Robots bring new efficiency to underground pipeline construction
The start-up Under Industries is receiving 150,000 Swiss francs in funding from Venture Kick. The company develops microtunnelling systems to reduce road closures, noise emissions and surface disruption in densely populated urban areas.
Schlieren-based start-up promoter Venture Kick is supporting the deep tech start-up Under Industries from Dübendorf with CHF 150,000. According to a press release, the funding will support the development of Under Industries’ Micro Tunnel Boring Robots (MTBRs). The MTBRs are designed to enable faster and cleaner laying of underground utility lines while reducing road closures, noise emissions and surface damage.
Under Industries was founded as a spin-off of Swissloop Tunneling, an engineering student initiative at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH). Under Industries’ MTBRs are designed for use in a wide variety of soil conditions. Compared to conventional pipe jacking methods, they minimise surface disruption, shorten construction times and improve adaptability. This could promote more sustainable and flexible development of urban infrastructure.
Venture Kick’s funding will support the completion of Under Industries’ minimum viable product (MVP). According to the press release, this is an “industrial-grade MTBR that will be used for the first demonstrator and commercial pilot projects and will strengthen the industry’s confidence in the technology”.
The start-up is initially focusing on the Swiss electricity distribution market. It is working with distribution network operators who are responsible for expanding the electricity grids and transitioning from overhead lines to underground cables. Expansion in Europe and the development of further supply lines are to follow. According to Venture Kick, the realistically achievable market for Under Industries in Switzerland and Europe amounts to around CHF 150 million per year for electricity grids alone.