Sarcos expands lineup of robotics solutions for construction

Guardian XM is an intelligent manipulator designed to offer speed, dexterity, precision and strength in a compact, lightweight package that can be mounted like an attachment to a variety of equipment to perform multiple applications

Sarcos Technology and Robotics has expanded its product line to include solutions geared to construction, including the new Guardian XM intelligent robotic system and Guardian Sea Class.

Specializing in the design, development and manufacture of advanced robotic systems and solutions that redefine human possibilities, Sarcos adds the new systems to its lineup already including the Guardian XT dexterous robotic system. All of them were promoted at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 in Las Vegas last month.

The Guardian XM is an intelligent manipulator designed to offer speed, dexterity, precision and strength in a compact, lightweight package that can be mounted like an attachment to a variety of equipment to perform multiple applications. To see what it can do, watch the video here.

The Guardian XM robot is compatible with proprietary Sarcos software and autonomy algorithms, enabling semi-autonomous and supervised autonomous mobile manipulation in structured and unstructured environments. When human-in-the-loop control is required, the robot can be integrated with Sarcos controllers.

Ready-made to integrate across a wide range of industries and into various - often hazardous - environments where worker safety, efficiency and adaptability are critical, Guardian XM is designed for applications such as mechanical paint removal operations, as well as the use of power tools and high-pressure equipment.

As its name suggests, the Guardian Sea Class is designed for underwater applications, such as bridge building and underwater inspections or welding.

Introduced previously, the Guardian XT dexterous mobile robotic system is best suited to jobs requiring human-like skill while keeping operators at a safe distance (see tree trimming video above). The robot is platform-agnostic and attaches to various mobile bases, including wheeled or tracked vehicles such as boom lifts, scissor lifts

Guardian Sea Class is designed for underwater applications, such as bridge building and underwater inspections or welding

and bucket trucks.

Sarcos says the Guardian XT robot is intuitive to operate. Users control the robot by utilizing their natural reflexes, instincts and judgment to perform complex tasks, all while keeping the operator out of harm’s way.

In addition to these robotic solutions, Sarcos is also continuing to develop its Guardian XO exoskeleton, which it claims is the world’s first battery-powered industrial robot to combine human intelligence, instinct and judgment with the power, endurance and precision of machines.

The Guardian XO is meant to augment operator strength without restricting freedom of movement to boost productivity while dramatically reducing injuries.

“Tight labor markets mean employers have an immediate need to optimize their workforces,” says Kiva Allgood, president and CEO, Sarcos. “As a result, we see immediate demand for the Guardian XT, Guardian XM, and Guardian Sea Class due to their ability to significantly improve worker productivity, specifically in the power and utilities, aviation, defense and solar construction markets.”

Kristi Martindale, chief marketing officer at Sarcos, adds, “Robotics can help redefine what is humanly possible. Humans bring intellect, ingenuity and instinct, while robots offer endurance and strength for repetitive tasks in dangerous, complex and unstructured environments. We’re marrying those capabilities to help equalize the workforce.”

Guardian XO is meant to augment operator strength without restricting freedom of movement to boost productivity while dramatically reducing injuries

Sarcos’ robotic systems include baseline software enabling basic controls, teleoperation and semi-autonomous capabilities. Sarcos will provide additional software options, such as supervised autonomy as an incremental service.