For most of the software era, industry sat outside the stack. Factories were hardware, automation was custom and change was slow. Now the stack is moving into machines, production lines and physical systems.

Some investors call it “the new industrial stack”, where robotics orchestration, factory analytics, digital twins and industrial AI all play a role. This week we map a few of the companies building it.

9 startups making factories programmable

Across industry, a growing set of startups is building software designed to run physical systems. Robots, machines and production lines are increasingly becoming programmable environments.

From robotics orchestration to factory analytics and digital twins, these tools are starting to form a new software layer for industry. Here are nine Nordic companies building pieces of that layer.

1. Cognite (Norway)

Cognite builds industrial data platforms that connect machines, sensors and operational systems across heavy industry. By structuring complex industrial data into a usable layer, the company helps factories move from monitoring operations to actively optimizing them.

2. Cognibotics (Sweden)

Cognibotics develops ultra-fast robotic systems built around advanced motion control software. By rethinking how robots move and coordinate tasks, the company enables automation speeds that traditional industrial robots struggle to reach.

3. Algoryx (Sweden)

Algoryx develops physics-based simulation software used to design and test robotics and automation systems. Its tools allow manufacturers to simulate entire production environments before deploying machines in the real world.

4. Predge (Sweden)

Predge builds industrial analytics software focused on predictive maintenance and operational insights. By analysing data from connected equipment, its platform helps factories anticipate failures and optimise machine performance.

5. Aris Machina (Sweden)

Aris Machina develops AI systems designed to support industrial development and production. By connecting data, machines and human expertise, its tools help engineers and operators make faster and more informed decisions on the factory floor.

6. TactoTek (Finland)

TactoTek develops software and manufacturing technology for injection-molded structural electronics. By embedding electronics directly into industrial components, the company enables smarter, lighter and more integrated products in sectors such as automotive and appliances.

7. Unikie (Finland)

Unikie develops software platforms for autonomous systems, robotics and industrial automation. Its technology is used to deploy intelligent machines across sectors ranging from manufacturing to mobility.

8. Haltian (Finland)

Haltian builds IoT platforms that connect sensors, machines and industrial environments. By turning physical spaces into data-generating systems, the company enables new forms of monitoring, optimisation and automation.

9. Universal Robots (Denmark)

Universal Robots pioneered collaborative robots designed to work safely alongside humans. Its cobots and software ecosystem have helped bring programmable automation within reach of thousands of factories worldwide. (Acquired by Teradyne in 2015, but still operating independently from Denmark).