The Challenge
Feel. Move. Act. The Next Leap in Embodied AI
Enabling embodied AI systems to operate safely, effectively and intuitively in real-world environments requires sensor innovations that go beyond the sight (camera) and distance (ToF) measurement. We challenge participants to demonstrate how their sensor technologies can augment an embodied AI agent’s perception of motion, force, touch, etc. to achieve safer and more robust performance in tasks involving physical interaction and human collaboration.
co-pace, powered by Aumovio, is launching a global search for mature, near-ready sensor technologies (TRL 7–9) that expand what physical AI systems can perceive and how safely they can act on it.
Selected finalists will pitch directly to Aumovio’s technical and business experts at a dedicated pitch day on October 19, 2026 in Dresden. We are not just only looking for great technology – we are looking for partners ready to shape the future of embodied AI.
Sensor Categories
What we’re looking for
Your technology must address at least one of the five domains below and must go beyond cameras, LiDAR, or radar. Solutions that integrate with vision systems are welcome, as long as the novelty lies in the non-visual sensing layer.
Motion & Position Sensing
Force & Torque Sensing
Tactile & Contact Sensing
Novel & Unconventional Modalities
Out-of-Scope Notice
Proposals based purely on LiDAR, radar, or conventional camera vision systems will not be considered. The innovation must lie in other sensing modalities.
Who Should Apply
Is this challenge right for you?
We are looking for technology-ready solutions, not early-stage concepts. The ideal applicant has a validated product or prototype and is ready to explore industrial collaboration.
Criteria List
- • Technology Readiness TRL 7–9: System prototype demonstrated in an operational environment, or a product-ready solution
- • Addresses at least one sensor category: Motion, force, tactile, proprioceptive, or novel modality
- • Real-world relevance: Demonstrated applicability to robotics, collaborative machines, autonomous vehicles, or assistive devices
- • Open to industrial co-development: Willingness to explore a concrete partnership or commercial collaboration with Aumovio
- • Global applicants welcome: Startups, university spin-offs, SMEs, and research institutes from any country
Why Apply
What’s in it for you
Direct access to AUMOVIO decision-makers
Pitch live to co-pace and AUMOVIO’S Passive Safety & Sensorics team and gain access to engineers and business leads with the authority to initiate real partnerships and procurement discussions.
A dedicated Pitchday: built around you
The Pitchday on October 19, 2026 in Dresden is a focused, dedicated event: a series of 1:1 sessions between your team and co-pace/AUMOVIO experts. No conference noise, just direct, substantive conversations.
Individual pitch preparation
HighTech Startbahn prepares each finalist individually before the Pitchday – including a dedicated dry run of your presentation, a simulated Q&A session, and full organizational support.
A real pathway to collaboration
This challenge is designed to surface technologies ready for co-development, integration testing, or commercial agreements. co-pace has an established track record of turning scouting into concrete partnerships.
Ecosystem visibility
Participating companies are featured across co-pace and HighTech Startbahn communication channels, reaching thousands of industry professionals in the industrial deep-tech ecosystem.
Timeline
Key dates
| When | Phase | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Now — July 31, 2026 | Application window open | Submit your company profile and technology overview. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. |
| August 2026 | Evaluation & Shortlisting | co-pace and AUMOVIO PSS review all submissions and identify finalists across the five sensor categories. |
| September 2026 | Finalist notification | Selected finalists are notified and begin individual preparation sessions with the HighTech Startbahn team. |
| October 19, 2026 · Dresden | Pitchday | Finalists present live to co-pace and AUMOVIO PSS in dedicated 1:1 sessions. |
apply now
Your sensor technology belongs in this challenge.
We are looking for technology-ready solutions, not early-stage concepts. The ideal applicant has a validated product or prototype and is ready to explore industrial collaboration.
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More InformationApplication deadline: July 31, 2026 · Questions?
Contact: Annemarie Weder
available from 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM CET
+49 152 226 404 92
Email: weder@htsb.eu
The Organizations
Who’s behind this challenge
co-pace powered by AUMOVIO
Role tag: Challenge Lead
co-pace is the venture and investment arm of AUMOVIO, a global leader in integrated automotive safety solutions and sensorics. Business segment Passive Safety & Sensorics (PSS) of AUMOVIO develops the sensors and systems that protect people in safety-critical environments – invisible, reliable, and always active. Through co-pace, AUMOVIO actively connects with emerging technology companies to bring cutting-edge sensor innovations into real-world deployment.
HTSB | HighTech Startbahn GmbH
Role tag: Process Partner
Founded in 2010, HighTech Startbahn is an innovation agency with a focus on industrial high-tech: IP-based technologies, B2B, and hardware. HTSB specializes in identifying the right startups with relevant technologies for corporate clients, from medium-sized family businesses to Fortune Global 500 companies. Their tech scouting service covers researching relevant startups, direct outreach, collecting company profiles, and organizing pitchdays where clients meet their top favorites. With over 20 years of combined scouting experience and a proprietary startup database built since 2010, HTSB manages the full challenge process, from scouting and outreach to finalist preparation and Pitchday logistics. co-pace is among their established reference clients.