Zurich Soft Robotics gets CHF 1.5 million to develop modular solar façade system
22.02.2023
The ETH spinoff intends to put the funds towards the market launch of Solskin, a multi-functional adaptive photovoltaic facade system. The startup participated in Venture Kick in 2022.
 Keller Druckmesstechnik's new production building in Winterthur with a Solskin façade system, planned for 2025.
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Founded in 2022, Zurich Soft Robotics has developed a photovoltaic (PV) system made up of movable solar modules mounted on a lightweight structure attached to the façade of a building. The novel soft-material pneumatic actuators allow the modules to automatically follow the sun's trajectory during the day, thus maximizing the electrical PV output and providing shade.
The innovative mechanics are coupled with a smart control system, Solskin AI, which optimizes the adaptability of the module grid using data like weather forecasts and user inputs. The combination of optimized shading and PV allows the production of up to 40% more electricity and saves up to 80% in terms of temperature regulation compared to conventional systems.
Following successful pilot projects at HiLo, Zurich Soft Robotics has secured fresh capital to expand the team and accelerate the development of Solskin, to make the system commercially ready in Q3 2023. An undisclosed international market leader headquartered in Switzerland led the round in which the startup secured CHF 1.5 million.
In 2025, a Solskin façade system spanning 1300m2 will be installed on a new production building of Keller Druckmesstechnik AG in Winterthur.
"This investment is a testimony to the hard work of our team and the potential of our innovative product to disrupt the BIPV [Building Integrated Photovoltaics] market," said Bratislav Svetozarevic, CEO of Zurich Soft Robotics.
In 2022, the startup was awarded CHF 10,000 by Venture Kick.
