Electronic Design Magazine has published a new article by WiBotic extolling the benefits of wireless power for Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems! Click on the link or image below to learn more about the benefits WiBotic technology offers for these extremely high-speed/high-throughput fulfillment systems!
IEEE Spectrum just published an exciting article about efforts to energize the surface of the moon, including a discussion of WiBotic’s work with Astrobotic to power lunar rovers.
As NASA returns humans and robots to the lunar surface, reliable power delivery will be critical. WiBotic is leading the way in the development of wireless power technology that will survive extreme temperature swings, recover from severe solar radiation events, and stand up to the abrasive effects of lunar dust. More to come as our first space-qualified systems are released next year!
Cesareo Contreras of Robotics 24/7 recently interviewed WiBotic CEO, Ben Waters, for an article on the growing trend toward interoperability in the mobile robotics market. The article covers fleet management software that can coordinate the actions of multiple types of robots operating in the same facility. It goes on to discuss the need for interoperable charging systems that provide programmable voltage and current so different robots can share the same charging station infrastructure – a capability all WiBotic products provide! Check out the article here!
Check out the latest Power Systems Design podcast featuring WiBotic CEO, Ben Waters, as he describes features and benefits of the new PowerPad Pro. The conversation is led by Jason Lomberg, Editor, North America at PSD and covers the impetus behind the PowerPad Pro and how it’s helping fully automate UAV inspection and delivery operations.
https://www.powersystemsdesign.com/articles/psdcast-recharging-drones-that-are-permanently-deployed/39/20117
NEWS RELEASE BY
WiBotic
Seattle, WA | May 04, 2023 09:00 AM, Pacific
Today WiBotic – a Seattle company that specializes in advanced charging and power optimization solutions for the rapidly expanding ecosystem of aerial, mobile, space and industrial robots – introduced PowerPad Pro, a stand-alone platform which can also seamlessly integrate into any existing hangar or other UAV storage facility. PowerPad Pro automatically charges drones without physical connection points, while wirelessly transferring flight data, images and video.
“PowerPad Pro enhances drone functionality for our partners working in environments where autonomous or semi-autonomous operations are a priority,” said Ben Waters, co-founder and CEO, WiBotic. “We designed it as a flexible solution for those who either already own and operate drones – and have their own infrastructure in place – or those who are looking for a more cost-effective option for fully autonomous operations. PowerPad Pro can be used as a stand-alone landing platform, or it can be integrated into any number of enclosures and form-factors such as trailers, sheds, or even truck beds.”
One of WiBotic’s first partners for PowerPad Pro is Valmont Industries Inc., a global leader that provides vital infrastructure and advances agricultural productivity while driving innovation through technology. “Valmont has been working closely with WiBotic and other partners to enhance our drone inspection capabilities,” said Angi Chamberlain, VP of UAS Technology Solutions at Valmont. “For the first time, PowerPad Pro provides a charging platform that works with any of the different UAVs we use. Remote flight plan uploads and automated sensor data downloads also allow us to perform inspections on a moment’s notice at any location where the platform is deployed.”
Wireless Data Transfer:
During battery charging, PowerPad Pro’s wireless data transfer enables UAVs to quickly and easily download flight and sensor data to an industrial computer inside the pad. The data can then be processed locally and/or automatically transmitted to a central location using LTE or long-range data backhaul radios. Using the same wireless data link, remote operators can upload flight plans or monitor flights in real-time, ensuring safe and controlled flights. Without this capability, high-resolution images, video and other data can quickly fill the UAV’s onboard storage. By removing this restriction, PowerPad Pro provides more flexibility and versatility in the missions that UAVs can perform.
Autonomous Charging:
In addition to wireless data transfer, PowerPad Pro also automatically begins wireless battery charging upon landing. This eliminates the need for cables and connectors and allows different sizes and types of UAVs to share a common landing pad platform (or series of platforms) deployed across large areas.
Unlike contact-based charging stations, WiBotic’s patented technology provides power through the air. The pad is fully sealed to the elements, protecting both electronics and mechanical components from dust, debris, rain, insects and other environmental factors that may eventually impact reliability. Programmable voltage and current also helps extend battery lifespan, reducing the need for costly battery replacements and maintenance.
Industry Benefits:
By offering these dual benefits – wireless data transfer coupled with autonomous charging – PowerPad Pro dramatically enhances drone operations across a number of industries:
While these onboard chargers can be integrated into nearly any UAV, Wibotic is pleased to announce BlueHalo as the first partner for PowerPad Pro. The BlueHalo Intense Eye V2 (IE-V2) and E900 models can now be purchased with WiBotic’s PowerPad Pro to support both charging and data offload.
