Fetch Robotics partners with Innovation Matrix on vision-guided robotics

Innovation Matrix Inc., a distributor of robotic, motion control, and machine vision systems, has announced a partnership with Fetch Robotics, a company that develops vision-guided robotics, including the "Fetch and Freight" system.

"Fetch and Freight" are designed to autonomously complete various tasks in logistics and warehouse operations. The system is comprised of a mobile base (Freight), and an advanced mobile manipulator (Fetch), and is designed specifically to assist in high-pressure logistics and e-commerce warehouse environments. Built upon the open-source robot operating system ROS, the system includes software to support the robots and integrate with the warehouse environment.

The robots are designed to work alongside humans, performing such tasks as warehouse delivery and pick and pack. Used in tandem, Fetch and Freight are capable of handling the vast majority of all items in a typical warehouse, according to Fetch Robotics.

Each of the two robots features different sensors for purposes of autonomous navigation. Fetch has a modular gripper that is equipped with an ISO standard interface, and includes an Ethernet connection so that users can integrate a camera for vision. It also has a PrimeSense RGB 3D depth sensor in its head, which is capable of pan and tilt. Additionally Fetch has a number of mounting points for additional sensors, should the environment require it. In Fetch’s base, there is a charging dock, 25-meter range laser scanner for navigation, and an obstacle avoidance laser from SICK. Freight features also features a 25-meter range 2D laser scanner, which it uses to detect people and follow them around. In addition, Freight—which can navigate as speeds up to 2 meters/s—has a stereo speaker and a computer access panel.

Innovation Matrix, Inc. will now be able to exclusively sell and support Fetch’s products in Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and Australia.

"We are excited about our partnership with Fetch Robotics," according to Eimei Onaga, CEO and founder of Innovation Matrix, Inc. "Through our industrial experience and knowledge of the capabilities of Fetch and Freight, we will be able to provide the best tools and support to our customers to remain competitive in the coming human-robot collaborative era."

Melonee Wise, CEO of Fetch Robotics, also commented. "We are delighted to have Innovation Matrix and Mr. Onaga representing us in these countries," she said. "Mr. Onaga has over 40 years’ experience in robotics business and engineering, has extensive experience in selling industrial and service robots in Asia, and speaks fluent Japanese. This is an excellent team to have develop our distribution in these Asian countries."

View more information on Fetch and Freight.

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