I’ve been watching developments of robotics and peripherals with anticipation. Engineers continually get closer to mechanisms that can make life so much better for handicapped or aged people. Not to mention extensive use cases in manufacturing.
This news concerns a company emerging from stealth with a hand exoskeleton with exciting sensory input along with a its operating system (Alan Kay—People who are really serious about software should build their hardware.).
Haptikos (Sunnyvale, CA and Athens) emerged from stealth January 27 at the 1st Annual MIT Experiential Innovation Event in Cambridge, MA. The company specifically announced a groundbreaking new hand exoskeleton, which is part of the Haptikos ecosystem of integrated hardware and software (priced at $2,500 per evaluation unit and available singly as well), with the eventual goal of a sub-$1000 final price point by 2026 when the final production units ship.
Partnered with the company’s AI-infused Haptik_OS (immediately available for license), the exoskeleton and OS combination brings a complete sense of touch to VR and AR apps and use cases. Hepaticas exoskeleton prototypes are already in use by leading companies such as Siemens and Leonardo and are designed for markets ranging from medical, defense and robotics. Whether it’s a single drop of water or the pulse of a heartbeat, Haptikos makes every virtual interaction deeply immersive and allows users to “touch tomorrow, today.”
Haptikos Exoskeleton:
The exoskeleton prototype makes it possible to feel the distinct sensations of different materials, from smooth surfaces to intricate textures. Whether handling virtual objects in training or design, Haptikos makes digital environments feel tangible and lifelike, enhancing overall realism. With a rise of 12 ms and a fall time of 55 ms, Haptikos ensures every touch and interaction feels immediate and smooth.
The Haptikos hand exoskeleton has 24 Degrees of Freedom per hand (DoF), with sub-millimeter motion accuracy and 8 hours continuous usage that is unmatched in the industry, even by long-shipping commercial alternatives. With control over every joint, users are ensured of lifelike movements from the most delicate gestures to the most complex actions.
Included in the exoskeleton are:
Tracking sensors
Haptic sensors
Kinaesthetic sensors (will be added later in 2025)
Through these sensors, Haptikos tracks the movement of each hand joint with incredible detail. This means full, natural control over every motion, from finger curls to complex hand gestures, making digital interactions feel fluid and intuitive. With sub-millimeter precision, Haptikos captures even the smallest user motions.
This high level of accuracy ensures that every gesture, no matter how subtle, is translated into the virtual world with fidelity.
HAPTIK_OS:
The haptik_OS app is the central hub for connecting Haptikos exoskeleton and seamlessly integrating their capabilities into projects and motion control, redirecting this data into the acclaimed Unity® Software Development Kit (SDK) with ease.
The haptik_OS is itself at the core of the Haptikos ecosystem, connecting developers, designers, and end-users to create lifelike, intuitive and immersive experiences. Through built-in AI functionality, haptik_OS automatically adapts pre-built libraries into new haptic XR applications in Unity, simplifying both integration and scaling.
The haptik_OS is available immediately via three tiers of license:
Freemium: Basic tools for developers to start exploring.
Basic Tier: SDK for integration into applications.
Pro Tier: Full access to AI-driven tools for automated customization.
Quotes:
“Haptikos exoskeletons have expanded the training program for the postpartum balloon procedure,” said Dr. Aoife Mcevoy, Specialist Registrar & Clinical Tutor in Obstetrics & Gynaecology National Maternity Hospital | UCD School of Medicine. “Both clinicians and students experienced a significant improvement in their procedural skills following the use of Haptikos. The realistic tactile feedback and precise control enabled by Haptikos allowed for a more immersive and effective learning experience, greatly enhancing trainee confidence levels in their skillset for this critical procedure.”
“Haptikos really impressed the entire MIT Innovation Technology team with their advanced haptics, and we are extremely pleased they saw the value of launching at our premiere event in tandem with the MIT Reality Hack,” said Maria Rice, Executive Director of the MIT Reality Hack. “Haptics have been a long-overlooked component of a complete XR solution, and their combination of haptics, operating system and AI combined with the industry-leading Unity SDK is a win for all developers seeking the next XR frontier.”
