The next generation of robot companies in Boston could get a boost from a new lab that's now in the works—the Devens Interoperability Playground, a “living laboratory” for advanced robotic systems west of Boston.
Of course, robotics aren't new to the state of Massachusetts. Quincy’s Bluefin developed a robotic ocean explorer, Bedford-based iRobot produces the Roomba and other household bots and Danvers-based CyphyWorks manufactures flying robots. Then of course there's Kiva Systems, the warehouse robotics maker acquired by Amazon for $775 million.
The fact is that from public safety and health care to agriculture and automobiles, nearly every industry and vertical has something to gain from these technologies, which already represent a $1.9 billion industry, according to UMass-Lowell. A major problem? In order to bring robotics-driven devices to market, the devices must be tested for safety and privacy, as well as uphold certain reliability in their functionality. No single company has the resources necessary to do all of that—and that’s where the new Devens testing center comes in.
The Devens Interoperability Playground, set up as a nonprofit, is planning to fill this gap by conducting in-depth, real-world testing using the latest in monitoring and recording technology, as well as certification and commercialization services, to all member companies. The facility will also provide test suite development for applying these devices to specific markets.
Richard Kelley, executive vice president of Devens Interoperability Playground, said in an email that the top priorities will be driverless cars, agricultural equipment and public safety,as those applications are most ready for field testing.
In the process, this lab is seeking to set the bar for both advanced robotics in the mainstream commercial market. And the bar will no doubt be high, considering the fact that the Devens center is working with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a government standards group, and two renowned industry organizations, MassRobotics and UMass Lowell’s NERVE Center.
At the lab, the focus won't just be on developing and testing different robots, but also on evaluating how these machines interact—both with one another as well as with humans. After all, there are still occupants and other vehicles to consider in terms of a driverless car or a semi-autonomous truck. Moreover, these machines need to be prepared to handle a wide range of weather conditions and other potential environmental factors.
Fortunately, the location of the new center makes for ideal testing conditions. The organization plans to work with the local community to utilize the heavily wooded areas, lakes and other unique natural resources to test the robotics’ capabilities in different environments. And Devens will definitely reap some rewards in return - the local community will be the first to benefit from their implementation in public, police and fire safety, as well as a range of commercial uses.
Kelley stressed that startups will also benefit from the lab.
"The stage will be set for growing robotics companies in the local region from the ground up."
“When combined with the newly forming MassRobotics which is an Alewife-based startup incubator dedicated to collaboration in robotics R&D, plus the NERVE Center at UMass Lowell for indoor ground robot testing, plus NUAIR (Joint Base Cape Cod) for large UAS testing… the stage will be set for growing robotics companies in the local region from the ground up,” he said. "And since much of the R&D takes place in Cambridge… Devens is a perfect and proximate destination for robotic projects to be tested and proven.”
So when will testing begin at the Devens site? Kelley revealed that the official kickoff is June 16-17 2015. To generate awareness and excitement around the launch, the lab is planning a local robotics industry trade event, which will include actual live field demonstrations.
