Hardware Podcasts

Relay Robotics launches expanded cargo Relay2 robot

The Robot Report Podcast · 9 Jun 2023 · 55m

What this episode covers

Relay Robotics CEO Michael O'Donnell and CTO Steve Cousins discuss the launch of the Relay2 delivery robot, which features a payload double that of the original Relay1, increasing capacity from 5 to 10 gallons. O'Donnell explains how the shift in hotel guest behavior toward third-party delivery apps like DoorDash and Grubhub created a demand for larger cargo spaces to transport food bags, while also highlighting the robot's utility in healthcare for delivering medications and crash kits. Cousins details the technical evolution, specifically the removal of the mechanical elevator button-pushing blade in favor of software integration with elevator controllers from companies like Otis and Schindler, which reduces weight and improves speed. The episode covers the robot's design-for-manufacturing changes, sensor upgrades for remote mapping, and the company's strategy to upgrade existing fleets while expanding into new hospital contracts.

Most relevant to

companies scaling up

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Relay Robotics, Savioke, Boston Dynamics, Harvest Automation, Waymo, Otis, Schindler, TK Elevator, Kone
Products
Relay2, Relay1, Spot, Turtle, DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats

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