Bota Systems wins CHF 150,000 for enabling robots to better interact with humans
16.10.2020
Bota Systems addresses the growing need for robotic systems that can safely work in a dynamic environment and close to humans: The startup equips robotic systems with force sensing to feel and shape interactions with their environment. Bota Systems’ sensing solution can be integrated into a range of robotic systems—including robotic manipulators, inspection drones, surgical robots, or autonomous excavators. The Zurich-based startup was founded in March 2020 and will use the CHF 150,000 Venture Kick funding to promoting and expanding the product portfolio.
 Bota Systems team (from left to right): Ilias Patsiaouras (CTO and co-founder), Klajd Lika (CEO and co-founder), and Prof. Marco Hutter (scientific advisor and co-founder)
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It is expected that more than half a million industrial robots are going to collaborate with humans by 2023. In contrast to existing solutions, robots that interact with or near humans require tactile and force-controllable systems. With the growing need for robotic systems that can safely work in a dynamic environment, machines must be equipped with force sensing to feel and shape the interaction with their surroundings. However, until today, even the best available solutions are unreliable, bulky, and expensive.
Bota Systems aims to contribute toward 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 environment, such as service and household robots, robot-assisted surgery systems, or manufacturing robots.
Bota Systems 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.
The next steps for Bota Systems 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.
Bota Systems aims to contribute toward 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 environment, such as service and household robots, robot-assisted surgery systems, or manufacturing robots.
Bota Systems 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.The next steps for Bota Systems 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.