“BlueHalo provides UAVs to both the commercial and defense sectors, with extensive experience in applications ranging from inspection and monitoring to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions,” said Mary Clum, Sector President and Corporate Executive Vice President of BlueHalo. “There is a growing demand for permanently deployed and remotely controlled UAVs. PowerPad Pro has given us a single, reliable tool to integrate autonomous charging and data offload capabilities into our UAV platforms, allowing us to offer new solutions and better support critical customer missions.”
To see a video of PowerPad Pro in action please visit: https://vimeo.com/821425665
PowerPad Pro will also be on display at the upcoming AUVSI Xponential show in Denver, CO May 8-11, 2023.
About WiBotic:
WiBotic provides wireless charging and power optimization solutions for the rapidly growing ecosystem of aerial, mobile and marine robots. Its solutions help companies optimize the uptime of robot fleets and are an integral component of fully autonomous robotic operations. WiBotic works with companies in a variety of industries. For more information, please go to: www.wibotic.com
Contact Details
Forrest Carman
+1 206-859-3118
Company Website
WiBotic is very proud to announce that today we were named a 2023 RBR50 Award Winner. This is the second time we’ve received this prestigious honor – this time for our work providing combined wireless power and data solutions to the exploding market for Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS).
As described by WTWH Media, publishers of the Robotics Business Review, “For over a decade, the RBR50 Robotic s Innovation Awards have highlighted the most creative and influential innovations from around the world that have advanced the state of robotics.” WiBotic has been a leader in wireless power for AMRs since before our first RBR50 Award in 2021. Our technology has recently been expanded to the AS/RS market where an extremely high number of daily charge/power cycles can damage physical contact points – making wireless power a no-brainer. The Award also recognizes WiBotic’s work to send and receive control data through the existing wireless power equipment – thus increasing data network reliability while containing costs.
Thanks to the WTWH editorial board for this amazing honor!
We’re proud to announce that Brian Crowley is joining the WiBotic executive team as VP Engineering. With the addition of Brian, we’re furthering our commitment to deliver next-generation wireless power and fleet energy management solutions to the robotics industry across a wide range of applications.
Brian is a seasoned technical expert and has held key executive-level engineering positions for nearly two decades. Prior roles include president & CEO at Alithion, Symbio and BSQUARE as well as engineering leadership positions at Applied Microsystems and several early stage software companies. With his addition to the team, we’re doubling down on our commitment to help customers increase robot fleet productivity while minimizing costs.
Brian’s expertise will also help augment our partnerships with customers who use:
We’re thrilled to welcome him as we capitalize on our increasing momentum going into 2023 and beyond. Welcome Brian!
WiBotic in incredibly proud to announce that Josh Smith, PhD, Co-Founder and Advisor to WiBotic, has been elected to the 2021 class of Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors. Currently a Professor at the University of Washington, Mr. Smith holds a joint appointment in the Allen School and the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering.
The National Academy of Inventors is comprised of U.S. and international universities, and governmental and non-profit research institutes, with over 4,000 individual inventor members and Fellows spanning more than 250 institutions worldwide. It’s goal is to recognize and encourage academic inventors who help develop and commercialize technologies that make the world a better place.
Congratulations Josh!
For more information, read the University of Washington’s announcement here.
See WiBotic compete with other technology teams at the AFWERX Challenge Feb. 9 to help the Department of Defense become less reliant on fossil fuels, improve Air Force capabilities, and allow for more effective warfighting and humanitarian missions.
AFWERX is finalizing its agenda, speakers, and panelists. If you have anyone in your network that would be a great speaker or panelist, please connect them with Evelyn Sabino. AFWERX’s goal is to connect innovators with as many government leaders as possible to help them make connections, learn how to work with the government, evaluate their technology, etc.
AFWERX brings together some of the top minds in industry, academia and the military to develop innovative, viable solutions to further strengthen the U.S. Air Force.
See our presentation and apply to speak on Feb. 9.
WiBotic was selected by the United States Air Force as one of 179 participating teams to compete in the AFWERX Challenge. The challenge is centered around six different categories, all designed to uncover opportunities to help the Department of Defense (DoD) become less reliant on fossil fuels, improve Air Force capabilities, and/or allow for more effective warfighting and humanitarian missions.
WiBotic is competing in the Energy Transmission and Distribution Challenge, which strives to identify ways to transport and distribute energy to where it is needed, and improve how the DoD consumes energy. Currently the DoD is the U.S. Government’s largest fossil fuel consumer and the single largest energy consumer globally. Its reliance on fossil fuels is both a paramount combat enabler, and a potentially crippling vulnerability.
Why WiBotic?
WiBotic’s wireless charging solutions greatly enhance the working efficiency of drones, robots and AUVs. As these vehicles become increasingly dependent on battery technology, and shift away from fossil fuels, the demand for autonomous wireless charging has intensified.
WiBotic’s specific benefits, applicable to both AFWERX and wider industry, include:
AFWERX brings together some of the top minds in industry, academia and the military to develop innovative, viable solutions to further strengthen the U.S. Air Force. We’re excited to compete in the program!