Many factory and defence tasks require precise, repetitive movements, often in hazardous conditions. Yet robots are still not widely used for such work, and those being trained for it typically learn one task at a time in controlled environments.

Bengaluru-based Integra Robotics is looking to address this gap. The startup builds modular robotic hardware and software that allows operators to control machines remotely and gradually automate more of their work.

Co-founder and CEO Abhit Kumar holds a degree in biomedical engineering from Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University. He met Co-founder Cameron Norris, a British national with a background in open-source hardware marketing, on a Reddit forum dedicated to open-source hardware.

Their work in open-source hardware influenced the company's approach. Kumar believed that building a scalable business required technology that would remain relevant for the next 10 to 15 years. He also wanted a configurable technology platform that could serve different customers without having to redesign the product each time.

Integra has developed a modular hardware platform that Kumar compares to Lego, allowing the company to configure its robots for different tasks.

Its products include robotic arms with payload capacities ranging from 3 kg to 20 kg, underwater robotic arms, mobile bases that can carry up to 500 kg, and wireless robots designed for hazardous missions.

The software operates in three modes: teleoperation, where a robot follows a human operator's movements; supervised autonomy; and fully autonomous operation. Teleoperation is used for mission-critical tasks that require human involvement, while the other two modes are intended for industrial automation.

Source link