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Arc’teryx and Skip Partner to Introduce MO/GO: Revolutionizing Mobility with the World’s First Pair of Powered Pants

Thursday, August 1st, 2024

Vancouver, BC, July 29, 2024 – In a groundbreaking collaboration, Arc’teryx and Skip proudly announce the launch of MO/GO™, the world’s first pair of powered pants designed to make human movement more joyful. Designed to support users to be more active through increasing stamina and reducing pain, MO/GO utilizes wearable robotics to tackle mobility challenges caused by aging, fatigue and injury that limit millions of people’s ability to move through life. This innovative product will be available for reservation starting July 24, 2024, with shipments planned for late 2025.

Founded as a project at Google X and spun out into an independent company in 2023, Skip is dedicated to creating movewear that supports those facing mobility challenges. Skip’s co-founders, Kathryn Zealand and Anna Roumiantseva, both have personal connections to mobility challenges, seeing their loved ones’ universes shrink due to health issues. Skip sought to partner with Arc’teryx’s Advanced Concepts team to create MO/GO, due to the brand’s expertise in apparel innovation and engineering solutions for movement in challenging environments. Led by scientists, engineers, and designers, Arc’teryx’s Advanced Concepts team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design and collaboration.

MO/GO is designed to support users in their outdoor recreational activities. Inspired by the mountain goat, one of nature’s best climbers, these powered pants enable users to tackle elevation like never before. The technology provides a 40% boost to the leg muscles on the way up and supports the knees on the way down, using a battery-operated motor connected to a suite of sensors and a computer module that predicts and assists the user’s movements.

Arc’teryx integrated the system within the beloved Gamma Pant for this application, due to its breathability, abrasion-resistance and softshell stretch for active pursuits, and co-created bespoke carbon support structures to spread force from the motor across the leg ensuring comfort during extended periods of hiking. Extensively tested on hiking trails in the US and the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, MO/GO feels like a natural extension of the body, enhancing mobility without drawing attention to itself. This sleek, slimline design sets it far apart from the medicalized devices available to date.

“Arc’teryx was founded on a love for the mountains, and creating products which enable people to push themselves and reach new heights,” said Katie Becker, Chief Creative Officer at Arc’teryx. “When the Skip team reached out with their early MO/GO prototype, we were immediately intrigued. Through extensive testing, prototyping and pushing the boundaries of design, we’ve seen testers get back out in the mountains they love – scaling summits and challenges they thought were lost to them. That’s what it’s all about to us – creating space to share our love of the mountains – and we’re so excited to see the MO/GO out in the world.”

Skip’s Co-Founder, Kathryn Zealand added. “By bringing together Skip’s expertise in artificial intelligence and powered wearable technology and Arc’teryx’s renowned product design and engineering excellence, we’ve created a product that truly transforms the outdoor experience.”

The product will be available for reservation starting July 24, 2024, with shipments expected in late 2025. Media and the public will have the opportunity to test MO/GO at the Arc’teryx Climbing Academy in Squamish in August 2024.

For more information on MO/GO™ and to reserve your pair, visit www.skipwithjoy.com and join us in making the mountains accessible to all.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Robotics | 2 Comments »

Ghost Robotics Corporation and LIG Nex1 Announce Close of Acquisition

Monday, July 29th, 2024

LIG Nex1 will have a controlling stake in Ghost RoboticsPhiladelphia, PA and Seoul, South Korea – July 29, 2024 – Ghost Robotics, a leading innovator in legged robotics, and LIG Nex1, a premier South Korean defense technology company, are pleased to announce the close of a strategic partnership through LIG Nex1’s control-stake acquisition of Ghost Robotics. LIG Nex1 has acquired a 60% control-stake in Ghost Robotics for $240 million USD, valuing the company at $400 million USD.

This partnership marks a significant milestone for both companies as they combine their expertise and resources to advance the field of autonomous robotic solutions. The acquisition will enable Ghost Robotics to leverage LIG Nex1’s extensive experience and capabilities in defense technology and manufacturing to further accelerate scaling.

