Top 10 robotics companies utilising AI technology

Although artificial intelligence (AI) powered robot technology is often demonised in sci-fi movie scenarios, many innovators have shown how applying such technology to robots can further innovation. 

Robots and robotic technology are becoming increasingly prevalent in many industries due to their ability to reduce operating costs, increase productivity and improve the quality and consistency of products.

To showcase the innovative AI-powered technology the robotics industry is harnessing, AI Magazine takes a look at the top 10 AI robotic companies

10. iRobot

This consumer robot company creates home-cleaning and lifestyle devices. iRobot has designed Roomba, a robot vacuum that maps and adapts to its environment as it cleans dirt from the floor. Its most recent model can determine room sizes, adjust to carpet or hardwood, choose optimal routes and remember where objects are in a room. iRobot’s products have the ability to steadily improve as they learn and adapt to their environment.

9. Keenon Robotics

Dedicated to providing intelligent delivery solutions, Keenon Robotics focus on indoor intelligent service robots. The company has long been the market leader in China for providing intelligent, autonomous delivery solutions. With over 11 years of experience, Keenon Robotics is an expert in the field of indoor autonomous navigation and provide brand new intelligent autonomous delivery solutions.

8. Outrider

Outrider produces autonomous yard operations vehicles that improve safety and reduce emissions. Its technology transforms electric yard trucks into autonomous vehicles that couple tractor to trailer using its patented TrailerConnect robotic arm. This allows it to precisely manoeuvre between dock doors, parking spots, and areas for over-the-road pickup.

7. Skydio

By utilising AI technology, Skydio designs and manufactures intelligent drone devices. As America’s leading drone manufacturer, the company develop its software in-house and source its processors from U.S. companies, this enables Skydio to provide a high level of supply chain security and serve as a trusted partner to government customers. The company’s flagship products include Skydio 2, an unmanned aerial device optimized for video and controllable via an app, a controller or a beacon.

6. Engineered Arts

Engineered Arts is the UK’s leading designer and manufacturer of humanoid entertainment robots. The company has developed this technology for science centres, theme parks and businesses looking to attract a crowd as its robots can be used to interact with audiences. Engineered Arts has a family of different robots, this includes RobotThespian, a robot actor that will perform however the user wishes, Mesmer, a realistic humanoid robot that can imitate human bone structure, skin texture and expressions and Quinn, a robot customer assistant.

5. CANVAS Technology

Now acquired by Amazon, CANVAS Technology builds autonomous and intelligent technology that streamlines warehouse processes. Its main offering is an industrial autonomous cart that works in unstructured warehouse and factory environments, both indoors and outdoors. CANVAS’ robots are equipped with stereo cameras that have a full 3D view from floor to ceiling, sensors that serve as virtual bumpers as well as bright LED lights that alert people to its presence.

4. Geek+

Specialising in smart logistics, Geek+ apply advanced robotics and AI technologies to create solutions for warehouse and factory operations. Recently, the company released its RoboShuttle RS8-DA, an eight-metre high flexible arm robot that is the highest in the industry. On top of this offering, Geek+ also has a smart forklift, smart moving, smart sorting, smart goods-to-person picking, smart tot-to-person picking and smart collaborative picking robots.

3. Miso Robotics

Creating AI robotic products for restaurants, Miso Robotics’ technology can be used in commercial kitchens. Flippy, the company’s cooking robot has 3D and thermal vision that enables it to learn from its surroundings and acquire new skills. This AI-powered robotic kitchen assistant provides an end-to-end frying solution designed to boost the performance of restaurant kitchens. By automating the activity around the fryer station, Miso Robotics’ Flippy can offset rising labour costs.

2. Boston Dynamics

Aiming to create dynamic, intelligent and adaptive robots, Boston Dynamics develops sensor-based controls that prepare robots for a variety of environments and terrains. The company’s SpotMini model robot was used as inspiration for Netflix’s Black Mirror episode, Metalhead. Boston Dynamics has also created a dynamic humanoid robot, Atlas, with hardware that gives the robot the power and balance to demonstrate human-level agility and it successfully completed a parkour course. Adding to its family of robots are Spot, Stretch and Pick, automated solutions that support warehouse operations.

1. Diligent Robotics

AI company Diligent Robotics is creating robot assistants that help healthcare workers with routine tasks. Moxi, the company’s first robot teammate works in hospitals to help clinical staff with non-patient-facing tasks so they have more time for patient care. The Moxi robot can run patient supplies, deliver lab samples, fetch items from the central supply, distribute PPE and deliver medication. By incorporating AI technology into the robot, Moxi can quickly learn what to do in a new hospital and its robotic arm enables it to manipulate its environments, such as opening doors and elevators.