BOSTON (June 19, 2014) – Rethink Robotics today announced Intera 3, a major upgrade to its
advanced software platform. With Intera 3, Rethink Robotics doubles the
performance and expands the abilities of Baxter, one of the first human-safe
robots. Rethink Robotics’ latest software makes Baxter work twice as fast, with
twice the precision previously possible.
Intera 3 demonstrates the power
of software to deliver continuous innovation more quickly and frequently,
adding ever-increasing value to Rethink Robotics’ inexpensive robot. It
represents a game-changing approach to automation in manufacturing—moving robotics
from fixed to flexible—with software–driven robots that adapt and evolve.
As the software advances, Baxter’s capabilities will continue to expand, even
as the physical robot remains the same—debunking the age-old idea that hardware
improvements are required to enhance performance and ability.
“We’ve told our customers that
our robots will get better and better through software,” said Scott Eckert, CEO
at Rethink Robotics. “If you haven’t seen Baxter lately, you need to take
another look, thanks to the innovation delivered by our software platform,
Intera.”
With Intera 3, Baxter’s skill
set immediately expands to a broader range of applications, including:
- Tending to machines such as CNC lathes, ultrasonic welders and press brakes
- Packing and unpacking of parts and components
- Line loading and unloading
- Kitting
The software will be available
for all existing Baxters, and all new production beginning in
mid-July.
“We needed a more flexible
automation solution that can quickly and easily be modified to meet the
fluctuating demands of our customers,” said Scott Borthwick, production
supervisor at California-based Kaiser-Permanente Optical Lab. “With Rethink
Robotics, the software makes it possible for our team to train Baxter on new
tasks as they arise, with no loss of productivity.”
Rethink Robotics’
industry-leading combination of advanced software and robust hardware brings
the future of interactive robotics to market now. For manufacturers and
distributors, interactive robots which can work side-by-side with humans are a
workforce multiplier, freeing up human labor to focus on work best performed by
people. Industry leaders in automotive, plastics, electronics, consumer goods
and other markets are already deploying Rethink Robotics’ Baxter, gaining new
flexibility and productivity. The resulting integrated workforce delivers
lower costs, increased agility in responding to market and demand fluctuations
and additional resources for fueling innovation – all contributing factors to
competitive advantage.
“Automation is a critical
part of our strategy to drive continuous innovation,” said Andy Hill,
manufacturing manager at Missouri-based King Innovation. “Rethink Robotics’
software-driven Baxter supports our efforts in this mission, with ongoing
advances in what the robot can do.”
ONExia is the Rethink Robotics Distributor for the Mid Atlantic region. For more
information please visit onexia.com/baxter.
