F&P Robotics AG is a Swiss technology company specializing in the development
of collaborative robotics (cobots) and personal assistance robots. Founded in
2014 and headquartered in Glattbrugg, near Zurich, Switzerland, the company
operates at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and
human-machine interaction. F&P Robotics focuses on creating robotic systems
that can work safely alongside humans, with a particular emphasis on
applications in care, healthcare, hospitality, and industrial automation.
The company's name derives from the founders, and over the years F&P Robotics
has positioned itself as a pioneer in the field of safe human-robot
collaboration. The firm combines mechanical engineering, software development,
and intelligent control systems to build robots that are intended to be
intuitive to use and adaptable across a variety of sectors.
Mission and Philosophy
F&P Robotics is guided by the principle that robots should assist and empower
people rather than simply replace them. The company emphasizes the development
of technology that supports human work, addresses labor shortages, and
improves quality of life. This is particularly relevant in areas such as
elderly care and healthcare, where demographic shifts have created growing
demand for assistance and support.
A central tenet of the company's philosophy is safety. Because its robots are
designed to operate in close proximity to people, F&P invests heavily in
sensor technology, soft-touch interaction, and intelligent control systems
that allow the machines to respond appropriately to human presence and
contact.
Core Technology
The foundation of F&P Robotics' offerings lies in its collaborative robotic
arms and the accompanying software ecosystem. The company develops both the
hardware and the control software, allowing for integrated solutions that can
be tailored to specific customer requirements.
Key technological strengths include:
- Sensitive robotic arms equipped with force and torque sensing capabilities,
enabling safe interaction with humans and delicate handling of objects.
- Intuitive programming environments that allow users without extensive
robotics expertise to teach and configure the robots.
- Integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to enable
adaptive behavior, object recognition, and task flexibility.
- Modular system design, allowing robots to be equipped with various tools,
grippers, and accessories depending on the application.
Products
P-Rob
The P-Rob is one of F&P Robotics' flagship collaborative robot arms. It is a
sensitive, lightweight robotic arm designed for safe operation alongside
humans. The P-Rob is built for flexibility and can be deployed across a wide
range of tasks, from industrial pick-and-place operations to service-oriented
applications. Its sensitive joints allow it to detect contact and respond
safely, making it suitable for environments where people and machines share
the same workspace. The arm can be programmed through an intuitive interface,
lowering the barrier to entry for organizations adopting robotics for the
first time.
P-Grip
The P-Grip is a gripper system developed to complement the P-Rob robotic arm.
It provides the robot with the ability to grasp and manipulate objects of
varying shapes and sizes. The gripper is designed with adaptability in mind,
allowing it to handle a range of items in different applications.
Lio
Lio is one of F&P Robotics' most distinctive products. It is a mobile personal
assistance robot that combines a collaborative robotic arm with a mobile
platform, enabling it to navigate environments autonomously. Lio is designed
primarily for use in care and healthcare settings, where it can support
nursing staff and assist residents or patients. The robot is capable of
performing a variety of tasks such as delivering items, guiding and
entertaining residents, offering reminders, and supporting daily routines.
Lio incorporates artificial intelligence to interact with people in a natural
and friendly manner, including features for communication and engagement. The
robot is intended to relieve care personnel of repetitive tasks, allowing them
to focus on more meaningful human interaction. Lio is equipped with safety
features that allow it to operate in environments populated by potentially
vulnerable individuals.
Software and Control Systems
F&P Robotics develops the software that powers its robots, including the
control systems and the user interfaces used for programming and operation.
The company emphasizes ease of use, providing graphical programming tools that
allow operators to configure robotic tasks without deep technical knowledge.
The software ecosystem also supports the integration of artificial
intelligence capabilities, enabling robots to perform recognition,
decision-making, and adaptive functions.
Services
Beyond its hardware and software products, F&P Robotics offers a range of
services aimed at helping clients successfully adopt and deploy robotic
solutions. These services typically include:
- Consultation and feasibility assessment to determine how robotics can be
applied to a customer's specific needs.
- Customization and integration of robotic systems into existing workflows and
environments.
- Application development for specialized tasks across different industries.
- Training and support to ensure that staff can operate and maintain the
robotic systems effectively.
- Ongoing maintenance and technical support.
Application Areas
F&P Robotics serves a diverse set of industries and use cases. The company's
technology is applied in:
- Care and healthcare, where assistance robots like Lio support nursing staff
and improve the quality of life for residents and patients.
- Hospitality and service environments, where robots can perform customer-
facing and support tasks.
- Industrial automation, where collaborative robot arms handle pick-and-place,
assembly, and material handling operations.
- Research and education, where the company's robots serve as platforms for
studying human-robot interaction and developing new applications.
Position in the Robotics Industry
F&P Robotics occupies a niche in the global robotics landscape by focusing on
collaborative and assistance robotics with strong attention to safety and
human-centered design. Switzerland's reputation for precision engineering and
high-quality manufacturing aligns well with the company's positioning. By
combining robotic hardware with intelligent software and a focus on real-world
human needs, F&P aims to address pressing societal challenges such as aging
populations and labor shortages in the care sector.
Innovation and Development
The company invests in research and development to advance its robotic
platforms, with particular attention to artificial intelligence, sensor
technology, and human-robot interaction. F&P Robotics has engaged in
collaborations and partnerships within the robotics and care ecosystems,
contributing to the broader effort of bringing assistance robots into
practical, everyday use.
Summary
F&P Robotics AG is a Swiss company dedicated to building collaborative and
assistance robots that work safely alongside humans. Through products such as
the P-Rob collaborative arm, the P-Grip gripper, and the Lio mobile assistance
robot, the company addresses needs across care, healthcare, hospitality, and
industrial automation. Backed by a philosophy that emphasizes safety, ease of
use, and human empowerment, F&P Robotics combines robotic hardware with
intelligent software and artificial intelligence to deliver solutions intended
to support people in their work and daily lives.
