#Switzerland #Industrial Automation #Momenta #AICA #Lucerne and Lausanne

Transforming Industrial Automation with AI-driven Solutions

In a significant development for the manufacturing and technology sectors, Momenta, a premier venture capital firm focused on Industrial Impact®, has made a strategic investment in AICA, a Swiss pioneer in deep-tech robotic automation. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of AI-driven industrial automation and comes at a time when industries are increasingly seeking innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency.

The Significance of the Investment

The investment comes as part of Momenta's Industry 5.0 Fund, which is specifically designed to support companies that are at the forefront of industrial innovation. With backing from notable entities such as Rockwell Automation and NS Solutions, the fund aims to foster advancements in technology that positively impact industries worldwide. This investment reaffirms AICA's vision and significant potential within the market, garnering further support from established investors like Spicehaus and Schaeffler.

AICA has set itself apart by addressing a critical bottleneck in robotic automation—force-sensitive tasks. Traditionally, these tasks have posed challenges due to their complexity; however, through AICA's groundbreaking technology, robots can now undertake intricate operations such as assembly and surface finishing with exceptional precision. This breakthrough not only simplifies automation but also enables broader application across various industries.

Advanced Force Control Technology

At the heart of AICA's innovation is its AI-powered force control technology, which empowers robots to adapt to dynamic tasks that were once deemed impossible to automate. For instance, the company has excelled in complex scenarios, including those involved in polishing components and disassembling high-precision electric vehicle (EV) batteries. With notable partnerships established with leading industry players like Schaeffler and Universal Robots, AICA is consistently redefining industrial processes and demonstrating the transformative potential of its technologies.

Market Impact and Performance Metrics

AICA's deployment of force control solutions has already yielded impressive results within the manufacturing sector. The company has reported a staggering 98% success rate in gearbox assembly and a remarkable 75% reduction in equipment downtime. Moreover, the operational costs have dropped by about 40%, highlighting AICA's capability to enhance automation's precision, efficiency, and scalability. These metrics underscore AICA's commitment to solving long-standing challenges faced in industrial robotics, making their innovations vital for future advancements.

Promoting Sustainability Through Innovation

In addition to improving operational efficiency, AICA is taking strides toward promoting sustainability within the automation sector. The company is involved in the Eurostars-backed LAMBDA Project, where it focuses on creating robotic systems aimed at automating the disassembly of EV batteries. This initiative is not only crucial for enhancing the recyclability of battery components but also aligns with global efforts to support circular economy initiatives within the EV supply chain—a factor that is becoming increasingly relevant in today’s environmentally conscious market.

Leadership Behind AICA's Growth

Driving AICA's ambitious growth are its Co-Founders, CEO Baptiste Busch, PhD, specializing in Robotics and Machine Learning, and CTO Enrico Eberhard, PhD, an expert in Control Systems. Their collective expertise is pivotal in translating cutting-edge research into scalable and practical industrial solutions. Under their leadership, AICA has garnered attention from major industry stakeholders, positioning the company prominently within the adaptive robotics landscape.

"We are thrilled to welcome Momenta as new investors," remarked Baptiste Busch, emphasizing the fundamental belief in making AI-driven robotics practical and adaptable. He further stated, "Our goal at AICA is to transform innovative concepts into tangible industrial applications that yield significant impact. Strong partnerships are essential in facilitating this transformation."

The Path Forward

Miroslav Kriz, Principal Partner at Momenta, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that their investment strategy focuses on disruptive technologies that present tangible benefits to industrial sectors. AICA’s sophisticated software in autonomous adaptation and force control simplifies automation challenges, empowering manufacturers to build more capable and versatile systems.

AICA now stands as the eighth recipient of funding from Momenta's Industry 5.0 Fund, which it will use to bolster expansion efforts into the U.S. market while simultaneously driving forward advancements in AI-controlled robotic systems. For those interested in exploring partnership opportunities or witnessing AICA’s technology in action, additional information is available at the company’s website, www.aica.tech. To learn more about Momenta’s contributions to industrial innovation, visit www.momenta.one.

As we advance further into the era of Industry 5.0, AICA's innovative solutions coupled with Momenta’s investment signify a significant stride toward a future rich in allyship between AI and automation, shaping the industrial landscape into a more efficient and adaptive entity.