“We are extremely excited to finally be emerging from stealth in the hallowed halls of MIT, where their slogan of “mens et manus” – Latin for “to mind and hand” – has taken on a new and very literal meaning,” said Greg Agriopoulos, CEO and co-founder of Haptikos, Inc. “Competitive haptics solutions are normally glove-based, and never fit correctly on most hands – our exoskeleton fits everyone perfectly, is far more accurate, far less costly and is the only solution coupled with an actual software solution that makes it genuinely useful across a range of markets.”
I receive the Peter Diamandis Abundance newsletter. He’s an over-the-top optimist—but we need a dose of that in these pessimistic times. (In the “it’s a small world” category, a daughter of a couple who regularly attend a morning coffee group with me in Elgin, IL works for him.) He recently included a link to a “Metatrend Report” on humanoid robots.
Reports of robotic advances targeting human assistance have trickled my way and piqued my interest. This seems to me to be a great field for some of our best robotic engineering minds.
This is from Diamandis’s report.
I was compelled to create this Metatrend report because the coming wave of humanoid robots will have a vast impact on society that is widely underappreciated. It will transform our lives at home and work.
How Many?: In my conversations with Elon Musk, Brett Adcock, Cathie Wood, and Vinod Khosla, the predictions on how many humanoid robots we will have working alongside us by 2040 is shocking at best. At the lowest bound, the number is 1 billion (which is more than the number of automobiles on Earth) and at the upper bound, proclaimed by Musk and Adcock, the number will exceed 10 billion.
How Much?: But equally impressive as the sheer number of robots is the price point, predicted to be between $20,000 to $30,000 which translates to a leased cost on the order of $300 per month, for a robot helper working 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Why Now?: The first question to ask is why now? Why are we seeing such an explosion of activity in the humanoid robot field now? Beyond any single technical advancement, the convergence of 5 major technological areas are super-charging this field: multimodal generative AI, high-torque actuators, increased compute power, enhanced battery life, cameras and tactile sensors.
This, in combination with AI voice recognition, is transformative: As Brett Adcock recently told me, “We can literally talk to our robot and it can implement the tasks you request — the end-state for this is you really want the default UI to be speech.”
Impact on Jobs: Naturally, the prospect of billions of humanoid robots raises questions about their impact on jobs and society. According to Adcock: “Our goal is to really be able to do a lot of the jobs that are not desirable by humans.” As of Q3 2024, there are nearly 8 million US job openings — jobs that people just don’t want to do.
Creating a Future of Abundance: As Musk has commented regarding a future involving humanoid robots: “This means a future of abundance, a future where there is no poverty, where people, you can have whatever you want, in terms of products and services. It really is a fundamental transformation of civilization as we know it.” Adcock echoes this vision, “You can basically create a world where goods and services prices are trending to zero in the limit and GDP spikes to infinity … You basically can request anything you would want and it would be relatively affordable for everybody in the world.”
Included in the introduction are 7 Key Takeaways:
1 Market Explosion: The humanoid robots market is poised for exponential growth, with projections ranging from $38 billion by 2035 (Goldman Sachs) to a staggering $24 trillion (Ark Invest). In the U.S. alone, at the lower-bound, Morgan Stanley estimates 63 million humanoid robots could be deployed by 2050, potentially affecting 75% of occupations and 40% of employees. On the upper bounds, Brett Adcock and Elon Musk predict as many as 1 billion to 10 billion humanoid robots by 2040.
2 Technological Convergence: The rapid advancement of humanoid robots is driven by converging breakthroughs in AI, hardware components (actuators, sensors), and battery technology. Multimodal generative AI in particular is enhancing robots’ adaptability and decision-making capabilities, while hardware costs are plummeting.
