The system developed in Estonia makes industrial door maintenance smarter and more efficient, helping to prevent costly breakdowns that time-based maintenance schedules alone cannot guarantee.
Cenzor is a predictive maintenance technology that monitors the operation of industrial doors 24/7. The system notifies the maintenance company when service is due or when problems arise during daily use. By measuring electrical current, the device detects when door movement becomes more difficult, allowing the maintenance provider to respond before more serious issues occur.
Industrial door maintenance must be performed at least twice a year—every six months—or based on usage cycles (up-down movements), as determined by manufacturers, depending on which comes first. “Currently, the market doesn’t track cycles, and maintenance schedules are created based on assumptions,” said Sander Ilves, founder of Cenzor. “Real usage isn’t monitored—only time intervals are used,” added Ilves, pointing out that only half of the safety requirements are being met.
Maintenance Through Data
Cenzor’s principle is simple: the device collects data on door usage, allowing the maintenance company to respond proactively. Industrial doors contain automation systems (controllers), and Cenzor’s hardware connects directly to them. The device sends collected data to a cloud-based system, where it’s analysed and stored, and clients are notified of maintenance needs accordingly.
In addition to tracking door cycles, Cenzor also monitors safety devices like photo sensors and air detectors. For example, it can detect whether the photo sensors on a gate or barrier have been activated. In the case of a minor issue, the maintenance provider can alert the client to inspect the problem themselves, helping save money. Cenzor also enables remote opening and closing of doors and gates.
However, Ilves warns that inconsistent system use can reduce efficiency:
“If half the doors are integrated with predictive technology and the other half are not, it means running two systems in parallel and managing processes based on different methods,” he explained.
The Idea Was Born from an Accident
According to the founder, the idea originated from an accident in Tallinn in 2016 caused by an unmaintained industrial door. “We saw an opportunity to improve maintenance processes by using modern technological solutions,” Ilves explained. He says the industry is still stuck in decades-old practices, and available technology is underutilised. The prototypes were completed in 2020, with development continuing for another four years. Cenzor’s first commercial version launched in 2024, using cycle counting to assess wear. The current-measuring technology was added just two months ago.
Joining the Green Accelerator helped the startup significantly. The support enabled further product development, while mentoring and workshops provided valuable guidance. “It’s also been interesting to exchange ideas with other startups. Talking to others is important—then you realise they’re facing the same challenges as you,” said Ilves.
Plans to Expand Across Europe
While Estonia is the pilot market, Cenzor is already expanding into Scandinavia. The long-term goal is to enter other European markets, where industrial facilities are widespread. Currently, Cenzor is targeted toward industrial door maintenance providers, but the broader goal is to expand into heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) maintenance as well.
According to the founder, the most important thing about Cenzor is that it solves the customer’s problem, the client is satisfied, and benefits from the technology. “At the beginning, we want to be directly involved—learn alongside the client and get feedback to guide product development,” said Ilves. When introducing the product, the company aims to work closely with customers.
Cenzor’s primary mission is to make maintenance operations more efficient, reduce costs, and ultimately contribute to carbon neutrality.
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In the fall of 2024, Cenzor was selected to join the Mobility and Logistics Green Accelerator, receiving €30,000 in support to develop innovative green technologies that can help make Estonia a greener place. The Green Accelerator is led by Sparkup Tartu Science Park, in partnership with Baltic Innovation Agency and supported by the Ministry of Climate and the Environmental Investment Centre.
Author: Mariann Kalder
