<Updated Nov 2019>

Today, mobile robotics are being developed for and used across almost every industry in order to solve for a number of complex issues. At Stanley Innovation we specialize in mobile robotics using the Segway platform and open source technology. As passionate innovators and creators, we keep a close eye on cutting edge developments and new technology being created in the field, to feed our curiosity and to offer the best solutions to our customer, whether they are in business or research.

Here is our list of 12 of the coolest and most innovative mobile robots out there today.

For Production

1. Baxter and Sawyer

Their names are Baxter and Sawyer – fittingly human names for collaborative robots or cobots that work alongside humans, performing human tasks and trying to blend into the daily routine on the warehouse or production floor. One thing gives them away though — well, one thing besides their robotic movements, flat faces and lack of nose, mouth and ears — it’s their precision and efficiency. Designed to execute machine tending, circuit board testing, line loading, packaging, material handling and more, these two mobile robots from Rethink Robotics, now part of HAHN Group, can operate safely next to human co-workers in semi structured environments, helping to free up skilled human labor.

2. UR10 robot

The UR10 robot from Universal Robots has the potential to optimize production and improve performance across a number of industries including automotive and subcontractors, food and agriculture, furniture and equipment, metal and machining, plastics and polymers, pharma and chemistry and scientific and research fields. Using automotive and aerospace applications, the 10Kg payload UR10 was created to perform a multitude of industrial tasks such as packaging, palletizing, assembly and pick and place. Some of the attributes that make the UR10 so popular are its easy programming capabilities, fast set-up-time of a day and a half, flexible deployment, and reputation as a collaborative and safe mobile robot. Plus, these cobots can be integrated with a mobile robot like Waypoint’s Vector for mobile manipulation.

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For Material Handling

3. Vector & MAV3K

We could be biased but our sister company Waypoint Robotics makes the coolest autonomous mobile robots for material handling available on the market today. These easy to use, industrial strength mobile robots are designed to autonomously move all kinds of parts and materials through challenging manufacturing and warehouse facilities.

Vector can carry up to 600lbs while MAV3K (short for Mega Vector 3000) can smoothly carry up to 3000lbs. Their mecanum wheels enable omnidirectional capabilities for better maneuverability and movement in tight spaces. Coupled with best-in-class navigation capabilities and easy to use Dispatcher software makes them the best choice for workers on the job today to minimize backbreaking and tedious material handling work.

For Learning

4. Ozobot

A mobile robot for all ages, the Ozobot introduces concepts of coding, robotics and deductive reasoning. Reacting to colors and lines drawn on iPads, paper or custom surfaces, the Ozobot can play strategic, creative and competitive games with its user —and starts at only $50!

For Taking Flight

5. Inspire 2

With a 6K camera, strong carbon fiber arms and optional dual operator controls, the Inspire 2 is a drone and all-in-one flying platform that can take 360-degree aerial photos. Created by DJI, this 21st-century drone, released in 2016, starts at $3,499.

6. PARC

A self-flying, endurance packed, long-distance aerial reconnaissance and communications system, PARC (persistent aerial reconnaissance and communications) from CyPhy works (now Aria Insights) can operate at altitudes of up to 500 feet above ground level or 10,000 feet density altitude and is equipped with a high-definition video allowing for long-term persistent stare capabilities.

For Business

7. Double

This remote-controlled telepresence mobile robot lets users interact despite their location. Double gives its users a physical presence in a given location, truly acting as a double and even allows the user to self adjust its height so that Double can be used while sitting or standing. As a self-balancing mobile robot with a wide angle lens that is compatible with most tablets, Double has been dubbed the “ultimate tool for telecommuting” and is providing an effective tool for a growing remote workforce.

For Health

8. JACO²

JACO is a robotic arm created by Kinova robotics for rehabilitation purposes or for use in a research laboratory. When used for rehabilitation purposes, JACO² can help wheelchair-bound individuals with advanced muscular disabilities perform daily tasks they would otherwise be unable to accomplish. Made from a carbon fibre structure, with three flexible fingers, the JACO is lightweight, weatherproof and can integrate with almost all wheelchair models.

9. RP VITA

A remote presence solution for patient care from InTouch Vita combines autonomous navigation and mobility with telemedicine technology. RP Vita acts as a conduit for communication by allowing multiple medical specialists and caregivers to collaborate in real time at the patient’s bed side. These remote consultations allow for a level of holistic care that is difficult to find in most medical facilities. Already being utilized in a number of hospitals, InTouch Vita can be controlled remotely with a tablet and uses sensors to navigate to patients. By increasing efficiency and cutting down on errors (which, according to the iRobot website, are cause for 100,000 deaths in the U.S. every year) InTouch Vita might just be the next best thing in healthcare communication.

10. Ekso GT^TM

Providing an alternative to wheelchairs, the Ekso Health from Ekso Bionics enables individuals with lower extremity weakness to walk again. This bionic wearable suit is outfitted with sensors that activate according to the wearers gait and movement. When the sensors are activated, Ekso initiates steps, creating a natural, full-weight, reciprocal gait.

For Defense

11. Throwbot 2

A robot made to save lives through advanced reconnaissance in high risk situations, the Throwbot 2 weighs a mere 1.3 pounds, is highly durable, is equipped with infrared optics and water resistance and can traverse rugged landscapes with rocks, sand, grass and other debris. Providing immediate video and audio to its operators, the Recon Scout can be an invaluable tool in volatile situations. The quality of these bots is evident in their customer base, which includes the U.S. Army.

12. K-MAX

K-MAX by Kaman Aerospace Corporation and Lockheed Martin Corporation is an unmanned aircraft that is being used by the U.S. military to deliver supplies and cargo to precise locations while eliminating the risk to human lives. The unmanned aircraft can fly day or night, has autonomous or remote control capabilities, and can “fly at higher altitudes with a larger payload than any other rotary wing unmanned aircraft system”, according to the Lockheed Martin website.

At Stanley Innovation, we find this list of technological advancements fascinating and exciting. With a passion for mobile robotics, we believe the capabilities for mobile robotic technology are endless. If you have a project or idea that requires a robotic component, contact us today. We would love to learn more about your project and discuss the solutions available from Stanley.