“We are thrilled to partner with LIG Nex1 and embark on this exciting new chapter for Ghost Robotics,” said Gavin Kenneally, PhD, Co-founder & CEO of Ghost Robotics. “Their investment and strategic guidance will accelerate our growth and enhance our ability to deliver groundbreaking robotic solutions to a wider range of industries and applications.”

LIG Nex1’s CEO, Shin IckHyun, echoed the enthusiasm, stating, “Our acquisition of a majority stake in Ghost Robotics aligns perfectly with our vision to lead the future of defense and security technology.” He added, “We expect this acquisition will serve as momentum for both companies to grow together based on our leading-edge technological capabilities and close cooperation.”

This partial acquisition will foster innovation and drive the development of next-generation robotic systems for both industrial and defense markets. By combining their strengths, Ghost Robotics and LIG Nex1 are well-positioned to lead the industry in delivering robust, versatile, and reliable robotic solutions.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, International, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Ghost Robotics Corporation and LIG Nex1 Announce Close of Acquisition

Milrem Robotics Establishes a Centre of Excellence for Ground Robotics in Poland

Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024

Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, has established a centre of excellence for ground robotics in Poland. This strategic expansion aims to strengthen the company’s presence in different regions of Europe and accelerate product development.

The new engineering hub in Warsaw will serve as a centre for innovation and collaboration, bringing together top engineering talent from the capital and the surrounding region. The hub will focus on designing and developing advanced robotic systems that address the evolving needs of Milrem Robotics’ customers. The new engineering hub will start with 20+ engineers already in July and is determined to grow rapidly.

Establishing the hub underscores Milrem Robotics’ commitment to the European market, supporting economic growth and technological advancement.

“Poland has a rich tradition of engineering quality and innovation, making it an ideal location for our new centre of excellence. This investment reinforces our commitment to the region and enables us to leverage local talent and expertise to drive forward our mission of developing state-of-the-art robotic solutions,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

Michal Ossowski, Local Team Lead at the Warsaw Hub, added: “We are thrilled to be part of Milrem Robotics’ expansion into Poland. Our team of more than 20 specialists is eager to contribute to the development of groundbreaking technologies and to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry. This hub will strengthen our capabilities and provide exciting career prospects for engineers passionate about robotics and autonomous systems.”

Milrem Robotics is the world-leading robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator, with offices in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the US. The company is known for its THeMIS UGV, the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle, and MIFIK, the autonomous functionalities kit for defence platforms.

The company is also renowned for successfully completing the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) project iMUGS, which focused on developing a modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems.

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Fort Walker Hosts Collaborative Anti-Mine, Robotic Breaching Exercise

Monday, June 24th, 2024

FORT WALKER, Virginia – Deep in the heart of Fort Walker, where most people never go, there is a quiet facility dedicated to research. On June 12, it was exploding with engineers from all around the U. S. with one common goal: finding, and eliminating, land mines.

Organized by U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center, various contracting organizations deployed Unmanned Aircraft Systems of different sizes and capabilities in an impressive exercise to demonstrate to Col. Anthony Gibbs from Program Executive Office Soldier, Program Manager for Soldier Warrior, how emerging technology can reduce battlefield casualties.

As the exercise began, one UAS live-streamed the area of operation to the command center, another identified enemy combatants (who were notionally eliminated by close air-support), while another discovered mines downrange, leading to a barrage of simulated mortar fire to clear the danger. A team of developers, role-playing Soldiers, raced downrange in an M1126 Stryker armored vehicle, deploying a robot dog and plotting a path through the destroyed mine-field and using sensors to identify any imminent dangers.

In a scenario that seemed like something out of a video game, the reality is this future tech will potentially allow for fewer Soldiers to be required to capture an objective, and with much less of becoming a casualty.

Following the conclusion of the exercise, the director of the facility invited everyone to a demonstration of the protection capabilities being researched. Behind thick, steel barriers and blast-proof glass, participants experienced the detonation of an anti-tank land mine from roughly 50 meters, and two anti-personnel mines from three meters, impacts that most, outside of a combat zone, will never see.

It’s simulations like this which provide an insider’s look to battlefield scenarios and environments. For researchers, it’s a critical component to staying one step ahead of enemy combatants and provide our warfighters the most cutting-edge capabilities for mission success.

