Swiss Startup RoBoa Brings New Wave to Industrial Maintenance Technology capable of simultaneously enhancing safety and efficiency in industrial disaster sites is gaining attention. Swiss-based soft robotics startup 'RoBoa' is at the forefront of this technology, having recently secured over $2.5 million (approximately 3.4 billion KRW) in investment. They are presenting new possibilities for global robotics technology by developing innovative soft robots that can operate in environments inaccessible to conventional robots. Soft robots are attracting significant interest, particularly for their ability to replace human access in confined and complex spaces such as sewers, disaster debris, and industrial pipelines. RoBoa, a spin-off from ETH Zurich, Switzerland, saw participation from multiple investment institutions in this round, including the Innosuisse Startup Innovation Project, ESA BIC, and the ETH Pioneer Fellowship. The company's key achievement is the development of soft, inflatable robots. These robots can adjust their size and shape to navigate narrow spaces, enabling maintenance and exploration tasks that were previously impossible with existing technology. RoBoa's soft robots possess the unique ability to 'grow' and move within confined spaces, earning them recognition as an innovative solution in industrial maintenance and emergency response. Co-founders Alexander Kübler (27), Pascal Auf der Maur (28), and Betim Djambazi (29) are confident that this technology will play a crucial role in enhancing safety. Kübler and his co-founders emphasized that the technology's greatest value lies in its ability to reduce accidents in industrial settings, maximize efficiency, and replace tasks that are difficult for humans to access. Indeed, safety issues have been consistently raised across industries, and the demand for smart solutions to address them is growing. RoBoa plans to accelerate technology development with the newly secured investment, focusing on further research for product commercialization and market expansion. RoBoa's technology occupies a unique position in the emerging field of soft robotics. Conventional robots, made of rigid metal, faced significant limitations in confined spaces or environments requiring flexibility. In contrast, RoBoa's soft robots are made from pliable materials, enabling precise control and highly flexible movements. Consequently, they offer diverse application possibilities, such as detecting debris at building collapse sites or replacing human labor in toxic environments. Experts anticipate that this technology will bring innovation, particularly to tasks in environments with high risks of human casualties. The advantages of soft robotics technology extend beyond mere flexibility. This technology opens up new possibilities in industrial maintenance by enabling operations in complex and irregular terrains where conventional rigid robots could not access. For industrial pipelines, internal inspection and maintenance were challenging for humans or traditional robots to perform directly; however, RoBoa's soft robots can navigate inside pipes to diagnose problems and carry out necessary tasks. Similarly, in sewage systems, these robots can locate blockages and inspect conditions within narrow and complex structures. Soft Robots: Potential for Improving Industrial Safety in Korea Meanwhile, some industry stakeholders remain cautious about the adoption of soft robots. Anticipated cost issues during technology implementation and the complexity of maintenance are cited as major challenges. Especially in industrial structures with a high proportion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), there are questions about whether initial investment costs can be afforded. However, robotics experts emphasize the necessity of adopting this technology, stating that while initial costs for soft robotics may be somewhat high, it will ultimately lead to cost savings through long-term improvements in efficiency and safety. Its potential for use in disaster rescue operations is also noteworthy. When earthquakes or building collapses occur, finding survivors trapped in debris is a race against time. Conventional rescue equipment or robots struggle to navigate unstable debris piles, and direct human entry carries a high risk of secondary collapse. RoBoa's soft robots can pass through narrow crevices in such environments, pinpointing the location of survivors and providing accurate information to rescue teams. This can be a solution that enhances the efficiency of rescue operations and ensures the safety of rescue workers. RoBoa's success is regarded as an important case demonstrating the diversity and innovative potential of the European robotics industry. While Europe has traditionally shown strength in manufacturing automation, it is now also leading innovation in new fields like soft robotics. The commercial success of spin-off startups from world-renowned research institutions like ETH
Related Articles