3 months ago
65
Listen to this article
Organization: Renovate Robotics
Country: U.S.
Website: https://www.renovaterobotics.com/
Year Founded: 2021
Number of Employees: 1-10
Innovation Class: Application
In the near future, robots could be a common sight on rooftops. Renovate Robotics is developing a robot to autonomously install both asphalt and solar roof shingles. The application opportunity includes both new home construction and refurbishment opportunities. Roofs typically need to be redone every 20 to 30 years.
In 2023, the Brooklyn, N.Y.-based company introduced its first product, named Rufus, as an automated roofing robot that installs traditional asphalt shingles at a rate three times faster than a human roofer. The robot is designed to reduce labor requirements by half, increase worker safety, and improve unit economics for roofing contractors.
With over 80 million single-family homes in the US. and over 1 million new homes built each year, the demand for roofing is increasing. There is also a shortage of skilled labor to safely install roofing materials. In addition, working on roofs a dangerous occupation.
The robot operates using a winch-based system. It is attached to the roof and travels in a gantry-like X and Y axis pattern, placing and securing shingles as it moves. Renovate is exploring various strategies to generate revenue from the technology, all while enhancing the system.
Renovate Robotics plans to initially operate as a subcontractor, using its technology to complete jobs with partner roofing contractors. Long term, the company expects to lease its machines to roofing contractors in a robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) model, allowing them to double productivity and improve unit economics.
Renovate Robotics secured pre-seed funding in a March 2023 round to develop the first working units, and it is planning to begin field trials in 2024. The company recently moved to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where is has a 3,000-sq.-ft. research and development facility and works with Newlab’s resources and network of startups.
Submit your presentation idea now.
Explore the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards 2024.
RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards 2024
| ABB Robotics | Modular industrial robot arms offer flexibility |
| Advanced Construction Robotics | IronBOT makes rebar installation faster, safer |
| Agility Robotics | Digit humanoid gets feet wet with logistics work |
| Amazon Robotics | Amazon strengthens portfolio with heavy-duty AGV |
| Ambi Robotics | AmbiSort uses real-world data to improve picking |
| Apptronik | Apollo humanoid features bespoke linear actuators |
| Boston Dynamics | Atlas shows off unique skills for humanoid |
| Brightpick | Autopicker applies mobile manipulation, AI to warehouses |
| Capra Robotics | Hircus AMR bridges gap between indoor, outdoor logistics |
| Dexterity | Dexterity stacks robotics and AI for truck loading |
| Disney | Disney brings beloved characters to life through robotics |
| Doosan | App-like Dart-Suite eases cobot programming |
| Electric Sheep | Vertical integration positions landscaping startup for success |
| Exotec | Skypod ASRS scales to serve automotive supplier |
| FANUC | FANUC ships one-millionth industrial robot |
| Figure | Startup builds working humanoid within one year |
| Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics | evoBot features unique mobile manipulator design |
| Gardarika Tres | Develops de-mining robot for Ukraine |
| Geek+ | Upgrades PopPick goods-to-person system |
| Glidance | Provides independence to visually impaired individuals |
| Harvard University | Exoskeleton improves walking for people with Parkinson’s disease |
| ifm efector | Obstacle Detection System simplifies mobile robot development |
| igus | ReBeL cobot gets low-cost, human-like hand |
| Instock | Instock turns fulfillment processes upside down with ASRS |
| Kodama Systems | Startup uses robotics to prevent wildfires |
| Kodiak Robotics | Autonomous pickup truck to enhance U.S. military operations |
| KUKA | Robotic arm leader doubles down on mobile robots for logistics |
| Locus Robotics | Mobile robot leader surpasses 2 billion picks |
| MassRobotics Accelerator | Equity-free accelerator positions startups for success |
| Mecademic | MCS500 SCARA robot accelerates micro-automation |
| MIT | Robotic ventricle advances understanding of heart disease |
| Mujin | TruckBot accelerates automated truck unloading |
| Mushiny | Intelligent 3D sorter ramps up throughput, flexibility |
| NASA | MOXIE completes historic oxygen-making mission on Mars |
| Neya Systems | Development of cybersecurity standards harden AGVs |
| NVIDIA | Nova Carter gives mobile robots all-around sight |
| Olive Robotics | EdgeROS eases robotics development process |
| OpenAI | LLMs enable embedded AI to flourish |
| Opteran | Applies insect intelligence to mobile robot navigation |
| Renovate Robotics | Rufus robot automates installation of roof shingles |
| Robel | Automates railway repairs to overcome labor shortage |
| Robust AI | Carter AMR joins DHL's impressive robotics portfolio |
| Rockwell Automation | Adds OTTO Motors mobile robots to manufacturing lineup |
| Sereact | PickGPT harnesses power of generative AI for robotics |
| Simbe Robotics | Scales inventory robotics deal with BJ’s Wholesale Club |
| Slip Robotics | Simplifies trailer loading/unloading with heavy-duty AMR |
| Symbotic | Walmart-backed company rides wave of logistics automation demand |
| Toyota Research Institute | Builds large behavior models for fast robot teaching |
| ULC Technologies | Cable Splicing Machine improve safety, power grid reliability |
| Universal Robots | Cobot leader strengthens lineup with UR30 |
English (US) ·