Rapyuta Robotics, headquartered in Tokyo, and the Zurich-based Sevensense, both of which were founded as spin-offs from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH), have joined forces to develop the next generation of autonomous forklifts. Demand for automation in relation to forklifts is high in Japan, further details of which can be found in a press release.
To this end, Sevensense’s proprietary Visual SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology is to be used. This hardware and software package provides autonomous robots with robust, accurate and reliable navigation capabilities, even in changing environments with similar spatial configurations such as the aisles and shelves that are typically seen in warehouses. In addition, Visual SLAM facilitates operations along dynamic objects such as other vehicles and robots, or even human employees.
“We have been looking for a technology capable of enabling our autonomous forklift vehicle to navigate complex environments with ease and efficiency. We have chosen the Sevensense solution in this project based on their expertise in Visual SLAM and their proven track record of successful implementations in autonomous vehicles”, comments Gajan Mohanarajah, co-founder and CEO of Rapyuta, in the press release.
“Our Visual SLAM technology is designed to provide highly accurate localization and mapping capabilities, which are critical for the reliable and flexible operation of autonomous vehicles”, explains Gregory Hitz, CEO and co-founder of Sevensense Robotics, adding that: “We are confident that our technology will enable Rapyuta Robotics to deliver high-performing autonomous forklift vehicles to their customers”.