3 Labor Shortage Solution: Humanoid robots are emerging as a critical solution to global labor shortages, particularly in elderly care, manufacturing, and dangerous jobs. By 2030, the U.S. is projected to have a 25% “dependency ratio” of people over 70, driving demand for robotic assistance in healthcare and social care. In China and other parts of Asia and Europe, an aging population and lower birth rates make humanoid robotics critical for their economy.
4 Cost Reduction Trends: The cost of humanoid robots is plummeting rapidly, with high-end models dropping from $250,000 to $150,000 in just one year: a 40% decrease compared to the expected 15-20% annual decline. Ambitious targets, such as Tesla’s goal of a $20,000 selling price for its Optimus robot, suggest mass adoption will become feasible across various sectors.
5 Investment Opportunities: The humanoid robot sector is attracting significant investment, exemplified by Figure AI’s recent $675 million funding round at a $2.6 billion valuation. Morgan Stanley’s “Humanoid 66” list provides a roadmap for investors interested in both robotics developers and potential beneficiaries across various industries.
6 Broad Societal Impact: The widespread adoption of humanoid robots has the potential to usher in an era of unprecedented abundance, dramatically reducing the cost of goods and services while freeing humans to focus on creative and fulfilling pursuits. This transformation could reshape our concept of work and fundamentally alter the structure of our economy and society.
7 Job Disruption: The speed at which multimodal generative AI and humanoid robot development is progressing, paired with the lack of public discourse on this subject, indicates that there will be significant job disruption and societal upheaval. Mechanisms to address these concerns such as universal basic income (UBI), will need to be addressed. Some have proposed funding such UBI programs by taxing companies which utilize “robots and AIs” to displace previously human-filled jobs.
The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in early January not exactly your cup of tea? Try a January conference specifically on collaborative robots. Discover ways these technologies can help your manufacturing plant survive in this era of difficulty finding workers.
Universal Robots Announces the Nation’s Largest Cobot Conference and Tradeshow: Collaborate North America 2025
The nation’s largest cobot conference and tradeshow, Collaborate North America 2025, takes place in Novi, Michigan, January 28, 2025 and is free to attend. This one-day, in-person event brings together 500+ manufacturing professionals from across North America, automation specialists, educators, and industry thought leaders from renowned institutions and companies such as MIT, Siemens, and the Association for Advancing Automation (A3).
“Whether you’re exploring cobots for the first time or looking to expand your automation capabilities, this event will provide the inspiration, tools, and connections needed to succeed,” said Jonathan Sbert, Vice President of Sales, Americas, Universal Robots.
Event Highlights:
Hands-On Demonstrations: Attendees can explore 30+ different cobot-powered solutions for applications such as welding, quality inspection, material handling, machine tending, assembly, painting, and palletizing. The hands-on demos are presented by UR and its UR+ ecosystem partners including A.I Automation, Schmalz, Magswitch, PIAB, Zimmer, Schunk, Flexline Automation, Acumino AI, and SICK.
Keynote Presentations: The opening keynote will be delivered by Universal Robots’ Chief Commercial Officer, Stacey Moser. She is joined by leading voices in robotics and automation, including a few surprise speakers from dominant automotive and AI chip making technology companies delivering insights on industry trends and practical applications. Additional speakers include:
Ben Armstrong (Executive Director and Research Scientist, MIT): Ben Armstrong specializes in innovation and operational performance in manufacturing, focusing on how companies adopt advanced technologies. His work at MIT involves researching the intersection of robotics, workforce development, and operational efficiency to ensure sustainable growth in the industrial sector.
Jake Hall (The Manufacturing Millennial): Jake Hall is a prominent advocate for modernizing the manufacturing industry through automation and emerging technologies. Known for his engaging social media presence and thought leadership, he bridges the gap between traditional manufacturing practices and future-forward innovations.
Alex Shikany (Vice President, Membership & Market Intelligence, A3): Alex Shikany provides data-driven insights to guide businesses in adopting robotics and AI technologies. His expertise includes market trends, industry growth analysis, and strategies for integrating automation into existing operations.
