Nov 19, 2021

Next Big Things in Tech includes Rapid Robotics

Rapid Robotics, creator of a ready-to-work robotic machine operator, announced Nov. 19 that it has been named to Fast Company’s inaugural Next Big Things in Tech list, honoring the technology breakthroughs that promise to shape the future of their industries – from healthcare to agriculture to artificial intelligence and more.

Rapid Robotics was recognized for the Rapid Machine Operator (RMO), an all-in-one cobot that gives manufacturers an easy and affordable way to automate common machine tasks and solve their labor shortages. Unlike other cobots, the Rapid Machine Operator needs no integration or training and can be up and running in hours. For an OpEx-friendly all-inclusive subscription of $2,100 per month, the RMO performs a wide range of machine-tending tasks out of the box, such as injection molding, pad printing, heat stamping, pick-and-place and dozens of others across sectors including medical devices, electronics, CPG, automotive and more. Each RMO learns new skills through regular free updates and can be easily moved between tasks – no retraining required.

“The Rapid Machine Operator is the first viable solution to America’s machine operator crisis,” Jordan Kretchmer, co-founder and CEO of Rapid Robotics, said in a news release. “It brings automation within reach of facilities of every size, including ones that never thought they could afford it. It allows them to quickly ramp up production and take on new projects while upskilling existing staff. It’s what American manufacturers need to win more business in a global marketplace.”

Rapid Robotics is the creator of a robotic machine operator (RMO) designed for simple machine tasks. Available for just $25K a year and requiring absolutely no programming, systems integration, specialized hardware or robotics skills, the Rapid Machine Operator enables manufacturers to easily deploy a pre-trained cobot in hours, moving it between tasks as needed and seeing ROI in months.

Rapid Robotics’ founding team combines robotics and manufacturing expertise with a SaaS business model to deliver affordable solutions to real-world industry problems. Investors include Tiger Global, Kleiner Perkins, NEA, Greycroft, Bee Partners and 468 Capital. Rapid Robotics is based in San Francisco, California.