San Francisco based robot manufacturer, Transcend Robotics and Oak Ridge National Laboratory(ORNL) announced that they started a new 3D project. Manufacturing movable robots in that sense, Transcend Robotics aims to benefit from 3D printing in terms of manufacturing.
The focus point of various academic and scientific projects, additive manufacturing is now taking place in ORNL and Transcend Robotics’ project. Developing mobile robots, Transcend Robotics wishes to direct to 3D printing from traditional methods.
Transcend Robotics has already patented a technology dubbed Articulated Traction Control (ARTI), which allows mobile robots to easily climb over obstacles through a series smart design mechanisms. Self-positioning treads and joints that provide stability to the ARTI system give the robot the ability to simply roll over objects and climb up stairs. With the addition of cameras and LIDAR, the platform can collect data, as well.
ORNL has signed a cooperative research and development agreement to demonstrate the potential of 3D printing to create parts for mobile robots, as well as for tooling to create parts. The overall goal is to improve the quality of various robotic platforms while also lowering the cost for the adoption of mobile robots.Â
Phil Walker, CEO and cofounder of Transcend Robotics, stated, “We are excited to work with the leading experts at ORNL to leverage advanced additive manufacturing to lower the cost of critical ARTI components. This enables applications of mobile robotics across more industries while keeping production in the United States.”
Lonnie Love, Group Leader of Manufacturing Systems Research at ORNL, only added, “This research fits squarely with ORNL’s goal of delivering transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.”
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