Canadian based Clearpath Robotics has announced the launch of a new mobile manipulator. Basically a scaled down version of their Grizzly mobile manipulator, the new Husky Mobile Manipulator is designed for lighter applications with the same flexibility and open-source software.
The stars seem to be aligned for Clearpath with their mobile manipulator concept. Their first mobile manipulator, Grizzly, was clearly appreciated by the industry, a smaller model was then the logical continuation of their product line. With a smaller ''vehicle'', a smaller robot arm and gripper, the Husky (smaller than a Grizzly right?) is made for lighter applications on the same rough terrain.
One of their mobile manipulator configurations is built with a Clearpath Husky, a Universal Robots UR5 and a Robotiq 2-Finger 85 Adaptive Gripper. All these components make the platform capable of manipulating a load of 5 kg, at a maximum speed of 1 m/s and a run time of 3 to 7 hrs (depending on the application). Clearpath also provides basic software that can be used for all different types of operations. You can also ask for a stronger ''all-inclusive'' software package that would provide everything you need to make your robot work properly for your application.
Clearpath has been having a lot of success with these mobile manipulators in both research and industrial markets. I wouldn't be surprise to see an even smaller mobile manipulator released in the next couple of months using a smaller vehicle such as their Jackal. With more and more applications requiring the combination of flexible manipulation and mobility, it only makes sense to see these devices gaining more space in the market. Projects like STAMINA are already talking about introducing these kinds of robots into warehouses for various applications, so you can see that there is a great interest in mobile manipulators.
CLEARPATH
The company has a solid team of experts that can design an entire mobile manipulator specific to your application if needed. From system design, perception/mapping, navigation/control and simulation, the team has all the tools necessary to realize an all-inclusive package. They also provide solutions for ground, air and water exploration.
UNIVERSAL ROBOTS
Universal Robots develops and sells industrial robots that automate and streamline, monotonous, and mundane industrial processes. This enables your production department to reassign your staff to jobs they enjoy; jobs that provide them with a challenge and add value to your company.
ROBOTIQ
Our goal is to enable all manufacturers - especially those dealing with high mix production - to take full advantage of robotics. We work with robot manufacturers, system integrators and end users to automate applications that require flexibility. Robotiq sells product in more than 30 countries, through our global network of partners.
We are really excited about the new mobile manipulators from Clearpath and look forward to seeing the cool applications that will no doubt be developed with them. In the meantime you might be interested in the document that we have put together on the different research projects that are using with our 3-Finger Adaptive Gripper. To take a look at it, follow the link below.
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