We started our “Sodex” project in 2017. With a model excavator for just under €60, a few electronic components that you can find in any beginner’s box and an idea that was a bit crazy at the time. An idea that grew into our dream. An idea that is now our company vision!

But before we get to today’s state of affairs, a brief look back at our past.

In spring 2018, we were able to make initial progress on our “autonomous prototype”. In the course of a project week at the HTL Rankweil (www.htl-rankweil.at) in the branch “electronics and technical informatics”, we converted our model excavator, then affectionately called “Ida”, into a small marvel. A few days after starting the work, he was already able to carry out a few pre-programmed steps on his own. But that’s not all: we entered the “Axaward” diploma thesis competition and reached the final. Overall, we were able to win 6th place and victory in the pitching. With the feedback we received and the motivation we gained, we continued to tinker.

The idea of an autonomous excavator grew and grew, and so we were able to win over our partner Huppenkothen at the beginning of 2019. Since then, they have provided us with our 2.5t prototype on which we test our systems. In March 2019, we took part in the com:bau trade fair and subsequently entered the final of Jugend Innovativ, Austria’s largest ideas competition, where we received a lot of constructive feedback.

And it was precisely with this feedback that we designed our thesis and retooled our prototype. In June 2020, we then reached a major milestone. At that time, our prototype “Beate” excavated a hole fully autonomously for the first time. You can also see that in this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI0qo9r5kaU
But that’s not all, a nomination for the TÜV Science Award, the victory at Jugend Innovativ and the diploma thesis competition for automation AUTstanding and a 3rd place at the Bank Austria Business Plan Competition round off these successes! In addition, one of our biggest milestones. Participation in the Puls 4 show “2 minutes 2 mentors”, where we were able to convince Armin Strbac of our merits, who has accompanied and supported us as a mentor ever since.

After these successes, we have dedicated ourselves to 2 major topics. Firstly, the expansion of the team in order to be able to push forward our developments faster and, above all, better. Secondly, the development of a product. Even though our diploma thesis was already a very big step in this field of technology, the result was still far from a product for end customers.
And now the time has finally come, the team has grown and with it our developments. All this and the sensational feedback from the construction industry have now led us to decide to found our own company. The Sodex Innovations GmbH!
Our own company with a vision born from a dream: Sodex’ vision is to be the world leading provider for tailored automation solutions for excavators!

Even though this is a very ambitious vision, our focus is always on one thing: simplifying and automating essential construction processes by upgrading with a Sodex system regardless of the model!

And this is exactly what we will continue to work on and hopefully soon be able to show the first results!

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We look forward to seeing you!

Your Sodex Innovation Team