US-based robotics technology firm Carnegie Robotics has announced the launch of Thoro, a spin-off focusing on the commercialisation of its autonomous mobile robotics technology for the cleaning and disinfection equipment industry.
Thoro is the result of Carnegie’s development of perception and intelligent navigation technology that is designed to safely navigate machines around people in public spaces to perform useful work.
“Our mission is to create reliable, cost-effective, industrial-grade robotic solutions that enable the equipment to function as an extension of the cleaning workforce,” said John Bares, CEO of Carnegie Robotics. “Thoro technology is about being ‘thorough’ – using robotics and artificial intelligence to ensure a new standard of clean in public spaces.”
The technology has been launched within the commercial cleaning industry with industry partner Nilfisk. It is embedded in the Nilfisk Liberty SC50 Autonomous Scrubber.
Hans Flemming Jensen, head of corporate affairs, and member of the executive leadership team at Nilfisk, said: “We believe robotic innovation is integral, in fact critical, to driving cleaning excellence. With Thoro and our continued collaboration with leading technology companies, we are benefiting from our commitment to this belief and our investment in this technology.”
According to Bare, next steps for Thoro are to explore and develop additional integrated technologies in cleaning and disinfection, such as with UVC, advanced mechanical controls, and user-interface technologies for challenges in healthcare and crowded public spaces.
Furthermore, the company said it plans to investigate, over time, opportunities outside of cleaning.
