Motion planning software by embotech impresses investors

Startup embotech has been able secure 2.5 million francs in a financing round, it was reported in a press release. This involved existing investors such as the Zürcher Kantonalbank, the Zurich group of companies Conzzeta, angel investors and some new investors.

The startup develops software for motion planning which can perform the steering, braking, acceleration and parking for driverless vehicles. These solutions are not based on artificial intelligence or machine learning systems, with embotech instead adopting a deterministic mathematical approach that is based on the physical specifications of the car, allowing for on-board real-time trajectory generation. As this does not require situational pre-programming or vehicle training, the car can respond to its surroundings completely autonomously.

The software from embotech can be integrated into both the vehicle and infrastructure. One idea is to drive vehicles automatically from the assembly hall in the factory to the logistics area. Previously, embotech has collaborated with companies including Renault and ABB as well as being supported by Volvo in the context of an incubator program. This solution is also of interest for the aerospace industry: the company is working on a project with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop technology for automated take-offs and landings.

This new money will now be used by embotech to drive forward growth in the automotive market, the aerospace industry and in the area of industrial solutions. In 2018, the company was able to double the number of employees to 21 and generate sales in the single-digit millions.

In 2013, embotech was founded as a spin-off of the Automatic Control Laboratory at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH). Its headquarters are  located at the Technopark Zurich.