RE2 Robotics launches new robotic arm for outdoor mobile applications

RE2 Robotics, a leading developer of intelligent mobile robotic manipulation systems, marks its 20th year in business with the launch of its newest robotic arm, the RE2 Sapien 6M.

The milestone marks two successful decades of innovation and growth for the Company in the robotics industry.

Originally founded on July 20, 2001 as a defense subcontractor to Carnegie Mellon University by alumni Jorgen Pedersen, the Company incubated at the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

Today, anchored in Pittsburgh’s Robotics Row, the RE2 campus encompasses two buildings on a city block in Lawrenceville and includes space for indoor, outdoor, and underwater testing of robotic systems.

The RE2 Sapien 6M robotic arm is currently being used in several active robotics initiatives for RE2’s commercial and defense customers who require a mobile outdoor-rated arm able to perform complex tasks.

Specific applications include aviation maintenance, solar field construction, and aerial work across multiple industries.

Pedersen, president and CEO, says: “We are incredibly proud of the success we have achieved over the past 20 years here in Pittsburgh.

“From day one, we have been focused on creating technology that helps humans to do their jobs safely and efficiently, and we remain dedicated to that mission today.

“We look forward to more innovation in the years ahead, as we continue to focus on developing intelligent robotic technologies that enhance worker safety and productivity.”

The 6M model of the RE2 Sapien line of robotic arms includes embedded intelligence, integrated arm control, an unprecedented strength-to-weight ratio, and a sleek hardware design that can withstand extreme temperatures and environmental conditions.

The arm has six degrees of freedom, including continuous wrist and elbow roll joints, which enable precise manipulation and placement of objects.

Keith Gunnett, chief technology officer and one of the company’s original employees, says: “It is exciting to see how RE2’s technology has evolved from unmanned ground vehicles and teleoperation to the creation of truly intelligent mobile manipulation systems, such as the RE2 Sapien 6M.

“While there are still applications that require direct teleoperation, our talented engineering teams are developing supervised autonomous systems that are powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence.”

Compatible with the Company’s autonomy solutions, RE2 Detect and RE2 Intellect, the RE2 Sapien 6M enables autonomous mobile manipulation in both structured and unstructured environments.

For applications that still require human intellect to perform a complicated task, the RE2 Sapien 6M arm can be teleoperated with the RE2 Imitative Controller, an intuitive human-robot control interface that enables remote control capabilities.

Pedersen says: “Our goal is to develop human-like robotic arm solutions that improve operational efficiencies, worker safety, and overall productivity for our customers.

“The RE2 Sapien 6M robotic arm is a leap-ahead technology that will support our customers’ complex applications across multiple markets.”

Since its founding, RE2 has shipped more than 650 robotic arms to customers worldwide and received $3.75 million in investment.

To date, the company has created robotic systems for more than 100 customers and received more than $75 million in funding from the Department of Defense.

RE2 now has more than 85 employees, several of whom have been with the company since its early days as a start-up.

Pedersen says: “We have come a long way since our days as an engineering services lifestyle company. I look forward to seeing what the next decade brings for the amazing team at RE2 Robotics.”