Introduction
The world of robotics is rapidly evolving, with new advancements and innovations emerging every day. In this article, we’ll be exploring the latest developments in the field, including the launch of Rethink Robotics’ new product portfolio and the debut of Real Life Robotics’ delivery robot at the Toronto Zoo. We’ll also be discussing the latest news and trends in the industry, including the US House’s approval of a bill to ban DJI drones.
Yarbo Brings Robots to the Backyard
In Episode 163 of The Robot Report Podcast, co-hosts Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman discuss the latest robotics news from the past week, including Rethink Robotics’ recent product portfolio launch. Then, they hear from Kenneth Kohlmann, co-founder and vice president of Yarbo, about developing consumer robots for the yard. The company started as “Snowbot” developing an autonomous snow blowing robot. It rebranded to Yarbo a few years ago and now makes a modular yard maintenance robot that can mow the lawn, blow leaves and clear your driveway of snow in the winter.
News of the Week
Rethink Robotics Returns with Expanded Robotics Portfolio
Rethink Robotics has made a comeback with a new lineup of collaborative robots (cobots) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). The company, previously known for its Baxter and Sawyer cobots, said it has learned from past challenges. The new cobots, ranging from the RE 07 to the RE 30L, offer payloads from 7 to 30 kg. Additionally, Rethink Robotics has launched its first AMRs, the MRE 550 and MRE 1400, capable of handling payloads up to 550 kg and 1,400 kg, respectively.
Seegrid Raises $50M to Expand Automated Lift Truck Line
Seegrid, a provider of AMRs, has closed a $50 million Series D funding round. Led by existing investors Giant Eagle Inc. and G2 Venture Partners, the investment will fuel the company’s efforts to expand its AMR line, particularly focusing on automated lift trucks. Seegrid CEO Joe Pajer said the funding will be used to accelerate research and development, building on the positive market response to their existing lift truck solutions.
Real Life Robotics Debuts Delivery Robot at Toronto Zoo
Real Life Robotics introduced its BUBS delivery robot at the Toronto Zoo as part of a pilot project. Dubbed “Zoober,” the initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of transporting food to animal habitats. The zoo currently uses traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles for deliveries, but with BUBS, it hopes to contribute to its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030.
U.S. House Approves Bill to Ban DJI Drones
And finally, the U.S. House approved the “Countering CCP Drones Act” earlier this week. In addition to DJI drones, the revised bill now includes a ban on ANZU Robotics, which we reported on earlier this year. A DJI-drone white label partner, manufacturing in Malaysia and putting an entirely different software stack on top of the drone.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored the latest developments in the world of robotics, from Rethink Robotics’ new product portfolio to the debut of Real Life Robotics’ delivery robot at the Toronto Zoo. We’ve also discussed the latest news and trends in the industry, including the US House’s approval of a bill to ban DJI drones. As the world of robotics continues to evolve, it’s exciting to see the new innovations and advancements that are emerging every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What is Rethink Robotics’ new product portfolio?
Rethink Robotics has launched a new lineup of collaborative robots (cobots) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), including the RE 07 to the RE 30L cobots and the MRE 550 and MRE 1400 AMRs.
Question 2: What is Seegrid’s automated lift truck line?
Seegrid’s automated lift truck line includes its Palion Lift RS1 and Lift CR1 robots, which are designed for material handling, parts replenishment, and WIP and Finished goods movement.
Question 3: What is Real Life Robotics’ BUBS delivery robot?
Real Life Robotics’ BUBS delivery robot is a pilot project designed to reduce the environmental impact of transporting food to animal habitats at the Toronto Zoo.
Question 4: Why did the US House approve the “Countering CCP Drones Act”?
The US House approved the “Countering CCP Drones Act” to ban DJI drones and ANZU Robotics, citing national security concerns and the potential threat of these drones to the country’s security.
Question 5: What is Yarbo’s modular yard maintenance robot?
Yarbo’s modular yard maintenance robot is a robot that can mow the lawn, blow leaves and clear your driveway of snow in the winter. The robot is designed for consumer use and is a product of the company’s rebranding from “Snowbot” to Yarbo.
