Revolutionizing Remote Inspections: The Future of Hybrid Aerial-Terrestrial Robotics by Revolute Robotics
Revolutionizing Remote Inspection: The Future of Hybrid Robotics
In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial inspections, the integration of technology has introduced unprecedented efficiency and safety measures. The current landscape often relies on a blend of drones, rovers, crawlers, and other specialized systems, leading to increased complexity and cost. As Collin Taylor, CEO of Boston-based startup Revolute Robotics, notes, this complexity can not only elevate expenses but also pose risks to human workers.
The Rise of Hybrid Robotics
Revolute Robotics is making waves with its innovative venture to create autonomous robots that seamlessly switch between driving and flying. Recently, the company secured $1.9 million in funding to accelerate the development of this groundbreaking technology, with ANIMO Ventures and Ascend leading the financing round, joined by several high-profile angel investors.
“Drone and rover advancements have made remote inspection a reality, but the complexity of each inspection requires teams to deploy multiple robotic solutions for each unique application,” says Taylor. Revolute’s hybrid approach, likened to a "Swiss army knife" of robotic inspections, aims to consolidate various functions into one versatile solution.
Functionality and Efficiency
What sets these hybrid robots apart is their ability to change modes when faced with obstacles that ground vehicles cannot navigate. This allows the robot to fly over barriers, ensuring the mission continues unhindered. One of the standout features of Revolute’s design is its extended battery life, boasting flight times of approximately 10-12 minutes and drive times around 120 minutes. By extending battery life more than 10 times compared to traditional drones, this innovative design enhances operational efficiency in larger inspection areas.
The system is adept at performing visual, thermal, gas, and radiation detection, along with LiDAR mapping and ultrasonic testing. Such capabilities are essential across various sectors, including oil and gas, power, chemicals, construction, and mining. In maritime and offshore environments, ability to conduct safety inspections post-hurricane and monitor hard-to-reach areas underscores its versatility.
Security and Defense Applications
Beyond inspections, these autonomous robots are also geared for security and defense applications. They can patrol areas of interest, monitor perimeters, and respond to threats swiftly. Defense teams can utilize them for base patrols, vehicle inspections, and even search and rescue operations. Enhanced functionalities like swarm coordination, customizable payloads, and autonomous navigation positions Revolute’s robots as formidable tools in both security and defense settings.
Continued Development
Revolute’s journey is marked by continuous improvement. Initially constructed with aluminum, the outer frame has been upgraded to a carbon-fiber design, making it both lighter and stronger. The spherical cage structure, which is mounted on rotatable gimbal rings, allows for fluid transitions between driving and flying. This advanced design can withstand impacts at speeds of up to 3m/s, surpassing competitors in durability.
Currently, the system is manually operated and utilizes visual and laser technology for obstacle avoidance. However, the team is enthusiastic about releasing waypoint navigation capabilities and autonomous mapping missions in the near future. “Our ultimate goal is to be the single robot required for all facility inspection and surveillance,” Taylor elaborated, highlighting a future where multiple units autonomously deploy for regular checks and security patrols.
Future Prospects
With an ATEX-rated robot in development, Revolute Robotics is prepared to cater to the most demanding environment. The background of the team is rich in relevant experience: Taylor, previously of Extreme Aerial Productions, and co-founder Sahand Sabet, who has worked on hybrid aerial/terrestrial robots for NASA JPL.
Antonio Osio, General Partner at ANIMO Ventures, encapsulated the potential impact of Revolute’s technology, stating, “We believe Collin and his team created a system that will become the go-to tool for inspecting the world’s most critical and least accessible assets.”
Having recently been accepted into the MassRobotics Accelerator, which includes $100,000 in nondilutive funding, Revolute is gearing up for pilot deployments with large enterprise customers, including some of the largest oil and gas producers globally.
As the demand for robotic inspection tools grows, Revolute is keen on collaborating with facilities interested in pioneering this transformative technology. The future of inspection has arrived, and it’s hybrid!
Revolute Robotics is steering the course toward a new era of safe, efficient, and versatile inspection solutions that not only enhance operational capabilities but also redefine industry standards. Keep an eye on this innovative company as it continues to make strides in the field of robotics.