Rutronik Invests in AI Supplier

German distributor Rutronik Elektronische Bauelemente has recently acquired a 30% stake in collective mind GmbH, its supplier of AI and machine vision technology. This strategic move aims to integrate collective mind's automated image processing capabilities into Rutronik's portfolio of components for industrial AI applications. The decision to invest in this technology was influenced by Rutronik's establishment of a specialized division for boards last year, creating the perfect opportunity to incorporate the AI tool.

Rutronik has already begun utilizing the machine vision technology in a pilot project to enhance its distribution supply chain efficiency and provide better traceability. With a vast inventory of over 100,000 electronic components and associated variable capture data, Rutronik serves as an ideal testing ground for this innovative development.

The collaboration between Rutronik and collective mind aims to develop a logistics AI application capable of automatically and accurately recognizing information, even when the formats and arrangements of product data on labels change, without requiring software adjustments. The initial pilot of this development is currently operational at Rutronik's largest logistics center in Eisingen near Pforzheim, Germany.

As a distributor catering to numerous small and medium-sized enterprises in Germany, Europe, and beyond, Rutronik is committed to pioneering advancements that enhance efficiency and productivity. By investing in cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine vision, Rutronik seeks to drive innovation and offer value-added solutions to its customers.

Founded in Leonberg, Germany, in 2018, collective mind specializes in machine vision and was the first company in Germany to develop a certified security system based on camera-based object and sequence recognition. In addition to Rutronik's logistics and consulting expertise, the company brings hardware proficiency at the electronic component level, complementing collective mind's software expertise in AI-based image processing methods.