May 12, 2022
Danfoss Power Solutions and RISE Robotics have signed a collaboration agreement to jointly validate and test a key innovation that has the potential to transform the heavy machinery market through electrification. Danfoss Power Solutions, a global supplier of mobile and industrial hydraulics as well as electric powertrain systems, and RISE Robotics, a leading zero-emission heavy machinery company, have formalized their collaborative relationship. The two businesses have signed an agreement to work together to validate the latest electromechanical actuator technology from RISE. This new partnership is an example of how both companies prioritize innovation and find new ways to meet the increasing demand for electrification solutions coming from current and prospective customers. Eric Alström, Danfoss Power Solutions president, says: “It’s an exciting opportunity to work with RISE Robotics to accelerate the development of solutions that have the potential to create near-term, low-carbon options for our customers. “We’re taking bold steps to battle climate change and help customers around the world decarbonize. Electrification is a critical enabler to the Green Transition, and we’re thrilled to be on this journey with RISE.”
Arron Acosta, RISE Robotics CEO, says: “We are delighted to collaborate with Danfoss. “Innovation isn’t for everyone, but at Danfoss, innovation is at the core of their DNA. Their speed of decision-making is electric. Their engineering and global manufacturing capabilities lead the way.”
The RISE Cylinder (US Patent 11255416, patent pending: WO2019/014259) is a fluid-free, electromechanical alternative to hydraulic cylinders for heavy equipment and machinery. It helps address the battery-electrification challenges inherent in hydraulic systems by delivering hydraulic-like forces at unprecedented efficiency, precision, speed, and weight. Alström says: “RISE’s unwavering dedication to commercializing scalable solutions enabled by advanced technology is the same pioneering spirit that has fueled Danfoss’ journey from startup to industry leader. “We look forward to working toward these goals together.”
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Danfoss and RISE Robotics collaborate on new innovation to ‘accelerate electrification of heavy machinery’

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RISE Robotics, the Zero Emission heavy machinery company, announced that it has been selected to receive a $1.7 Million TACFI* (Tactical Funding Increase) by AFVentures to modernize United States Air Force Ground Support Equipment. The TACFI significantly contributes to modernizing a critical piece of handling equipment for aircraft munitions, the MHU-083 Jammer, which is an essential enabling component for the USAF to demonstrate strategic deterrence and global reach. Patented RISE Technology delivers a machine capable of unprecedented levels of performance and efficiency for an extensive suite of support vehicles. The award directly supports the Air Force’s need for more efficient, effective, and electrically powered loading equipment. RISE Robotics CEO, Arron Acosta commented, “We are honored to bring RISE  machine technology to United States Air Force warfighters to modernize the equipment they use to be more available, more efficient, more productive and safe. It is estimated that there are over 2,000 Jammers in service today, which illustrates how important this is to Air Force operations and how significant the business opportunity is for RISE Robotics.”
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RISE Robotics zero emission machines incorporate the patented RISE Cylinder (US Patent 11255416, Patent Pending: WO2019/014259), a fluid-free, electromechanical alternative to hydraulic cylinders for heavy equipment and machinery that addresses the battery-electrification problems inherent in hydraulic systems by delivering hydraulic-like forces at unprecedented efficiency, precision, speed, and weight. RISE Cylinder uses up to 90% less energy than hydraulic cylinders. Founded in 2011 by graduates of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), RISE Robotics is a high-growth technology company backed by The Engine, a Tough Tech venture capital fund built by MIT, Greentown Labs, and Techstars.