“Army research partners were able to successfully integrate air and ground robotic assets to reduce the workload for Soldiers during mine clearance operations,” said Mike Donnelly of Research and Technology Integration Division of C5ISR. “I’m proud of the work everyone put in here today.”

By Chris Hall, Fort Walker Public Affairs Office

Posted in Army, Breaching, Guest Post, Robotics | Comments Off on Fort Walker Hosts Collaborative Anti-Mine, Robotic Breaching Exercise

Milrem Robotics’ Presence at Eurosatory 2024 Biggest-Ever

Wednesday, June 19th, 2024

This year’s largest European defence industry event, Eurosatory 2024, features the biggest-ever presence of unmanned combat systems by the world-leading robotics and autonomous systems developer Milrem Robotics.

Altogether 10 of the company’s robotic systems are on display at the exhibition, which will take place from June 17 to 21 in Paris, France. Eight of these systems are different versions of the THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) and two Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicles (RCV).

In addition to Milrem Robotics’ stand, systems are showcased together with leading industry partners: Avalor.AI, CNIM, KNDS, KONGSBERG and Thales, additionally featuring integrated technology by FN Herstal, Metravib Defence, Leonardo, Rheinmetall, Pearson Engineering, and Vegvisir.

“The vast number of partners demonstrates that Milrem Robotics’ unmanned combat systems are preferred for payload integrations and battlefield deployment. The THeMIS UGV is already part of robotics programmes in 18 countries worldwide and assisting Ukrainian soldiers with casualty evacuation and route clearance in the war with Russia,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“Milrem has integrated more payloads than any other UGV provider and has a detailed understanding of how these payloads should be integrated and how to ensure the payload’s performance to its maximum capability,” Väärsi added.

Milrem Robotics’ Chief Sales Officer Patrick Shepherd added: “Our products’ integration into multiple nations’ combat formations reduces our customers’ overall integration and procurement risk. Milrem has the lessons learned and depth of experience to ensure a smooth integration into the military forces.”

Milrem Robotics is the world-leading robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator, with offices in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the US. The company is known for its THeMIS and Multiscope UGVs, the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle, and MIFIK intelligent autonomous functionalities for defence platforms.

Posted in International, Press Release, Robotics, Tradeshow | Comments Off on Milrem Robotics’ Presence at Eurosatory 2024 Biggest-Ever

Milrem Robotics’ Combat UGVs Flood Eurosatory 2024

Tuesday, June 18th, 2024

Milrem Robotics, the world-leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, together with world-renowned weapon systems providers, showcases a variety of weaponised unmanned combat vehicles at Eurosatory 2024, demonstrating the versatility of its market-leading UGV the THeMIS.

From the eight THeMIS UGVs demonstrated at Eurosatory 2024, taking place from June 17 until June 21, in Paris, France, four are equipped with weapon systems provided by top of their class technology providers: KONGSBERG, Thales, Leonardo and FN Herstal.

“THeMIS Combat UGVs make up the forward line of robotic systems (FLOR) that ensures first contact will be made without blood. This allows the commanders to enter high-threat situations to identify and engage known or perceived threats before human intervention,” explained Patrick Shepherd, Chief Sales Officer at Milrem Robotics.

The newest addition to the preferred platform for weapon systems integrations – the THeMIS – is the FZ602 2-tube rocket launcher by Thales Belgium. It is showcased together with KONGSBERG’s PROTECTOR RS4, the world’s most fielded Remote Weapon System.

Additionally, KONGSBERG will showcase a THeMIS Combat with their PROTECTOR RS6, which features the powerful M230 LF 30mm cannon.

Announced in October 2023, but publicly displayed for the first time is the THeMIS with the HITROLE® Light Remote Weapon Station (RWS), one of the land turrets developed by Leonardo

“Since the enemy cannot allow unmanned combat vehicles freedom of movement, they force them to reveal their positions by engaging the robotic system. By destroying the first line of enemy key assets and creating a hole in the enemy’s defensive or offensive posture, THeMIS Combat UGVs enhance the effectiveness of manned assets by creating momentum that human troops can leverage with fewer casualties,” Shepherd added.

