Surge has secured a controlling interest in IDEA8, a company specializing in Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded systems, to establish Surge Robotics. This new venture aims to concentrate on sectors such as industrial automation, smart hardware, and connected manufacturing solutions.
This acquisition marks Surge’s transition from solely focusing on enterprise software to engaging with tangible technology. It merges Surge’s strengths in software, artificial intelligence, and cloud services with IDEA8’s proficiency in embedded systems, sensors, and industrial IoT applications.
IDEA8 has successfully implemented its technologies in various countries, including Sri Lanka, India, Singapore, Thailand, Spain, and South Korea. Notable projects include a pilot initiative at a Uniqlo manufacturing site in India, as well as collaborations with MAS and Brandix.
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The systems developed by IDEA8 operate on multiple platforms such as ESP32, STM32, Raspberry Pi, and NVIDIA Jetson, utilizing communication protocols like BLE, Wi-Fi, CAN, and MQTT. This technology facilitates the connection of machinery, enables real-time data collection, and introduces automation in settings where traditional equipment has been left unconnected.
Surge Robotics plans to integrate these technological capabilities with Surge’s existing software, data, and AI frameworks. Initially, the focus will be on sectors including manufacturing, apparel, warehousing, and logistics, addressing needs such as machine monitoring, predictive maintenance, production analytics, computer vision, asset tracking, quality assurance, and factory automation.
Bhanuka Harischandra, Managing Director of Surge, remarked, “The evolution of enterprise technology will extend beyond software solutions.” He noted that numerous machines and physical assets in emerging markets remain unlinked to the digital economy, and that IDEA8 provides the necessary engineering expertise to bridge this gap between physical infrastructure and software, data, and AI.
Chanaka Prasad will continue to lead IDEA8, with its engineering team serving as the cornerstone of Surge Robotics. The company boasts over 40 professionals skilled in areas such as embedded engineering, electronics, IoT, edge computing, and software development.
In addition, Surge Robotics plans to form an advisory board. Henry Wu joins as an advisor, bringing with him over 25 years of experience in the luxury hotel and restaurant sectors. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering and computer science from MIT, where he also taught and conducted research in computer hardware and artificial intelligence.
Sarath Sathkumara will serve as both an advisor and minority investor, contributing over 30 years of experience in global capital markets. He has held senior roles at Capital Group, State Street Global Advisors, SBI Venture Capital, and Taiyo Pacific Partners, and played a key role in establishing Capital’s asset management partnership with the Birla Group in India.
This acquisition aligns with Surge’s strategic approach to building and acquiring specialized technological capabilities. It enhances the company’s existing portfolio, which already encompasses payments, enterprise software, commerce, and digital transformation, by broadening Surge’s influence from financial systems into manufacturing and physical operations.
Surge Robotics will function as a distinct entity within the Surge ecosystem, with plans for international expansion and additional investments in hardware, sensors, computer vision, and automation in the coming years.
