While it’s best known for an autonomous snow-clearing robot, Longmont’s Left Hand Robotics has launched a new software solution that enables equipment manufacturers to automate machines for outdoor jobs.
This week, the company announced the launch of BOLT, a technology platform that transforms outdoor machinery and power equipment into ready-to-work robots.
Left Hand VP of Marketing Kris Wagner said the company launched the solution in response to interest from original equipment manufacturers that want to utilize the company’s technology.
“We’ve invested about 80 engineering years in our tech and now we’re taking all of that and offering it to OEMs,” he said.
BOLT brings autonomous navigation, connected sensors and real-time robot operations to outdoor power equipment and machines doing repetitive jobs.
This platform builds on Left Hand Robotics’ experience with its own robot tractors, allowing OEMs to launch faster, reduce R&D costs and tap into a platform with navigation, sensors, controls, software and apps.
As each OEM will likely have different requirements or product needs, Wagner said Left Hand will be able to customize BOLT to match the customer’s need. From there, BOLT partners will go through multiple deployment phases, including evaluation, development and deployment.
Despite launching this new software solution, Left Hand doesn’t plan on getting out of robot manufacturing.
“We’re still committed to building our own robots,” Wagner said. “Everything we enhance on our technology trickles down to our own robots.”
In fact, Wagner said BOLT’s first customer was Left Hand itself, as it uses the technology to power its new RT-1000 robot.
The RT-1000 is a fully autonomous workbot designed for commercial outdoor jobs that weighs about 1,250 pounds, is 93 inches long and has a 12-gallon fuel tank.
Whether it’s used for mowing grass or moving snow, the RT-1000 is equipped with lidar, radar, and six on-board cameras to stay aware of its surroundings.
The company, which now has around 25 employees, raised $3.6 million in August 2019 to build out its team and expand distribution of its autonomous robots. Since then, Left Hand has announced numerous dealer partnerships for its RT-1000 robot, both in the U.S. and Canada.
