong focus on automation and smart technologies, Next Generation Robotics is positioning itself to become a key player in transforming railway infrastructure management worldwide.
The successful funding round marks a pivotal moment for Next Generation Robotics, as it continues to lead the charge in the railway robotics industry. With its innovative solutions, the company is setting new standards in maintenance efficiency and safety. The funding not only strengthens the startup’s position in the European market but also suggests its imminent global expansion, solidifying its role as a key player in the transformation of railway infrastructure management worldwide. As the demand for smarter, more automated solutions grows, Next Generation Robotics is primed to shape the future of railway systems.
Cover image by EconomyUp.it
“La startup toscana di robotica ferroviaria Next Generation Robotics raccoglie 4,5 milioni di euro” by Forbes, https://forbes.it/2025/04/01/startup-toscana-robotica-ferroviaria-next-generation-robotics/
