When flying cargo from one part of the world to another, you typically need a pilot for two parts: The take-off and the landing. As so elegantly outlined in the 1980 Jim Abrahams movie !Airplane the rest of the time, youre pretty much on instruments. Reliable Robotics is aiming to solve that pesky needing-to-have-a-pilot-in-the-plane problem by, instead, putting the pilot on the ground when you need it, and leave the plane to find its destination on its own the rest of the time. Coatue Ventures, Lightspeed Ventures, Eclipse Ventures, Teamworthy Ventures and Pathbreaker Ventures all believe this is the future, to the point of backing the Mountain View, California-based company with a $130 million of total funding. The company today announced its $100 million Series C funding, led by Coatue Management.
The funds will go toward scaling the team and supporting its first aircraft certification program working toward commercial cargo operations. In the first instance, the company is working on automation systems for existing aircraft. They have been experimenting and developing using a Cessna 172, which started flying unmanned flights a couple of years ago.
Back in September 2019, Reliable Robotics flew a Cessna 172 with no one on board in airspace just outside of San Jose, California.
The company was founded in 2017, and was operating in stealth mode until last year. Its technology handles all phases of flight, including taxi, takeoff, landing and parking, while licensed pilots remotely supervise the flights from a control center. Reliable Robotics suggests that the systems theyve developed are able to auto-land on smaller airstrips in rural or remote areas without requiring additional infrastructure or technology to be installed at the airports.
The business case is simple: Pilots are the most expensive aspects of running cargo operations, with similar restrictions to road-based trucking operations: The vast majority of trucking is boring and monotonous work where the drivers are the most common source of failure. In the air, replacing the qualified pilots with autonomous systems that can be overridden from the ground means that the cost goes down, and the utilization of the aircraft skyrockets.
Who needs pilots, anyway? Image Credits: Reliable Robotics
We believe Reliable Robotics is a leader in aircraft automation for commercial aviation, said Jaimin Rangwalla, a senior managing director at Coatue. We were impressed by the teams clear vision, measured certification progress and track record of industry achievement. We are proud and excited to support Reliables goal to be the first to deliver FAA-certified, remotely piloted systems to market.
The companys main selling point is connecting regional and municipal airports across the country. For starters, the company is focusing on increasing efficiency and decreasing the cost of hauling cargo around. Reliable Robotics also hints at a future where passengers can step aboard the remotely piloted planes. The company is also evaluating emerging electric and hybrid aircraft platforms.
Of course, people are a little twitchy about the safety aspects of self-driving cars and planes add a literal additional dimension to the mix. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is keeping a close eye on Reliable and other commercial operators in this space, but the agency has greenlit a number of authorizations for experimental unmanned aircraft.
We appreciate our public-private partnership with the FAA and NASA as we work to integrate our Remotely Operated Aircraft System into the airspace. We intend to bring unprecedented safety and reliability to todays commercial aircraft, said Robert Rose, co-founder and CEO of Reliable Robotics. Close collaboration with our public institutions, strong backing from visionary investors and keen interest within the cargo industry further accelerates our mission to expand everyones access to air transportation.
The rest is here:
- Robotics - Gizmag [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- Download Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio 4 from ... [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2016]
- Robotics News & Articles - IEEE Spectrum [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2016]
- Robotics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2016]
- Robotics News & Articles - IEEE Spectrum [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2016]
- RIA - Robotics Online - Industrial Robot Automation [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2016]
- Three Laws of Robotics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2016]
- Robotics [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2016]
- Houston Robotics [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2016]
- Home - Illinois Tech Robotics [Last Updated On: August 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 27th, 2016]
- Robotics - Wikibooks, open books for an open world [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2016]
- JPL Robotics: Home Page [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2016]
- ABB Robotics [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2016]
- Softbank Robotics | Humanoid robotics & programmable robots [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2016]
- Robotics - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2016]
- STEM Robotics 101 NXT | STEMRobotics [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2016]
- Industrial Electronics and Robotics Technician [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2016]
- Future of Robotics|Robots of the Future|Robot Links [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2016]
- Industrial Robotics Training | School of Technology [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2016]
- Robotics | An Open Access Journal from MDPI [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2016]
- Robotics Technician & Automation Training - Online Course in ... [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2016]
- Rich Hooper, PhD, PE: Robotics Engineer [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2016]
- Robotics Toolbox - PeterCorke.com [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2016]
- ROBOTC | Robotics Academy [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2016]
- How have robots changed manufacturing? | HowStuffWorks [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2016]
- Professional Development | Robotics Academy [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2016]
- Robotics Academy [Last Updated On: December 14th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 14th, 2016]
- KUKA Robotics | KUKA AG [Last Updated On: December 14th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 14th, 2016]
