Adaptronics raises €3.15M to revolutionise robotic manipulation

Adaptronics,
a deeptech startup developing electro-adhesive grippers for robotic systems in
industrial automation and space, has raised €3.15 million. The round was led by
360 Capital, with participation from Galaxia, the aerospace technology transfer
hub created by CDP Venture Capital’s Tech Transfer fund together with Obloo Ventures, which also invested in the company’s 2023 pre-seed round.

Founded
in 2022 as a spin-off from the Università di Bologna by Lorenzo Agostini (CEO),
Camilla Conti (COO), and Rocco Vertechy (R&D Lead), Adaptronics aims to
transform how robots grasp and interact with objects on Earth and in space.

Adaptronics’
proprietary EAAL (Electro-Active Adhesive Layer) technology enables robots and
automated machines to grasp a wide range of objects with high versatility,
providing controllable adhesive force on items of varying shapes, sizes,
materials, and weights up to several kilograms. The system operates at high
speed (activation and release in under 10 ms) and with markedly improved energy
efficiency, reported at up to 1,000 times that of standard solutions.

Based on
electrostatic forces with integrated tactile feedback, EAAL detects contact and
proximity to ensure precise, gentle handling without pneumatic, mechanical, or
magnetic components. The product comprises two main elements, an electronic
control module and a replaceable gripping unit, which helps lower operational
and maintenance costs.

Lorenzo
Agostini, CEO of Adaptronics, stated that the funding round represents an
important milestone for the company.

It shows investors’ trust in our vision of a deep-tech company
developing an enabling technology that spans multiple industries. It will help
us speed up our technological innovation path, expand our facilities with a
pilot plant, and strengthen the international reach of our products.

The funds will be used to
support Adaptronics’ growth by expanding production capacity, accelerating its
entry into European markets, and strengthening its organisational structure.