Rethink Robotics: Reacher Cobots – The future of automation with a load capacity of up to 30 kg – Image: Rethink Robotics, Inc.
Efficient, safe, flexible: Rethink Robotics’ vision for companies of all sizes
How Rethink Robotics makes cobots accessible to everyone
Rethink Robotics, Inc. is a robotics company founded in 2008 by Rodney Brooks and Ann Whittaker in Boston, Massachusetts. The company has made a name for itself through its groundbreaking innovations in the field of collaborative robotics (cobots). These robots, including the well-known Baxter and Sawyer models, are designed to work safely and efficiently alongside humans in industrial environments. They combine user-friendliness, flexibility and security and pursue the goal of making automation more accessible, cost-efficient and practical - even for small and medium-sized companies.
Recent developments
The products presented at IMTS 2024 mark a significant step forward for the company. With a combination of technological advancements and a clear focus on customer needs, Rethink Robotics has introduced a new generation of collaborative and mobile robotics solutions:
Reacher Cobot Line
This series includes seven new collaborative robots (RE 07, 09, 13, 16, 21, 30 and 30L) that offer load capacities from 7 to 30 kg. The cobots impress with improved precision (repeatability of ±0.03 mm), higher speeds (120-200 degrees/second) and increased longevity (IP65 protection class, suitable for humid and dusty environments). These properties make them ideal for a wide range of applications, from assembly to quality control.
Ryder AMRs
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are specifically designed for logistics and manufacturing environments. They offer flexible transport solutions and help make work processes more efficient.
Riser MMR
This mobile manipulation robot combines the mobility of an autonomous vehicle with the capabilities of a collaborative robot. It is particularly suitable for complex tasks that require both mobility and precision, for example in material handling or assembly.
The new products were developed with the aim of overcoming the weaknesses of previous models. They are characterized by a robust design, improved reliability and easy integration into existing work environments. Additionally, they place great emphasis on ease of use and adaptability to meet the increasing demands of the industry.
International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS)
The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) is one of the largest and most important trade fairs for manufacturing technology in the world. It most recently took place on September 9-14, 2024 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. IMTS is a central meeting point for manufacturing industry professionals and provides a platform to present and discuss the latest innovations in automation, mechanical engineering, robotics and digital transformation.
Key features of IMTS 2024
- Size and scope: The show spans more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibition space and attracts over 2,000 exhibitors and more than 85,000 registered visitors.
- Diversity of exhibitors: IMTS covers a variety of exhibition areas, including machine tools, control technologies, 3D printing and additive manufacturing.
- International participation: Over 20 international manufacturing technology associations are represented, which underlines the global importance of the trade fair.
- Accompanying program: In addition to the exhibition, IMTS offers an extensive supporting program with specialist lectures, panel discussions and workshops that address current topics and challenges in the industry.
Organized by the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT), IMTS is an unmissable event for anyone working in the manufacturing industry or interested in the latest technological developments.
Vision and mission
From the beginning, Rethink Robotics has pursued the vision of “revolutionizing collaborative robotics”. The company is committed to making automation technologies more accessible and efficient in order to relieve the workplace of monotonous, dangerous and repetitive tasks. The focus on flexibility is particularly important: The robots should not only increase productivity, but also be suitable for a variety of industries - from manufacturing to logistics.
With the takeover by United Robotics Group and the restart in 2024, this vision is more relevant than ever. Rethink Robotics is committed to not only driving technological innovation, but also continually improving customer satisfaction. The development of modular and scalable solutions shows that the company not only wants to address the needs of the present, but also acts with a focus on the future.
Importance of cobots for industry
Collaborative robots, such as those developed by Rethink Robotics, play a crucial role in modern industry. Their ability to work safely with people opens up new possibilities for automation. They are an attractive solution, particularly for small and medium-sized companies (SMEs), as they can be used without major infrastructural changes. They also help to alleviate the shortage of skilled workers in many industries by taking on monotonous and physically demanding jobs.
Another advantage is their flexibility: While traditional industrial robots are often specialized for specific tasks, cobots can be easily reprogrammed and used for different applications. This makes them a long-term investment that can adapt to a company's changing needs.
History and development
Founding and first successes
Rethink Robotics was founded with the vision to redefine automation technology. With the introduction of the Baxter robot in 2012, the company broke new ground. Baxter was one of the first collaborative robots to make a clear difference from traditional industrial robots with its intuitive operation and safety features - such as collision detection capability. The robot featured two arms, innovative camera and sensor technology, and a user-friendly graphical interface that allowed users without extensive programming knowledge to configure tasks efficiently.
This was followed in 2015 by Sawyer, a more compact and versatile cobot designed specifically for more complex manufacturing and quality assurance tasks. With features like a high-resolution wrist camera and the ability to perform precise and repeatable movements, Sawyer set new standards.
Challenges and closure
Despite these early successes, Rethink Robotics faced several challenges. While the vision of making collaborative robots more accessible was promising, the products had weaknesses, particularly in terms of robustness and reliability in real-world industrial conditions. Additionally, the market was dominated by competitors such as Universal Robots, which offered similar technologies but with a greater focus on industrial applications.
Rethink Robotics finally had to cease operations in 2018. But that wasn't the end of the story: the German HAHN Group took over the company's assets, including patents and the innovative Intera-5 software platform, with the vision of further developing the technologies and fully exploiting their potential.
Takeover and restart
A new turning point was reached in 2021 when Rethink Robotics joined United Robotics Group, a network of technology companies specializing in collaborative robotics and automation. Under new leadership and with significant investment in research and development, the company was able to revive its vision. At the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2024, Rethink Robotics presented itself with an expanded product portfolio and a fresh brand identity that focuses on innovation and reliability.
Expansion of the product portfolio
With the relaunch at IMTS 2024 and the expansion of the product portfolio, Rethink Robotics is well positioned to play a leading role in the rapidly growing robotics industry. Continuous advances in artificial intelligence, sensing and automation provide a solid foundation on which the company can continue to build.
The next steps could include developing even more intelligent and autonomous systems, capable of making complex decisions and dynamically adapting to their environment. The integration of IoT technologies (Internet of Things) and collaboration with other companies in the United Robotics Group are also likely to play a central role.
Rethink Robotics shows that failure does not mean the end, but can be an opportunity for a new beginning. With a clear vision, a strong team and innovative products, the company is ideally placed to help shape the future of collaborative robotics.
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