Bernd Raithel (Director, Factory Automation, Siemens) Bernd Raithel leads the development of advanced automation solutions that drive efficiency and Industry 4.0 adoption. With expertise in robotics, AI, and smart technologies, he focuses on creating intelligent, connected factories. A champion of innovation, Bernd works to accelerate automation adoption and shape the future of manufacturing.
Networking Opportunities: Attendees can engage with peers, decision-makers, and industry influencers to exchange ideas and foster collaboration.
I’ve recently heard of Flexiv Robotics and its Gecko Gripper. I thought I had written something, but evidently it didn’t make the cut. This news regarded participating in the opening of the Stanford Robotics Center. This makes sense given that the company’s four founders are alumni.
The Stanford Robotics Center (SRC) is dedicated to advancing robotics across industries including logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, art, space exploration, and home automation.
Bringing together cross-disciplinary world-class researchers and industrial affiliates, the SRC is dedicated to exploring how robotics can impact how we live and work, improve healthcare and quality of life, and give people power to do things they could never do before.
Notable attendees to the opening ceremony included AI visionary Prof. Fei-Fei Li, biomimetic robotics expert Prof. Mark Cutkosky, and Prof. Ken Salisbury, creator of the world’s first dexterous robotic hand. Industry leaders from iRobot, Google Intrinsic, and Anybotics were also present, emphasizing the SRC’s significance on the global robotics landscape.
During the ceremony, the Director of the Stanford Robotics Center, Prof. Oussama Khatib, praised Flexiv for their instrumental role in advancing real-world robotic applications, and their development of force-controlled robotics.
As part of the celebration, Flexiv unveiled several of its latest innovations, reinforcing its dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in robotics. These leading-edge-edge interactive demonstrations included:
The Grav Enhanced Gecko Gripper: A breakthrough in robotic manipulation, enabling the seamless handling of a wide range of objects.
Dual Robotic Arm Teleoperation with Haptic Feedback: A system that enhances operator control with advanced dexterity and sensory feedback.
Multi-Arm Component Assembly: Demonstrating the capability of adaptive robots to collaborate on complex manufacturing tasks.
Magnetic Milli-Spinner Vascular Therapy: A revolutionary medical application where robots guide micro-devices through blood vessels to deliver targeted treatments.
Shuyun Chung, Flexiv’s Chief Robotics Scientist, underscored the importance of the collaboration, stating: “The opening of the Stanford Robotics Center marks a pivotal moment for global robotics innovation. We are honored to contribute to this groundbreaking initiative and are excited to explore new frontiers in robotics. Together with Stanford, we aim to redefine what’s possible and continue creating the technology of tomorrow.”
You got peanut butter in my chocolate; no, you got chocolate in my peanut butter. This didn’t come to me because I just ate a dish of peanut butter chocolate ice cream. No, it’s because someone got their collaborative robot on someone else’s autonomous mobil robot (AMR).
OK, a stretch. But why not add to the capabilities of an AMR. Makes sense to me.
Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) announced the MC600 mobile collaborative robot (cobot), the latest addition to its growing list of MiR Go Approved products. Capable of handling payloads up to 600 kg (1322 lbs), the MC600 combines the MiR600 mobile robot base with the UR20/UR30 collaborative robot arms from Universal Robots (UR) to automate complex workflows in industrial environments.
Building on the success of the smaller MC250, the MC600 offers a powerful comprehensive system for handling heavier items and automating tasks such as palletizing, box handling and machine tending. The UR20’s extended reach allows the MC600 to tackle tasks in areas previously inaccessible to smaller cobots, enhancing productivity across diverse industrial applications.
The MC600 significantly improves productivity by operating with little downtime, serving multiple machines and performing continuous material handling tasks while redeploying human workers to higher-value assignments. Additionally, by taking over the movement of heavy goods, the MC600 substantially improves ergonomics, reducing physical strain on workers and enhancing workplace safety.
Rethink Robotics, founded by Rodney Brooks of iRobot fame in 2008, pioneered the concept of robots working collaboratively with humans. Here are a few previous posts.
