Rethink Robotics: Reacher Cobots – The future of automation with a payload capacity of up to 30 kg – Image: Rethink Robotics, Inc.
Efficient, safe, flexible: Rethink Robotics' vision for companies of all sizes
How Rethink Robotics is making 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 pioneering innovations in 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 ease of use, flexibility, and safety, aiming to make automation more accessible, cost-effective, and practical—even for small and medium-sized businesses.
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 comprises seven new collaborative robots (RE 07, 09, 13, 16, 21, 30, and 30L) offering payload capacities from 7 to 30 kg. These cobots impress with improved precision (repeatability of ±0.03 mm), higher speeds (120–200 degrees/second), and increased durability (IP65 protection rating, suitable for damp and dusty environments). These features make them ideal for a wide range of applications, from assembly to quality control.
Ryder AMRs
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) were specifically developed for logistics and manufacturing environments. They offer flexible transport solutions and help to make workflows 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 requiring both mobility and precision, such as 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. Furthermore, they place great emphasis on user-friendliness 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 world's largest and most important trade shows for manufacturing technology. It was last held from September 9 to 14, 2024, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. IMTS is a key meeting place for manufacturing professionals and provides a platform to showcase and discuss the latest innovations in automation, mechanical engineering, robotics, and digital transformation.
Key features of IMTS 2024
- Size and scope: The trade fair covers 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 encompasses a wide range 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 expert lectures, panel discussions and workshops that address current topics and challenges of the industry.
The IMTS is organized by the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) and is an essential event for anyone involved in the manufacturing industry or interested in the latest technological developments.
Vision and Mission
From the outset, Rethink Robotics has pursued the vision of "revolutionizing collaborative robotics." The company focuses on making automation technologies more accessible and efficient, relieving the workplace of monotonous, dangerous, and repetitive tasks. A key focus is flexibility: the robots should not only increase productivity but also be suitable for a wide range of industries – from manufacturing to logistics.
With the acquisition by the United Robotics Group and the relaunch in 2024, this vision is more relevant than ever. Rethink Robotics has made it its mission not only to drive technological innovation but also to continuously improve customer satisfaction. The development of modular and scalable solutions demonstrates that the company not only aims to address current needs but also to act with a future-oriented approach.
The 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 alongside humans opens up new possibilities for automation. They represent a particularly attractive solution for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) because they can be deployed without major infrastructural changes. Furthermore, they help alleviate the skilled labor shortage in many sectors by taking over monotonous and physically demanding tasks.
Another advantage is their flexibility: While traditional industrial robots are often specialized for specific tasks, cobots can be easily reprogrammed and used for various applications. This makes them a long-term investment that can adapt to a company's changing needs.
History and development
Founding and early successes
Rethink Robotics was founded with the vision of redefining automation technology. With the introduction of the Baxter robot in 2012, the company broke new ground. Baxter was one of the first collaborative robots, clearly differentiating itself from traditional industrial robots through its intuitive operation and safety features, such as collision detection. The robot featured two arms, innovative camera and sensor technology, and a user-friendly graphical interface that allowed users without extensive programming knowledge to efficiently configure tasks.
In 2015, Sawyer followed, a more compact and versatile cobot specifically designed for more complex tasks in manufacturing and quality assurance. With features such as 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 regarding robustness and reliability under real-world industrial conditions. Additionally, the market was dominated by competitors like Universal Robots, which offered similar technologies but with a stronger focus on industrial applications.
In 2018, Rethink Robotics was forced to cease operations. But that wasn't the end of the story: The German HAHN Group acquired 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.
Acquisition and restart
A new turning point was reached in 2021 when Rethink Robotics joined the United Robotics Group, a network of technology companies specializing in collaborative robotics and automation. Under new leadership and with significant investments in research and development, the company was able to revitalize its vision. At the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2024, Rethink Robotics presented itself with an expanded product portfolio and a fresh brand identity focused on innovation and reliability.
Expansion of the product portfolio
With its relaunch at IMTS 2024 and the expansion of its product portfolio, Rethink Robotics is well-positioned to play a leading role in the rapidly growing robotics industry. Continuous advancements in artificial intelligence, sensor technology, and automation provide a solid foundation upon which the company can further build.
The next steps could include the development of even more intelligent and autonomous systems capable of making complex decisions and dynamically adapting to their environment. The integration of IoT (Internet of Things) technologies and collaboration with other companies within the United Robotics Group are also likely to play a key role.
Rethink Robotics demonstrates that failure is not 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 positioned to help shape the future of collaborative robotics.
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