Robin Radar Systems B.V.

The story of Robin Radar Systems is a journey of scientific innovation taking flight into the commercial world. Its origins trace back to the 1980s, when the Dutch research institute TNO initiated a project for the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The mission was to use radar technology to detect birds, a significant hazard to military aircraft. This project, aptly named ROBIN (Radar Observation of Bird Intensity), laid the foundational technology that would, decades later, evolve into a global leader in tracking small airborne objects. For years, this technology was developed and refined within the walls of TNO, even attracting the attention and support of the European Space Agency (ESA) through its FlySafe initiative in 2005, which helped to further advance the project's capabilities.

The pivotal moment came in 2010 when high-tech entrepreneur Siete Hamminga recognized the immense commercial potential of this specialized radar technology. With a vision to make this unique capability widely available, he orchestrated a spin-out from TNO, and Robin Radar Systems was officially born. The early years were marked by crucial investments, such as the one from the Mainport Innovation Fund and Infek Capital in 2012, which fueled the company's ambitious growth plans. From its initial focus on bird detection for aviation safety, the company astutely expanded its expertise to address the emerging threat of small drones. This foresight proved critical, positioning Robin Radar at the forefront of the counter-drone market. Today, with a rich heritage of over four decades in radar science and a relentless drive for innovation, the company provides critical, actionable information to a diverse range of sectors, including aviation, defence, security, and environmental protection. The acquisition by the Dutch investment company Parcom in 2024 marked a new chapter, promising to accelerate global expansion and solidify its position as a market leader in radar technology.