Tech in Focus: European Industrial Intelligence Pioneer Expands to Mecklenburg County
Factories are the new frontier for artificial intelligence, and Mecklenburg County is about to become one of its proving grounds.
As robotics and AI rapidly reshape global manufacturing, U.S. companies risk falling behind. According to a recent report, only 8.3% of American manufacturing firms have integrated robotics into their production processes. High upfront costs, aging equipment and a shortage of technical skills are slowing progress, even as labor pressures and tighter timelines make automation increasingly urgent.
DBR77 — a European industrial intelligence pioneer — is driving industrial transformation across key markets in Europe, Saudi Arabia and now the United States. Its AI-first platform combines autonomous AI agents, digital twin technology and a built-in marketplace.
The startup will officially open its first U.S. office in Charlotte this month.
Torian Richardson, who became DBR77 USA’s chief executive officer in July after serving as a global director at NVIDIA, said Charlotte offers the industrial base and partnerships to lead the shift from lean to AI.
“Industrial intelligence is the next chapter for manufacturing, and Charlotte is where it begins,” Richardson said. “We’re here to grow with manufacturers and their workforce — reskilling, upskilling, and equipping people to lead confidently as we move toward the era of robotics. We want to partner with pathfinders and manufacturers ready to move from analog to digital, build the future together, and be part of our ‘Makers Network.’”
The company will be based at UNC Charlotte’s PORTAL building with plans to hire three to five professionals in business development, solutions architecture and technical product roles by the end of the year. DBR77 is also preparing to launch 10 projects across the Carolinas by year-end, applying its proven success in Europe to empower manufacturers and makers in the region.
Richardson said DBR77 delivers two engines: an AI-powered operating brain that measures, plans and optimizes production, and a marketplace ecosystem that unites manufacturers, technology providers and integrators. The “Amazon for robotics” model makes automation practical, scalable and within reach, he said.
Greg Needham, assistant vice chancellor of the Office of Research Commercialization and Partnerships at UNC Charlotte, emphasized the value of the new collaboration. He said the partnership creates opportunities for students and researchers at the region’s leading research university to engage with rapidly expanding sectors in industrial technology.
“We are thrilled to welcome DBR77 into UNC Charlotte’s innovation ecosystem,” Needham said. “Their commitment to digital twins, IoT and robotics aligns seamlessly with the mission of our university’s advanced manufacturing and AI research and reflects the needs of the regional economy.”
Launch Event
DBR77 will mark its U.S. expansion with a launch event called Innovation Exchange 2025: From Lean to AI: The Next Chapter for Carolina Manufacturers from 4:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, at the PORTAL Atrium at UNC Charlotte.
The event will feature keynotes on AI, cybersecurity and digital manufacturing, and DBR77 will unveil the U.S. Robotics & AI Manufacturing Report 2025 and launch a master class program.
DBR77 is backed by European, American and Japanese investors, reflecting its international foundation, support and growth.
Charlotte Economic Development and Mecklenburg County’s Office of Economic Development are proud to support the growth of innovation and entrepreneurship along with UNC Charlotte and the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance alongside DBR77’s move.
The Charlotte region is a growing hub for advanced manufacturing and automation. The region is home to more than 3,500 manufacturers employing over 146,000 people.