RISE Robotics Awarded $1.7 Million Contract to Modernize United States Air Force Ground Support Equipment

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The US Air Force has been trying to upgrade its munitions handling equipment for years, and it has just announced that a robot has won the job. The idea is to improve precision and safety, reduce noise, cut the use of diesel fuel, and give the Air Force a leg up on its electrification plans. At this writing, investigators are collecting evidence of mass executions and other atrocities committed in Ukraine by Russia. Millions are fleeing and in need of assistance. To help refugees from that conflict and others, donate to the International Rescue Committee or other reliable aid organizations. A New Robot For The US Air Force…Eventually
The Air Force uses a diesel-powered truck called the MHU-83 Jammer to transport and lift bombs into aircraft, which sounds a bit tame but is actually a critical task. After all, what is a bomber without its bombs? MHU stands for materials handling unit and “Jammer” is the nickname. Back in 2003 the Air Force studied the concept of a hybrid electric Jammer , and it took note of various benefits:
“By converting the MHU-83 into an HEV, the U.S. Air Force will improve fuel efficiency, improve emissions, and eliminate, at the very least, the need for an auxiliary power cart. This dual-use technology will meet a variety of markets, ranging from power generation, to more efficient forklifts,” they enthused. So Close & Yet So Far
The study included a look at the feasibility of electrifying the hydraulic system with electric motors, but apparently a next-generation robotic lift was not in the cards. By 2015, the US Air Force was very excited to receive an order of new, nuclear-certified MHU-83 Jammers to replace its existing fleet of 20-year-old lifters, even though the hydraulic system had a major flaw in the hosing that sent truck after truck to the repair shop. All’s well that ends well. Air Force technicians spotted the problem and came up with a quick, relatively inexpensive fix to prevent accidents such as dropping a 5,000-pound bomb on the tarmac during the loading process. “The new line will improve safety for the weapon loaders as well as improve efficiency and save money,” the Air Force remarked at the time, but apparently it was already scouting around for a next-generation solution. The Many Advantages Of Electrification
Sure enough, last fall the Air Force included the Massachusetts startup RISE Robotics in a suite of competitively selected next-generation clean tech projects . “The startup’s core technology is an electrically powered mechanical linear actuator with all of the abilities of a hydraulic cylinder but vastly improved efficiency and control,” the Air Force explained. In the latest development, last week the Air Force tapped RISE Robotics for a new $1.7 million award, which could eventually lead to the electrification of hundreds of Jammers as well as other equipment if all goes according to plan. The US Army is interested in RISE Robotics’s technology as well, and little wonder. Compared to conventional hydraulics, RISE describes its lift system as “more efficient, durable, and precise…doubling runtime, reducing maintenance intervals, and enabling unparalleled control under any conditions.”
“The proprietary steel-reinforced flat belts support high load density and deliver a long service life that enables operators and owners to perform the same job that their diesel machines performed without the mess and maintenance issues of hydraulic systems,” they emphasize. “RISE™Technology cost is comparable to a modern hydraulic system but eliminates the fluid, reservoir, pumps, valves, blocks, seals, lines and hoses, not to mention cooling system and maintenance costs,” they add. They also note that the system relies on passive cooling, so it requires no antifreeze. RISE Robotics also emphasizes that its equipment is quiet, enabling personnel to “better concentrate on their work and communicate among themselves,” which is a good thing when handling 5,000-pound bombs. Aside from cutting through maintenance costs like butter, RISE Robotics also addresses a key priority of the US Department of Defense, which is to reduce the use of toxic substances . “One liter of hydraulic oil can pollute up to one million liters of water,” the company notes. US Air Force Hearts Energy Efficiency
As for the planet-saving angle, RISE Robotics states that its lift system can deliver superior performance at half the total energy consumption compared to a conventional hydraulic system, with 65-90% energy savings for the actuator features alone. Part of the savings comes from designing the lift version of regenerative braking into the system. “The high reduction, belt-driven linear power transmission has native regenerative lowering which returns energy back to the battery, charges the battery, and reduces the overall energy demands on the battery-electric machine,” RISE Robotics explains. The steep cut in energy consumption dovetails with the Air Force’s carbon-negative vision for the Department of Defense . It has been pushing the clean tech envelope in all directions, and RISE is just one piece of a very large puzzle. Carbon-free flight may be the first thing that comes to mind for decarbonizing USAF, but human-piloted electric aircraft are not ready for their national defense close-up. Biofuel is another avenue that has yet to bear fruit at scale, though other forms of synthetic fuel could be on the horizon. Instead, the USAF has been getting plenty of planet-saving action from its ground operations. It has been milking the low hanging fruit of energy efficiency upgrades at its facilities around the world, deploying tried and true technology that is already at hand. It also keeps a steady eye on the decarbonization policies of its host countries. The principles that drive the upgrades are to “design and implement electrical systems that comply with the newest building codes, help achieve green building certifications, and support ‘active’ energy management programs compliant with global best practices,” the Air Force explained in an email to CleanTechnica last year. All This And Space Solar, Too
The Air Force is also known for pushing the market for solar energy, as an early adopter of utility scale solar arrays at its air bases here on Earth. Now it has set its sights on making space solar happen , which would be nice to have from a national defense point of view. It’s also important to note, though, that the equipment for rapid decarbonization is already here, at hand, in the form of new energy efficient systems as well as renewable energy. The wheel has already been invented by engineers and scientists. Now it’s time for global policy makers to do their job, and shut the door on the global fossil energy economy. Follow me on Twitter @TinaMCasey .

