As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of reflection and goal-setting takes on a renewed urgency. This time of year often prompts individuals to critically assess their past performance while contemplating the future, a theme poignantly echoed in a recent conversation between industry journalist and Greg McEntyre of Rethink Robotics, which took place during the IMTS event in Chicago.
Rethink Robotics has emerged from a challenging period, having initially launched in 2008 with collaborative robots Baxter and Sawyer. Despite securing nearly $150 million in funding from prominent investors including General Electric, Goldman Sachs, and Jeff Bezos, Rethink faced insurmountable hurdles, culminating in a shutdown in October 2018. McEntyre articulated the need for a thorough analysis of past decisions, stating, “It’s understanding where the mistakes were, our understanding where the limitations were, and the way it was originally run so that we would not duplicate those same mistakes.”
The innovative technology Rethink initially embraced, specifically Series Elastic Actuators (SEAs) licensed from MIT, proved to be problematic. While these actuators allowed for notable safety features, they adversely affected motion performance and precision, causing prospective clients to raise concerns regarding repeatability and noise levels. This combination of factors led to disappointing sales figures, further exacerbated by the unsuccessful release of Sawyer, which was intended to rejuvenate the company’s fortunes.
After the closure, HAHN Group, a German robotics specialist, acquired Rethink's intellectual property and attempted to salvage the existing product lineup. However, it soon became evident that a complete overhaul of the company’s strategy was necessary. Currently, under the umbrella of the United Robotics Group, Rethink's focus has shifted towards autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and the development of a new line of collaborative robot arms. The Riser mobile manipulator, which integrates an AMR with the Reacher cobot, represents a novel market offering.
McEntyre expressed optimism regarding the evolution of mobile manipulators, remarking, “Mobile manipulators are not widely spread and they’re still inventing and coming up with what the rules are, what these robots are supposed to be, and how they’re going to be safe in the environments they’re working in.” He further noted the ambiguity surrounding operational standards, suggesting that "the combination of the two is actually still coming along." This points to an ongoing development in the field of robotics, with intrinsic safety and functionality being paramount considerations as technology progresses.
The resurgence of Rethink Robotics exemplifies the dynamic nature of the robotics industry, where adaptability and innovation are crucial for survival and growth. As companies navigate the complex landscape of automation and robotics, the ability to critically assess past strategies while being open to new directions remains integral to future success.
In what could be seen as an alignment of aspirations, the optimism surrounding Rethink's rebranding and product development resonates with the common goal of growth and improvement, a theme relevant to both businesses and individuals as they prepare for the New Year ahead.
Source: Noah Wire Services