First research, then develop: Kemaro's path to a patented cleaning robot
Cleaning robots are usually found in homes. However, the SME Kemaro has produced an autonomous model that sucks up dust and coarse dirt in industrial plants. Three engineers from Thurgau developed this Swiss-built robot. Their experience of marketing their product exemplifies how market analysis, patents and trade mark protection pave the way for success.
Kemaro co-founder Martin Gadient: “The applications were costly, but we had to accept that. It’s part of the process.” Foto: Kemaro
The K900 sweeping robot from Kemaro glides along the floors of warehouses, sucking up coarse dirt, PET and glass bottles, and wooden blocks from pallets. Thanks to sensors and software, it stays on course even when the environment changes. At only 35cm in height, it’s low enough to fit under shelves. “We developed the robot ourselves from start to finish,” says engineer and Kemaro co-founder Martin Gadient.
Surprising result in patent search
Martin Gadient and two of his friends dreamt up the idea. Previously, the three engineers worked for a development service provider, where they implemented customer projects. However, they were keen to come up with a product of their own. “It was clear to us that we wanted to develop our own product,” says Gadient. He came up with the idea while visiting one of his customers in the special vehicle sector. They were finding it time-consuming and costly to clean their hall every day. A patent search at the IPI revealed there was nothing that fitted the bill. “It was clear to us that we’d discovered a gap in the market. That was our opportunity.”
A year and a half later, they founded their company. They used their first prototype to find out the areas of application and needs of potential customers. Feedback and market studies confirmed its potential. “We were always in close contact with customers to determine their needs.” They’ve kept up this approach to this day.
Skillfully exploiting the possibilities of the patent system: engineer and co-founder Martin Gadient. Photo: Kemaro
Intellectual property as a strategy
From the start, they considered it crucial to protect their intellectual property (IP). Early on, they sought assistance from start-up programmes and a patent attorney. “At our level, patent applications can only be handled by a solicitor. Filing an application ourselves was definitely not an option. You can’t do everything yourself,” says Gadient. Patents are part of the SME’s strategy: “The applications were costly, but we had to accept that. It’s part of the process.” They’ve extended their protection internationally, and they’re protecting some less obvious elements of their invention with trade secrecy.
The patent databases have also proven to be a source of inspiration. Gadient found an invention for a suitable brush arrangement and waited for it to expire: “We saw that the patent was only going to be valid for another four months.” Patented inventions are freely available for use after 20 years at the latest. Potential investors also value intellectual property rights as a guarantee of security: “We patented the invention partly with investors in mind. The patent is a seal of quality.” Kemaro holds several patents and trade secrets, and the name Kemaro is protected as a word mark.
All of the robot’s technology was developed by the three founders. For example, a patented solution directs filtered air over the sensors. Photo: Kemaro
Technical hurdles and unique selling points
During the development phase, the software posed the greatest challenge: “From the start, we wanted a fully autonomous robot without any additional infrastructure in the building.” In dusty areas, a patented solution automatically cleans the sensors. They kept the robot’s height of 35cm despite the effort involved: “The height is a unique selling point which is why we were determined to overcome that challenge.” They succeeded. The team achieved a technological breakthrough in sensors for dusty environments, with a patented solution that directs filtered air over the sensors. “As a result, they stay clean for much longer. This greatly extends the maintenance interval,” says Gadient.
They’re proud of the K900’s capabilities. “It was worth going the extra mile,” says Gadient. Kemaro will launch another model in 2026. It will use IP protection to retain control over its innovations in this model too.
Drawing of the cleaning robot in the patent specification.
IP Academy – use your intellectual property expertly
The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property’s IP Academy offers modular information and training programmes to support you. They're designed for IP novices such as start-ups, SMEs and private individuals, as well as for universities and IP experts. If IP is completely new to you, we recommend attending an IP Basic Workshop. You’ll get a basic understanding of trade marks, patents, protected designs and copyright. Various specific workshops and advanced courses are available if you then wish to build on your knowledge.
