Advanced Micro Devices Inc. and MassRobotics today announced the AMD Robotics Innovation Challenge winners. The challenge aimed to explore the benefits and advantages of AMD Kria System on Modules, or SOMs, in integrating adaptive computing into robotics projects. Participants submitted how they would work with the AMD Kria KR260 Robotics Starter Kit, and the winners will use it to produce innovations, said the partners.
“We’d like to extend hearty congratulations to the winners of the inaugural AMD Robotics Innovation Challenge,” said Chetan Khona, senior director of industrial, vision, healthcare, and sciences markets at AMD, in a press release. “Working together with MassRobotics, we’re excited to help early-stage robotics companies achieve their potential and bring innovative solutions to market.”
The AMD Robotics Innovation Challenge provided an opportunity for robotics startups to use the company’s Kria SOM to accelerate their development process. It offered mentorship, access to AMD’s innovation centers, and a chance for the startups to show their systems at robotics trade shows.
The challenge received applications from early-stage robotics companies that demonstrated a strong emphasis on hardware development, addressed complex robotics problems, and had solid teams with digital design expertise, according to AMD and MassRobotics. They also had leadership with proven track records and had defensible intellectual property (IP) positions.
MassRobotics and AMD said they were “delighted by the overwhelming response and high quality of submissions received during the AMD Robotics Innovation Challenge. The winners represent cutting-edge advancements and diverse applications of robotics technology.”
AMD Robotics Innovation Challenge recognizes startups
AMD and MassRobotics said they carefully evaluated the submissions and selected the following companies as winners of the challenge (all logos from MassRobotics):
Phuc Labs: MassRobotics resident Phuc Labs said it is revolutionizing particle sorting and separation with its Vision Valve technology. Using real-time image inferencing, the programmable and scalable digital sorting process replaces outdated analog methods, it said.
With applications in copper recovery from e-waste, industrial food sorting, and wastewater management, Phuc Labs aims to improve speed and accuracy while eliminating the need for certain components in its current hardware setup.
Radmantis: Toledo, Ohio-based Radmantis LLC offers uncrewed systems for fish handling, enhancing production, and biosecurity in fish farming operations. The company claimed that its AI-based automated tools minimize manual handling, leading to healthier products, reduced losses, and streamlined task management.
By addressing operational inefficiencies and the threat of invasive species, Radmantis said it can contribute to the sustainability of aquaculture and the preservation of aquatic ecosystems.
Black-I Robotics: With more than a decade of experience in robot design, Tynghsborough, Mass.-based Black-I Robotics Inc. focuses on developing robotic arms hosted on autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).
It said its versatile arm is compatible with safety regulations, can lift up to 100 lb., and supports mixed palletization for warehouse operations. Black-I Robotics plans to provide reliable and efficient solutions for various industries.
Tatum Robotics: MassRobotics resident Tatum Robotics is dedicated to developing anthropomorphic robotic hands for the DeafBlind community. Its flagship product, the Tatum T1, is a customizable, compliant, and 3D-printed robot that enables independent communication for individuals who are both deaf and blind.
With low-cost technology, cloud-based software, and a translation engine, Tatum Robotics said it can enhance accessibility and empower the DeafBlind community.
Cleo Robotics: MassRobotics resident Cleo Robotics is building the Dronut, a drone capable of operating in challenging environments where GPS signals are unavailable and confined spaces are a concern.
The Dronut’s hardware design includes a suite of sensors with a ducted fan sUAV, ensuring safety around people and sensitive equipment. Cleo Robotics said it caters to industrial and commercial inspectors, government agencies, law enforcement, and more.
The winners of the AMD Robotics Innovation Challenge will each receive $5,000 (U.S.), access to AMD’s innovation centers and market experts, and opportunities to display their systems at ROSCon and SPS Shows.
The winners will also get introductions to MassRobotics’ extensive network and AMD Kria KR260 Robotics Starter Kits. They will also be able to collaborate on marketing and media engagements, including press announcements, articles, and trade shows.
Honorable mentions also named
In addition, AMD and MassRobotics said they were impressed by the dedication and innovative approach to enabling technology in the field of robotics of university applicants. As a result, AMD has decided to award three outstanding applicants with an honorable mention in recognition of their outstanding efforts.
The first honorable mention went to GET Robotics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, which is developing an unmanned autonomous ground vehicle (UAGV) designed to assist in various tasks requiring mobility and flexibility. The UAGV uses Rocker-bogie suspension technology and can perform tasks such as surveillance, reconnaissance, transportation, and logistics.
GET Robotics is currently testing this technology on African farms to automate agricultural processes and provide valuable data and harvest predictions to local farmers.
The second honorable mention is awarded to WORMS, whose Walking Oligomeric Robotic Mobility System offers an adaptable robotic architecture. Cambridge, Mass.-based WORMS combines small, interchangeable “worm” units and specialized accessories to create walking robots with a wide range of payload capacities.
A modular design and robust multi-agent software stack enable WORMS to be configured for various missions, making it suitable for industries such as logistics, construction, emergency services, and even space exploration, said the team.
The third honorable mention is presented to PluckTech, a Worcester, Mass.-based company developing robotics for agriculture. PluckTech said it is focusing on developing hardware for autonomous fruit, vegetable, and flower harvesting. It has integrated a robust manipulator with a soft robotic gripper for precise and gentle handling of delicate crops.
PluckTech said it has combined expertise in computer vision, dynamics, controls, motion planning, and soft robotics to create durable robots capable of withstanding the challenges of outdoor agricultural environments. The company also plans to use AMD’s Kria platform and advanced visual processing technologies to enhance its robots’ capabilities in crop detection, classification, and disease identification.
Each honorable mention recipient will receive an AMD Kria KR260 Robotics Starter Kit and a cash prize of $1,000.
MassRobotics hails winners
“We congratulate the winners of the AMD Robotics Innovation Challenge and commend their innovative approaches to robotics,” said Juan Necochea, director of strategic partnerships at MassRobotics. “These companies have demonstrated the transformative potential of AMD Kria SOM technologies in addressing complex challenges across various industries. We are excited to support their continued growth and success.”
“We are excited by the direction that our partner AMD has taken on this challenge and congratulate the winners on their outstanding achievements,” stated Tom Ryden, executive director of MassRobotics. “The solutions presented by these companies exemplify the potential of robotics innovation and its impact on various sectors. We look forward to supporting their growth and seeing their technologies make a positive difference in the industry.”
MassRobotics is a global hub for robotics, providing startups and innovative companies with the resources they need to succeed. As a leading robotics innovation hub, the Boston-based organization offers mentorship, workspace, and access to an extensive network of industry experts, investors, and strategic partners.
By fostering collaboration, MassRobotics said it aims to accelerate the growth of the robotics ecosystem and advance the adoption of robotics solutions worldwide.
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