VUB spin-off AILOS Robotics introduces groundbreaking drive technology that makes robots lighter, more agile and safer
New type of gearbox ushers in a new era for humanoids, cobots and wearable robotics
Brussels, Belgium — 25 November 2025 — AILOS Robotics, a spin-off from VUB and its BruBotics research group, has raised €3.5 million to accelerate the industrialization of its patented R2poweR gearbox. Developed for humanoids, cobots and wearable robots such as exoskeletons and prosthetics, this technology combines the agility of quasi-direct drives with exceptionally high torque density. As a result, robots can become lighter, more energy-efficient, more affordable and safer.
The funding round was led by QBIC and High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), with participation from Wallonie Entreprendre and finance&invest.brussels. The investment strengthens Europe’s ambition to locally produce strategic hardware for the rapidly growing market of human-centered robotics.
“Modern robots need a new generation of actuators,” says CEO and co-founder Pablo López García. “With R2poweR, we combine the smoothness of quasi-direct drives with the strength of advanced gearing systems. This removes one of the biggest technological barriers to creating lightweight, agile and safe robots.”
R2poweR is the result of more than ten years of research supported by VLAIO and Innoviris. The technology offers low backdrive resistance for safe interaction, extremely high torque density for heavily loaded joints, and a scalable, quiet and energy-efficient design suitable for large-scale production in Europe and the United States. With the new funding, AILOS is preparing the transition from laboratory to factory and is actively seeking collaboration with robot manufacturers, industrial production partners and investors committed to European robotics infrastructure.
According to Cédric Van Nevel, partner at QBIC, AILOS addresses a crucial bottleneck in humanoid and collaborative robotics and has the right technology, IP and vision. Anne Umbach, Investment Manager at HTGF, emphasizes that AILOS has the potential to grow into a European technology champion thanks to its unique hardware innovation and strong team.
About AILOS Robotics
AILOS Robotics builds the next generation of robot actuators using its patented R2poweR gearbox, which combines quasi-direct-drive agility with market-leading torque density. Originating from VUB and BruBotics, AILOS brings high-level research to the market to enable safer, lighter, more sustainable and affordable robots.
Website: www.ailos-robotics.com
Press contact: Pablo Lopez-Garcia pablo@ailos-robotics.com
About QBIC
Qbic is a sector-agnostic seed and early-stage venture capital fund focused on valorizing academic research and technological breakthroughs. With nearly €200 million under management, the fund supports young, innovative companies from their first financing round through subsequent growth. More information: www.qbic.be.
About HTGF – High-Tech Gründerfonds
HTGF is one of Europe’s most active early-stage investors, focusing on deeptech, industrial tech, climate tech, digital tech, life sciences and chemistry. Since 2005, HTGF has funded startups from pre-seed to series rounds and realized more than 200 exits. The fund manages over €2 billion. More info at HTGF.de.
About finance&invest.brussels
finance&invest.brussels supports entrepreneurs in the Brussels Region through loans, equity and guarantees, helping start-ups, scale-ups, spin-offs and SMEs grow. The organization stimulates the Brussels economy and supports sustainable and inclusive development.
About VUB
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel is an internationally oriented university committed to excellence in research and education, firmly rooted in Brussels. Through its platform De Wereld Heeft Je Nodig (“The World Needs You”), VUB promotes societal progress in human rights, sustainability, peace, cooperation and scientific integrity. www.vub.be/dewereldheeftjenodig
This operation receives support from the European Union under the InvestEU program.
