Oqton

Oqton provides a cloud-based Manufacturing Operating System (MOS) that uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to automate and optimize production workflows. The company was founded in 2017 by Benjamin Schrauwen and Samir Hanna, who brought expertise from the manufacturing and AI sectors. Originally established in San Francisco, the company is now headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, and has expanded with offices in the U.S., China, and Denmark.

The firm's core product, the Oqton MOS, is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform designed to integrate with a company's existing enterprise systems like ERP, MES, and PLM. It automates the end-to-end manufacturing workflow, from order tracking and scheduling to production and traceability. This technology-agnostic platform connects with various advanced manufacturing and automation technologies, including additive manufacturing (AM), robotic welding, and CNC machining. Oqton serves clients in sectors such as healthcare, dentistry, aerospace, automotive, and energy. The business model is based on subscriptions to its MOS platform, which helps clients increase productivity, scale operations, and reduce costs.

In January 2021, Oqton secured $40 million in a Series A funding round from investors including Fortino Capital, PMV, and Sandvik. A significant milestone occurred in September 2021, when 3D Systems announced its acquisition of Oqton for $180 million. Following the acquisition, Oqton operates as an independent subsidiary, ensuring data confidentiality for its diverse customer base which includes partnerships with major OEMs like HP, Stratasys, and EOS. The acquisition also led to the integration of 3D Systems' software suite, including 3DXpert and Geomagic, into the Oqton portfolio.

Keywords: manufacturing operating system, AI in manufacturing, additive manufacturing software, robotic welding automation, CNC machining software, smart manufacturing, Industrial Internet of Things, production workflow automation, digital manufacturing, cloud-based manufacturing, factory automation, 3D printing software, MES, Geomagic, 3DXpert, production optimization, dental manufacturing, aerospace manufacturing, automotive production, sustainable manufacturing