Starting in August 2026, Blackbird Robotics and Lessmüller Lasertechnik will operate jointly under the name iQLASE GmbH. The merger creates a technology company that brings together high-precision sensor technology, intelligent process monitoring, and high-performance scanner and software solutions for industrial laser processing under one roof, offering users the highest productivity, maximum process reliability, and comprehensive data intelligence.
Both companies have decades of expertise in complementary fields of technology. While Blackbird Robotics specializes in innovative system solutions for remote laser welding (RLW), on-the-fly processing, scanner controls, and intuitive user software, Lessmüller Lasertechnik is one of the leading specialists in optical process sensing, OCT technology, and in-process quality assurance. The new company, iQLASE, will remain part of TecInvest Holding AG and the existing brand names, ‘Blackbird’ and ‘Lessmüller’, will continue to be used at the product level. The future management team consists of the former sole managing directors, Dr. Rüdiger Brockmann and Richard Steinbrecht; both having more than 30 years of experience in the laser industry.
“I am very pleased that, with our expanded range of services, we can now address our customers’ technical challenges even better. Over the past two years, we have already been working together more closely and driving joint projects forward. Now we can finally make our partnership visible to the outside world,” says Dr. Rüdiger Brockmann, CEO at iQLASE, regarding the company’s founding. “Our customers are looking not only for the highest precision, but also for comprehensive process intelligence and integrated end-to-end solutions. That is exactly what we offer from a single source now.”
"Users will soon be able to experience the benefits of a joint technical sales team and a unified service department. This gives customers a single point of contact who is able to offer them a broader range of services. We now have several state-of-the-art laser laboratories for application testing. These laboratories not only feature a variety of robots but can also utilize a wide range of laser sources from 2 kW to 12 kW core-ring. This enables us to offer comprehensive application testing and process development for virtually every industry, from automotive and electronics to medical technology,” adds Richard Steinbrecht, CSO at iQLASE.