Vitestro is a Netherlands-based medical robotics company developing autonomous technology for diagnostic blood collection. The company brings together engineering expertise, clinical knowledge, and industry experience to develop solutions designed to improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of blood collection procedures.

Vitestro’s multidisciplinary team of engineers, clinicians, and healthcare experts develops Aletta®, the Autonomous Robotic Phlebotomy Device™, in collaboration with hospitals and laboratories. The technology is informed by clinical input, trial results, and real-world practice to address the needs of phlebotomy departments while supporting patients and healthcare professionals.

The company’s origins trace back to personal experiences shared by founders Toon Overbeeke and Brian Joseph. Overbeeke witnessed challenges associated with blood draws for a patient undergoing chemotherapy, while Joseph experienced long wait times and logistical difficulties when his child required regular blood tests. These experiences inspired the development of autonomous technology designed to improve diagnostic blood collection.

In 2017, Overbeeke and Joseph founded Vitestro. Since then, the company has grown into an organization of nearly 100 employees focused on robotic healthcare solutions. In August 2024, Aletta® received CE mark approval, representing an important milestone in the development of autonomous blood collection technology.

Aletta®

Aletta® automates the diagnostic blood collection process by performing the complete blood draw workflow, including tourniquet placement, vein identification, needle insertion, tube handling, and bandage application. The system uses multimodal imaging, including near-infrared technology and ultrasound, to identify suitable veins, while Doppler ultrasound helps verify vein selection before needle insertion with submillimeter precision.

Designed for high-volume blood collection settings, Aletta® supports a supervised workflow in which one trained supervisor can oversee multiple devices. The technology is intended to create more consistent blood collection procedures while reducing variability in routine draws.

Aletta® has received CE mark certification in the European Union and is currently being used in clinical trials. Results from the EU ADOPT clinical trial demonstrated a 94.5% first-stick success rate. The study also found that 90% of patients considered the pain from an Aletta® blood draw to be less than or similar to a manual blood draw, while 82% of patients preferred Aletta® or had no preference between robotic and manual procedures.

The trial reported mild adverse events in 0.6% of cases, with no moderate or serious adverse events observed. Through autonomous robotics and advanced imaging capabilities, Aletta® represents Vitestro’s work to create a new standard for diagnostic blood collection.

Who Vitestro Serves

Aletta® is designed for stakeholders involved in diagnostic blood collection, including hospital leadership, laboratory specialists, phlebotomists, nurses, and patients. The system introduces an autonomous workflow for routine blood draws while maintaining oversight through a supervised operating model.

For hospital and laboratory leadership, Aletta® provides an option for incorporating autonomous technology into blood collection operations and long-term planning.

For laboratory specialists, Aletta® supports the preanalytical phase of blood testing by providing consistent collection procedures. Interim A.D.O.P.T. clinical trial results offer insights into system performance, safety, and patient acceptance while the technology is designed to align with laboratory workflows.

For phlebotomists and nurses, Aletta® performs routine blood draw steps while healthcare professionals maintain oversight through the supervisor role.

For patients, Aletta® offers an alternative blood collection experience designed around automated procedures and patient comfort.

TOON OVERBEEKE | CO-FOUNDER AND CEO

Toon Overbeeke, co-founder, is the Chief Executive Officer of Vitestro, a Netherlands-based medical robotics company developing autonomous technology for diagnostic blood collection. Since co-founding Vitestro in 2017, he has led the company’s efforts to develop Aletta®, the Autonomous Robotic Phlebotomy Device™, designed to automate routine blood collection procedures.

Before founding Vitestro, Overbeeke worked as a Consultant at Bain & Company and previously gained experience as a Business Analyst at Zarafa. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Delft University of Technology, where he completed both programs with distinction.

At Vitestro, Overbeeke oversees the company’s development of autonomous robotic solutions designed for diagnostic blood collection. Under his leadership, Vitestro has progressed from an early-stage venture founded in 2017 to a medical robotics company developing CE-marked autonomous phlebotomy technology through Aletta®.