EPFL startup completes first closing of seed round

Robotics programming is often complex and costly, frequently doubling hardware expenses. Industrial robotics, in particular, has long struggled with poor communication interfaces and the lack of standardized programming, limiting applications to simple tasks like pick-and-place operations. The new solution in the market, AICA System, integrates AI with real-time, sensor-driven control, simplifying deployment and reducing development costs. Additionally, the company offers a real-time control framework that seamlessly combines impedance control, motion generation, and force compliance, making advanced robotics more accessible.

Founded in 2019, AICA has gained significant traction in the automotive industry. However, its system is designed to be hardware-agnostic, industry-agnostic, and application-agnostic, enabling flexible automation across a wide range of use cases. For example, in the LAMBDA Project, a Eurostars-backed initiative, AICA applies its technology to automate the disassembly of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, advancing resource recovery and supporting the circular economy in the EV supply chain. In addition, AICA is witnessing strong demand in the life sciences and chemical industries, where it is enabling more flexible and autonomous laboratory automation. Among its customers are industry leaders such as Schaeffler, which uses AICA system for tasks like assembly, polishing, and screwing, alongside Actemium and several SMEs in Switzerland.

With a team of 11 employees (soon to be 15), AICA has successfully closed the first closing of its seed funding round, adding to the previously obtained CHF 1 million non-dilutive funding (grants from Switzerland and the EU). These funds will help support AICA’s expansion into new markets, foster partnerships with industry leaders, and accelerate its AI-powered robotic control solutions. The round was led by Momenta Ventures through its Industry 5.0 Fund, with participation from existing investors Spicehaus, HTGF, and Schaeffler.

“Momenta invests in disruptive technologies that deliver tangible industrial benefits,” said Miroslav Kriz, Principal Partner at Momenta. “AICA’s advanced software for autonomous adaptation and force control simplifies one of the most challenging aspects of robotic automation. We’re proud to support AICA as they help manufacturers build more capable and flexible systems across diverse hardware platforms”.

(RAN)