New Products at IMTS–Side note: Reacher and Riser are not as cool as the original Sawyer and Baxter, but interesting that they came back.
Now the Hahn Group, who acquired the assets in 2018, has decided to revive the company. It has announced a female team to lead the company back into the market.
Following a successful launch of the company’s new product portfolio at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago, Rethink Robotics Inc., the United States pioneer of collaborative robots, recently named a new all-female leadership team. Effective immediately, Julia Astrid Riemenschneider has been appointed chief executive officer and Franziska Lorenz chief operations officer. With these appointments, Rethink Robotics becomes the first and only player in the field of collaborative robotics with two women at the helm.
Julia Astrid Riemenschneider, CEO, Rethink Robotics (left) and Franziska Lorenz, COO, Rethink Robotics
In these new roles, top priorities for Riemenschneider and Lorenz will be to deliver pioneering technologies in collaborative robots, oversee the installation of Rethink Robotics’ North American headquarters, and expansion of the team. By the end of 2025, the company plans to triple its team size, open a U.S. headquarters, and relocate robot production from Europe to the United States.
The newly introduced product line now includes collaborative robots in payloads ranging from 7 to 30 kg, two autonomous mobile robots (AMR), and a mobile manipulator (MMR) platform. The robots are designed for increased precision, speed, and reliability, making them highly capable for industrial applications.
As CEO, Riemenschneider is responsible for managing all customer-facing related departments, including marketing, sales, business development, product development, and application engineering. Riemenschneider brings more than 10 years of business development experience in industrial automation. Prior to Rethink Robotics, Riemenschneider worked for United Robotics Group in Europe and the United States, growing the business development organization. Previously, she worked in the United States for an international sensor manufacturer, following Europe-based business development roles with a machine vision manufacturer, and collaborative robot market leader Universal Robots.
Franziska Lorenz, previously responsible for corporate development and compliance at HAHN Automation Group, United Robotics Group, and Schenck Process Group, holds a master’s degree in international business administration. She brings extensive international experience from her studies and professional work in Italy, Spain, and Mexico. Recently, Lorenz spent 18 months at Robotnik, a manufacturer of in- and outdoor mobile robots in Valencia, Spain, successfully managing their integration in the group.
In her new role as chief operations officer, Lorenz will be managing HR, finance, production, and service and is looking forward to creating a diverse team as the foundation of success.
“As a newly U.S.-based company, Rethink Robotics is thrilled to contribute to the creation of high-tech American jobs. Our mission is to offer opportunities for skilled and driven professionals to innovate with collaborative robots, addressing the challenges faced by modern manufacturing. The new Rethink Robotics leadership team brings significant industry knowledge and strong business acumen,” said Thomas Hähn, founder of HAHN Automation Group and United Robotics Group, and Rethink Robotics’ president. “With Riemenschneider and Lorenz in these leadership roles, we are well-positioned to execute this fast growth phase as a leading robotics provider.”
I researched the company’s history with a little help from claude.ai.
Rethink Robotics was a pioneering robotics company founded in 2008 by Rodney Brooks, a renowned roboticist and former director of MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). The company was originally called Heartland Robotics and was based in Boston, Massachusetts.
Key milestones in its history include:
1. In 2012, Rethink Robotics introduced Baxter, a groundbreaking collaborative robot designed to work safely alongside human workers in manufacturing environments. Baxter was notable for its affordable price, user-friendly interface, and built-in safety features.
2. In 2015, they launched Sawyer, a more precise, smaller single-arm robot aimed at more intricate manufacturing tasks.
3. Despite innovative technology, the company struggled financially and was unable to achieve widespread commercial adoption of its robots.
4. In October 2018, Rethink Robotics ceased operations and was acquired by the German automation company HAHN Group.
The company was significant in advancing the concept of collaborative robotics, demonstrating that robots could be designed to work more intuitively and safely alongside human workers, particularly in small and medium-sized manufacturing settings.
