Learn how to overcome the challenges of building outdoor robots at RoboBusiness

Robots for outdoor use pose different design challenges than their indoor cousins. Not only must they be able to navigate dynamic environments, but they must also deal with challenges unique to their applications. An panel at RoboBusiness 2024, which will be on Oct. 16 and 17 in Santa Clara, Calif., will discuss these considerations and more.

Field robots include a wide range of technologies, from automated lawnmowers to delivery robots, inspection drones, and agricultural vehicles. They must all be robust enough to handle a variety of lighting, terrain, and weather conditions.

Connectivity and charging opportunities can be limited, even as some systems require power for perception, manipulation, and payloads. In addition, outdoor systems have different safety and cybersecurity requirements than those in more controlled factories or warehouse venues. 

Part of the Field Robotics track, this session will be in Room 201 of the Santa Clara Convention Center at 2:45 p.m. PT on Day 1 of RoboBusiness.

Panelists to discuss outdoor robotics

Charlie Andersen, CEO of Burro, grew up on a working farm. This experience led him to believe that all tedious outdoor work should be automated. Andersen said it also drove him to understand the many challenges that robots face in industries like agriculture.

Andersen said he founded Burro to build the foundation for autonomous work where it is needed most, and today hundreds of Burros are running in commercial use in agriculture and beyond. Burros are computer-vision-based autonomous platforms that can carry, tow, scout, and move manipulation systems safely alongside people.

Prior to founding Burro, Andersen worked for CNHi, where he reported to the head of the North American operating unit and drove special projects across sales, marketing, manufacturing, distribution, and autonomy mergers and acquisitions. He received a BA from Amherst College, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Ali Asmari is currently the director of research and development engineering at ULC Technologies, where he leads the delivery of complex development projects. Dr. Asmari holds an MS in robotics and automation, as well as a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering with a specialization in computer vision and machine learning from Oklahoma State University.

Since joining ULC Technologies in 2018, Asmari has led the development of outdoor autonomous systems for the energy, construction, and industrial markets. They tackle challenges around below-ground excavation, infrastructure construction, energy reliability, emissions reduction, and worker safety.

Prior to joining ULC Technologies, a 2024 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award winner, Asmari spent more than 15 years in the field of robotics. He has experience in design and development, automation and control, computer vision, and machine learning.

Robert Brooks is the founder and CEO of Forcen, a Toronto-based manufacturer of force/torque sensing solutions. Forcen has rebuilt force/torque sensing from the ground up with a patented technology stack to enable plug-and-play, maintenance-free sensing in unstructured, complex, and high-reliability applications. It serves surgical, logistics, field, space, and frontier robotics.

Brooks has more than a decade of experience in robotics working broadly across nuclear, manufacturing, logistics, pharmaceutical, and surgical robotics industries. He earned his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto, with his thesis focused on next-generation sensing and actuation for surgical robotics.

Brian Burke is a highly skilled product panager at Bishop-Wisecarver, where he has been a pivotal part of the team since 2003. With over two decades of experience in the automation industry, Burke specializes in linear and rotary guided motion for industrial applications.

Burke holds certifications as a Six Sigma Black Belt (SSBB) and Certified Product Marketing Manager (CPMM), enhancing his expertise in process improvement and product strategy. His deep knowledge and commitment to innovation have significantly contributed to the success and advancement of Bishop-Wisecarver’s engineering projects.

Moderator Eugene Demaitre is editorial director for robotics at WTWH Media, which also produces Automated Warehouse and the Robotics Summit & Expo in addition to RoboBusiness. Prior to working for WTWH Media, he was an editor at BNA (now part of Bloomberg), Computerworld, TechTarget, and Robotics Business Review.

For nearly a decade, Demaitre has participated in robotics conferences worldwide, as well as spoken on numerous webcasts and podcasts. He is always interested in learning and sharing more about the latest technology and industry developments.

Demaitre has a master’s from the George Washington University and lives in the Boston area.

Register now for RoboBusiness 2024

In addition to enabling technologies and robotics innovation, RoboBusiness focuses on investments and business topics related to running a robotics company. Keynotes at the event will feature:

• Rodney Brooks, co-founder and chief technology officer at Robust AI, as well as co-founder of iRobot and Rethink Robotics
• Sergey Levine, co-founder of Physical Intelligence and an associate professor at UC Berkeley
• Claire Delaunay, chief technology officer at farm-ng
• Torrey Smith, co-founder and CEO of Endiatx

RoboBusiness will also include more than 60 speakers, over 100 exhibitors and demos on the expo floor, 10+ hours of dedicated networking time, the Pitchfire Robotics Startup Competition, a Women in Robotics Luncheon, and more.

RoboBusiness will be co-located with DeviceTalks West, which focuses on the design and development of medical devices. Thousands of robotics practitioners from around the world will convene at the Santa Clara Convention Center, so register now to ensure your spot!