US Air Force Makes Diesel-Killing Robot Do The Heavy Lifting

Former Caterpillar executive brings three decades of global business experience to the electromechanical systems startup focused on reducing the energy consumption of heavy machinery in the material handling, trucking, construction, mining and defense industries
February 25, 2021 01:35 PM Eastern Standard Time
SOMERVILLE, Mass.--( BUSINESS WIRE )-- RISE Robotics , a leader in high-performance and cost effective electric linear actuation solutions, today announced that Ken Gray has joined the company as Vice President of Business Development. Gray brings his extensive background in construction and mining equipment innovation to the role, which oversees the expansion and commercialization of RISE Technology in industrial applications through collaborations with key heavy equipment manufacturing partners. Gray is an internationally recognized manufacturing executive, who spent more than 25 years in senior product and innovation roles at Caterpillar in the U.S., Asia and Europe. He is credited with the development of Caterpillar’s first hybrid construction machine, lauded as one of the ten most innovative products in the iconic brand’s 95-year history. In his more than three decades of experience developing, manufacturing, marketing, and supporting construction and mining equipment, Gray has established an extensive global network among heavy equipment customers and dealers. Prior to being named Caterpillar’s first Global Director of Innovation, Gray held worldwide P&L responsibility for their large and small excavator product lines. “Ken Gray has been leading the effort to improve the efficiency of heavy machinery for more than a decade,” said Arron Acosta, CEO of RISE Robotics. “We are thrilled to welcome Ken to our mission as he lends his incredible experience to unlocking new possibilities for RISE technology. His unmatched industry relationships coupled with his determination brings together titans of industry - his friends as well as his former rivals – to collaborate on transformative new technologies moving heavy machinery closer to electrification and ultimately sustainability.”
“Imagine a machine without pumps, valves, blocks, tubes, hoses and seals that uses one-quarter of the energy of the best of today's machines. Imagine no leaks, no fuel, no emissions. Imagine a machine that's remarkably quiet and out-lifts, out-digs and operates smoother than anything that's ever been built,” said Gray. “RISE Robotics’ mission is to enable that imagination to become reality. I’m excited to partner with the team and board to make RISE technology synonymous with Solid-State Hydraulics™.”
Gray holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Bradley University and has completed executive development programs at Bradley University, the Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland, Singularity University and Stanford University. Gray’s products have been recognized with Caterpillar Chairman’s Awards for Innovation, Quality and Continuous Improvement, an Edison Award, a Platts Global Energy Award, a CALSTART Blue Sky Award, an Environmental Leader Top Product of the Year Award, and an Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Award among others. ABOUT RISE ROBOTICS
RISE Robotics is the leader in high-performance and cost effective electric linear actuation solutions. RISE helps designers embrace high-efficiency, fuel saving actuation solutions that compete with hydraulic cylinders. Designed for medium and heavy duty applications, the RISE Cylinder provides fuel and emissions reductions, improves productivity and extends machine life. Find RISE online: https://www.riserobotics.com/

