Helix Robotics receives CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick

Helix Robotics is developing the first commercial soft robot manipulator. By combining the safety of soft robotics with industrial precision, the EPFL spin-off aims to enhance automation in food handling and lab automation. The startup was financed with CHF 150,000 by Venture Kick, winning the third stage of the programme.

Traditional robotic arms excel in precision but often present safety concerns, especially when interacting with humans. While promising improved safety, soft robots have historically fallen short in terms of accuracy and stability required for industrial applications. As a result, the full potential of soft robotics has not yet been realized in critical sectors such as food handling and lab automation.

Helix Robotics, rebranding into “Embodied AI”, is tackling these challenges by developing the first commercial soft robot manipulator that combines superior safety with industrial-grade precision. Its innovative platform employs cost-effective manufacturing methods and an optimized weight-to-payload ratio, placing it ahead of existing technologies.

Helix Robotics aims to tap into the expanding robotic arm market, valued at USD 7.7 billion in 2022 and projected to grow over 13 billion by 2030. Driven by labor shortages and the need for human-robot collaboration in sectors like social care, agriculture, and manufacturing, the market benefits from advances in AI and foundational models. These developments are enhancing robot adaptability and interaction, emphasizing the need for safe, robust, and intelligent solutions—central to Helix Robotics’ goal of providing human-friendly systems.

Helix Robotics will invest the CHF 150,000 funding from Venture Kick to grow its business development team and fund a marketing campaign.
The founders of Helix Robotics bring deep expertise in robotic design and control algorithms, the core of the company’s innovation.

CEO Francesco Stella, Prof. Josie Hughes, and Prof. Della Santina are the inventors of proprietary technology, published in Nature npj Robotics and protected by a European patent. Recently, CTO Kai Junge and COO Max Polzin joined to contribute their experience in industrial manufacturing and scaling.

“Venture Kick gave us an amazing platform for growth, not only for the financial support but also because of the intense training sessions. It pushed us to build a strong business case and define clear go-to-market strategies” highlights Helix Robotics’ founder Francesco Stella.

➡️ Source: PR. 📸Photos: @Helix Robotics