- Robotics Engineer - Science Buddies [Last Updated On: December 24th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 24th, 2016]
- Robotics - reddit [Last Updated On: January 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 10th, 2017]
- Preorder Snap Flying Camera | Vantage Robotics [Last Updated On: January 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 25th, 2017]
- Robotics - The Great Courses [Last Updated On: January 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 25th, 2017]
- Belding hosts largest robotics competition in history of event - Greenville Daily News [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Robohub Digest 01/17: New year, new perspectives and forecasts for the year ahead in AI, machine learning and ... - Robohub [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Robotics-focused ETFs see big gains, Trump could hasten trend - MarketWatch [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Robotics competition events help teens express creativity - Monroe Evening News [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- First Tech Challenge: High schools battle in robotics competition - The Journal News | LoHud.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Gemini school robotics team wins in 'FIRST' competition - Chicago Tribune [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- TMRIES to impart robotics education - The Hindu - The Hindu [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Meridian robotics team gears up for Idaho FRC Regional - KBOI-TV [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- South High wins Volvo's robotics tournament - Herald-Mail Media [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Local robotics students headed to World Championship tournament - KOLO [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Oxford Hills robotics club to compete in North American championship - Lewiston Sun Journal [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Panther engineering and robotics team paves pathways to innovation - Clay County Free Press.com (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Shopping robots on the march in Ocado - BBC News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- OHS robotics club dazzles McKinley students - Southernminn.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Toyota Industries Acquires Warehouse Robotics Developer - WSJ - Wall Street Journal [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Rehab robotics field promises to return control, mobility to aging population - Arizona State University [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Mount Paran Christian School Robotics Team has engineered their way to State Competition - MDJOnline.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- 33C3: Edible Soft Robotics - Hackaday [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Keller students Starstruck on robotics - Fort Worth Star Telegram [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- WPI Robotics Team Has a Mission with Mars | News | WPI - WPI News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Rethink's Robots Get Massive Software Upgrade, Rodney Brooks So Excited - IEEE Spectrum [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Front Porch: Vision Charter robotics teams perform well at state - Idaho Press-Tribune [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Raspberry Pi-powered arm: This kit aims to make robotics simple ... - TechRepublic [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Roam Robotics' lightweight, inexpensive exoskeleton for the masses - New Atlas [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Rehab robotics field promises to return control, mobility to aging population - ScienceBlog.com (blog) [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Rethink Robotics rethinks its software | ZDNet - ZDNet [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Home-schooled students studying robotics - Valencia County News Bulletin [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Botetourt 4-H Phoenix Robotics team sets sights on success - Roanoke Times [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Hartland robotics teams take on the FIRST Tech challenge at state competition - Lake Country Now [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- iFuture Robotics cuts manpower needs of warehouses with its mobile robots - YourStory.com [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Crescent Valley robotics focused on developing freshmen - Corvallis Gazette Times [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- CyPhy, Mitsubishi, and Soft Robotics Join Robo Madness on March 28 - Xconomy [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Agility Robotics Introduces Cassie, a Dynamic and Talented Robot ... - IEEE Spectrum [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- FIRST Robotics Competition - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Raptor legs & human hips: Giant leap for walking robots - RT [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Patriot Robotics Alliance upsets Brentwood Academy Alliances - Clarksville Now [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- South Beach robotics squad advances to super regionals - The Daily World [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- How drones and robotics may shape the future of conflict under President Trump - PRI [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Personal robotics the next technological revolution: Dr Vivian Balakrishnan - Channel NewsAsia [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Ford Bets $1B on Startup Founded by Waymo, Uber Vets - ABC News [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Woodall robotics team competes in Broken Arrow - Muskogee Daily Phoenix [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Students Compete in LEGO Robotics Design Contest in Brooklyn - NY1 [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Essex County Freeholders Honor Livingston Robotics Club Teams - TAPinto.net [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Robotics event offers lesson in teamwork - Lewiston Morning Tribune (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Face off: Marion students compete in robotics competition - The Exponent Telegram (press release) (registration) [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Freshman Caldwell team takes first place in Regional Robotics Tournament - Idaho Press-Tribune [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Ford Motor bets $1 billion on robotics startup - Toledo Blade [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Alice Shaw robotics team building invention to save wolves | Local ... - Lompoc Record [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]