Iván Hernández Dalas: RBR50 Spotlight: Renovate Robotics puts Rufus to work on roofs

rbr50 banner with inset image of the renovate robotics.

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.

rbr50 banner logo.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.

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Explore the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards 2024.

RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards 2024

Organization Innovation
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

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