Sarcos Robotics conducts first field trials of robotic avatar

Developer of augmented human robotic systems Sarcos Robotics has successfully completed its first product demonstration of its Guardian XT dexterous mobile robotic system in the field.

The Guardian XT industrial robotic avatar system is designed to perform intricate and dangerous tasks requiring human-like dexterity, while eliminating the need for humans to conduct at-height work and removing them from harm’s way.

It is platform-agnostic and can be mounted to a variety of mobile bases to access hard-to-reach or elevated areas and has applications in a number of industries, including aerospace, automotive, aviation, construction, defence, industrial manufacturing, maritime, and oil and gas.

Field demonstrations were conducted both in the Pacific Northwest and in Southern regions of the United States.

During the first demonstration, Sarcos and an electric utility construction services company used the robotic system to successfully conduct at-height tree trimming operations around active powerlines to showcase its ability to reduce occurrences of powerline-related fatalities and injuries.

Separately, the company tested the robotic system with a multi-national, sustainable materials science company. In this instance, the Guardian XT was used to conduct nondestructive testing (NDT) and inspections of at-height, in-process pipes at a chemical plant. The goal of this use case was to improve inspection efficiency while reducing potentially life-altering injuries and events associated with at-height work.

A third field trial was successfully completed with a multi-national oil and gas industry company with a focus on field construction activities.

“These first successful product demonstrations to potential customers utilising the Guardian XT industrial robotic avatar system in the field are a major achievement for Sarcos as we prepare for commercialisation by the end of next year,” said Ben Wolff, chief executive officer of Sarcos.

“We look forward to continuing the dialogue with these initial partners and obtaining their feedback in order to deliver best-in-class robotics solutions that increase productivity while eliminating the need for their employees to operate in dangerous environments.”