Robotics startup obtains CHF 150’000

Bota Systems is developing sensing solutions to enable robots to better interact with humans. The Zurich based startup has received CHF 150’000 after winning the third stage of the Venture Kick program.

More than half a million industrial robots will be collaborating with humans by 2023. To facilitate smooth interaction, robots will require tactile and force-controllable systems. Until today, however, even the best available solutions are unreliable, bulky, and expensive. Bota Systems aims to contribute towards accessibility in automation by developing a state-of-the-art sensing solution for safer interactions between humans and machines.

Founded by Klajd Lika (CEO), Ilias Patsiaouras (CTO), and Marco Hutter (scientific advisor), the startup has developed an innovative plug-and-play force-sensing solution that is scalable and modular. Bota Systems’ solution can be integrated into any robotic system that requires sensing the interaction force with their environments, such as service and household robots, robot-assisted surgery systems, manufacturing robots, inspection drones, surgical robots, or autonomous excavators.

The Zurich based startup expects to enter and capture a big share of a market that will grow five times and reach up to USD 5 billion by 2025. Examples of customers are integrators and operators of manufacturing robots, robot-assisted surgery platforms, rehabilitation devices, or autonomous excavators. Several companies and laboratories—including the EPFL Robotics Lab, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of California—have ordered and are using Bota Systems’ sensors. The startup is also supported by ESA BIC Switzerland to develop further applications for the space industry.

Thanks to the newly obtained funds, Bota systems will proceed with its plans, which include bringing awareness to its product portfolio and launching a new product in early 2021. Venture Kick will support Bota Systems’ plans for marketing and fundraising to scale the business and achieve international growth.

“Besides its financial support, Venture Kick connected us with a large network of business experts in the Swiss startup ecosystem. We were also able to attend business workshops and have intensive training with experienced professionals free of charge, which is much needed for our startup to create a business mindset,” said Klajd Lika, CEO of Bota Systems.

(Press release)
Photo: Bota Systems Facebook