Ken Gray Joins RISE Robotics as Vice President of Business Development

By Amit Chowdhry ● April 12, 2020
RISE Robotics Raises $3 Million Led By MIT’s The Engine
RISE Robotics, a leader in high-performance and cost-effective electric linear actuation solutions, announced it raised $3 million in funding led by The Engine
RISE Robotics — a leader in high-performance and cost-effective electric linear actuation solutions — announced it has raised $3 million in funding led by The Engine — which a venture firm spun out of MIT that invests in early-stage Tough Tech companies aiming to solve the most urgent problems like climate change through breakthroughs in science, engineering, and leadership. RISE Robotics’ technology is disrupting how linear actuators are engineered and makes the shift from diesel to electric systems possible while being cost-effective and environmentally responsible. And linear actuators create the push-and-pull movements in the mechanisms of heavy machinery — which are essential for lifting and loading materials across many industries, including construction, agriculture, and waste management. Without linear actuators excavators would be unable to dig, garbage trucks could not crush, and forklifts cannot lift. Today, the majority of heavy machines rely on hydraulic systems, powered by diesel to enable motion. This is the most essential and the most wasteful component in the overall motion system as it produces an estimated 55 million tons of carbon dioxide annually in the U.S. alone, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The industry has struggled with the slow pace of innovation and the high-cost of using electricity as a power source for heavy machinery. The additional funding will be used for supporting RISE Robotics’ work with a leading forklift manufacturer to accelerate the electrification of its machinery thus increasing the performance of the manufacturer’s existing electric forklifts and enabling the electrification of its larger-scale machinery, which is currently diesel-fueled. RISE Robotics’ co-founders Arron Acosta and Blake Sessions had met while at MIT and formed the company with Toomas Sepp and Kyle Dell’Aquila. The company was also part of the Techstars accelerator and received angel funding from notable Boston investors and advisors including John P. Strauss, William J. Warner, and angel investor Walter A. Winshall. RISE Robotics currently has two commercial agreements: one with a major manufacturer of lifting machinery and another with the U.S. Air Force. The Engine general partner Reed Sturtevant and Winshall will join RISE Robotics’ Board of Directors. Key Quotes:
“Hybrid and electric retrofits to existing hydraulic systems are more expensive than the existing diesel systems and are much harder to control. Hydraulics are slowing and literally weighing down the adoption of electrically powered heavy machines. The RISE platform offers a completely new mechanical motion technology that makes electric-powered motor-to-movement solutions possible. It’s a game-changer for any manufacturer trying to electrify its heavy machinery.”
-Arron Acosta, CEO and Co-founder of RISE Robotics
“It takes a lot to make a machine move. Displacing hydraulics is just the first application of RISE Robotics’ IP for improving motion and electrifying heavy machinery. Their research, approach and systems will be crucial in evolving how other key mechanical components work, but most importantly these innovations to the fundamentals of how machinery moves will lead the industry toward not just compliance with emissions standards but helping heavy machinery become an oil-free, zero-emissions industry in the future.”
-The Engine general partner Reed Sturtevant

RISE Robotics Raises $3 Million Led By MIT’s The Engine

Ekotrope

Apple

Vecna Technologies

This collection includes startups developing autonomous ground robots, unmanned aerial vehicles, robotic arms, and underwater drones, among other robotic systems. This collection also includes companies developing operating systems and vision modules for robots.

Robotics

Series A - II

Rise Robotics designs, makes, and sells breakthrough mechanical products. The company's first product, Bacon Robotic Air Compressor, disrupts handheld air compressors.

Name	Work History	Title	Status
Arron Acosta	Ekotrope, and Apple	Founder, Chief Executive Officer	Current
Toomas Sepp	Vecna Technologies	Founder	Current
Blake Sessions		Founder	Current

Name	Arron Acosta	Toomas Sepp	Blake Sessions
Work History	Ekotrope, and Apple	Vecna Technologies
Title	Founder, Chief Executive Officer	Founder	Founder
Status	Current	Current	Current

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