Exhibited with Thales, the THeMIS Observe UGV intended for ISR features the deFNder® Light of FN Herstal’s RWS family. It can integrate all FN Herstal machine guns up to 7.62mm calibre.

Milrem Robotics is the world-leading robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator, with offices in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the US. The company is known for its THeMIS and Multiscope UGVs, the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle, and MIFIK intelligent autonomous functionalities for defence platforms.

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Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate Awards Oak Grove Technologies Special Operations Robotics Capability Course Contract

Wednesday, June 5th, 2024

According to a statement by Oak Grove Technologies (OGT), they were recently awarded the Special Operations Robotics Capability Course (SORCC) contract from the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD), under the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations/Low-Intensity Conflict (ASD SO/LIC), to train on customization and adaptability in Small Uncrewed System Operations.

This is very exciting news as Special Operations Forces (SOF) are at the forefront of small unit unmanned systems across the air, ground and maritime domains.

SOF requires the ability to swiftly redesign, manufacture, build, test, and operate customized small uncrewed systems (sUXS). Please note that the X is used to describe unmanned systems write large while A is used for aerial, G is used for ground and U is used for undersea.

It is also important to note that this effort will build upon the US Army’s John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School’s six week program called Robotics and Unmanned Systems Integration Course (RUSIC) as well as IWTSD Human Performance and Training Subgroup’s Organically Designed and Built Small UAS (ODB sUAS) Course.

Operating often alongside partner forces, SOF leverages readily available equipment to enhance its capabilities. “SOF activities demand agile and adaptable solutions,” said Eli Monroe, Director of Uncrewed Systems at OGT. “By emphasizing customization and leveraging existing resources, we enhance our effectiveness while ensuring compatibility within diverse operational environments.”

Efforts are underway to address these training gaps, focusing on efficiently incorporating methodologies for sourcing, procuring, and manufacturing tailored systems using commercially available components. This initiative aims to empower SOF operators with the knowledge and skills necessary to optimize the utilization of small uncrewed systems in their missions.

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Milrem Robotics Expands Its Production Capability Fivefold

Friday, May 24th, 2024

Tallinn, Estonia – 23 May 2024: Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, has expanded its production capability fivefold by opening a new facility that allows the company to satisfy the growing need for intelligent robotics solutions by end-users.

The new facility next to Milrem Robotics’ headquarters in Tallinn, Estonia, allows the company to manufacture 500 units of its operationally proven, multi-mission THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle yearly.

The THeMIS is already part of robotics programs in 18 different countries internationally, eight of which are members of NATO, including Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the UK, and the US. THeMIS UGVs are also assisting Ukrainian soldiers in the war with Russia.

“Many end-users, satisfied with the results of testing the robotic vehicles, are preparing to launch high-quantity procurements. With the opening of our new facility, we are better prepared to answer these calls,” explained Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “Also, the growing use of UGVs in Ukraine shows a clear focus and importance of unmanned ground systems,” he added.

In addition to production, Milrem Robotics will also expand its prototyping facilities to speed up the development of new products in the company’s growing portfolio. An extra 1000 square meters of office space has also been added.

“Unlike other technology companies who announced layoffs during 2023, Milrem Robotics is continuing to grow this year and hiring 100 new employees, mostly in Europe,” Väärsi added.

Additionally, the expansion is estimated to indirectly generate further positions with high-technology partners and suppliers, contributing to developing the local talent pool and economy.

“The expansion of the Estonian defence industry is beneficial from both a security and economic perspective,” said Kusti Salm, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Estonia.

“For many years, Estonia’s defence industry policy has aimed to develop a high-tech defence industry that can be competitive in export markets. Milrem Robotics is a good example of how a defence industry start-up has grown in 10 years into a large and innovative industrial company, in Estonian terms, with a wide international customer base that can include a wide range of Estonian subcontractors, engineers and specialists in its network. The creation of such companies – and others that have been established in recent years – is a sign of the maturity of the Estonian defence industry and the potential to contribute more to national defence and economic development,” Salm said.

Milrem Robotics is the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator, with offices in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the US. The company is known for its THeMIS and Multiscope UGVs, the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle, and MIFIK.

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