Rover Robotics

Partner Spotlight: Cogniteam At Rover Robotics, we thrive on building partnerships that amplify innovation, and we’re excited to highlight our collaboration with Cogniteam! Together, we’re pushing the boundaries of AIoT and robotics to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions for industries across the globe. Cogniteam’s mission to "Control, Manage, and Deploy" robotics is perfectly aligned with Rover Robotics' vision of empowering unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) with cutting-edge technology. Their expertise in AIoT and Robotics is reshaping the future of automation, offering tailored solutions that elevate everything from in-house operations to scalable robotic manufacturing. Why Cogniteam? Cogniteam’s Monitor and Control feature empowers organizations to deploy, manage, and operate robots in real-time, ensuring precision, efficiency, and adaptability for any task. Whether it’s scaling robotic manufacturing or enabling as-a-service solutions, their tools make complex robotics challenges easier to tackle. We’re excited about this partnership and the opportunities it creates for our customers. Together, we’re transforming the landscape of robotics with innovation and collaboration. Learn more about Cogniteam here: https://www.cogniteam.com/ #PartnerSpotlight #RoverRobotics #Cogniteam #AIoT #RoboticsInnovation #UGVs #AMRs #NVIDIA

Don’t always use ROS! First things first: ROS is a wonderful framework for robotics. However, like everything in robotics, you must carefully consider whether it’s the right choice for your project rather than adopting it by default. As with any tool, ROS has its drawbacks. For instance, it comes with numerous dependencies. This means you’ll need to manage these dependencies, which can increase the required storage size and the complexity. Furthermore, the learning curve to get ROS functioning seamlessly on your device can be quite steep. Here’s an example: if you’re building a small IoT device with a single simple sensor and no need for navigation, ROS might be overkill. On the other hand, if you’re designing a rover with complex behaviors, ROS could be the perfect fit. Why am I mentioning this? Because many people complain about ROS when their use case doesn’t actually require it. On the Botronics side, our golf trolley relies on ROS, and we’re 100% convinced it is the right choice! The lesson here is simple: use the right tool for the right job. ??

Welcome to the Team, Shashank Sharma! It’s with great excitement that we officially welcome Shashank Sharma as a full-time member of the Rover Robotics team! Shashank has been with us since the summer of 2023, contributing as an intern, and we couldn’t be prouder to see him step into this new role as a Robotics Software Engineer. Hailing from Madhya Pradesh in India, Shashank began his academic pursuit in South India, completing his undergraduate degree before making a leap across the globe to earn his M.S. in Robotics from the University of Minnesota. His passion, drive, and technical expertise have been instrumental in advancing our mission here at Rover Robotics. A fun fact about Shashank: Since moving to Minnesota in September 2022, he’s embraced one of the most quintessentially Minnesotan activities—downhill skiing! For someone from a country where snow is a rarity, diving headfirst into Minnesota’s extreme winters (and slopes) is no small feat. We’re still not sure what’s more impressive—his robotics skills or his determination to conquer double-black diamonds! We’re thrilled to have Shashank on board full-time and can’t wait to see the incredible impact he'll continue to make. #MSRobotics #RobotDeveloper #TechTalent #CareerJouney #Welcometotheteam #GlobalTalent #EngineeringExcellence #MeetTheTeam #MNRI #UMN

Exploring Robotics in the Heart of a Granite Mine Rover Robotics recently had the incredible opportunity to test the SICK Sensor Intelligence MultiScan 100 at a granite mine alongside the talented University of Minnesota Robotics team. It was an inspiring experience to see our Rover UGV in action, pushing the boundaries of technology in such a rugged and dynamic environment. Highlights from the Visit: -Lidar Scanning near granite walls to showcase the precision of the MultiScan 100 in capturing complex 3D point clouds. -Using Point Cloud Data to analyze cracks, drill locations, and to map the mine -Driving through the expansive mine alongside hardworking miners, wrapping up their day with a sense of camaraderie. We’re especially grateful to ColdSpring for hosting us and providing this invaluable testing ground. A special thanks to Richard Taylor, Michael O'Connor, and Steve Konop for their support and insights throughout the visit. This collaboration underscores the power of innovation and teamwork in advancing robotics for industrial applications. We’re excited about the possibilities and can’t wait to see what’s next! Stay tuned for more updates as we refine and expand our capabilities in challenging environments. #RobotMines #NVIDIA #SickMultiscan #UofM #GraniteMine

What is a Point Cloud? A point cloud is a collection of data points in space. Each point represents the precise location of an object or surface in a given environment, captured by LiDAR sensors. These data points are measured based on the time it takes for a laser emitted by the LiDAR to return after hitting an object. The density and accuracy of a point cloud depend on the type of LiDAR sensor (2D or 3D) and the scanning technology. How Does 2D LiDAR Generate Point Clouds? A 2D LiDAR sensor captures data in a single horizontal plane, creating a flat, two-dimensional representation of the environment. It measures distances in a circular sweep around the sensor. Example of a 2D LiDAR Point Cloud: Use Case: Robot navigation in warehouses. Output: A 2D map that shows walls, obstacles, and pathways as a top-down view. Limitation: No vertical information—objects like hanging signs or varying terrain are not detected. How Does 3D LiDAR Generate Point Clouds? A 3D LiDAR sensor captures data in multiple planes or layers, creating a volumetric map of the environment. This is achieved by either rotating the LiDAR sensor or using multiple laser emitters at different angles. Example of a 3D LiDAR Point Cloud: Use Case: Autonomous vehicles or UGVs navigating rugged terrains. Output: A 3D model of the environment, including height, depth, and surface contours. Advantage: Can detect overhanging objects, slopes, and other complexities that 2D LiDAR misses. Real-World Examples 2D LiDAR: A UGV in a warehouse uses 2D LiDAR to avoid collisions with walls and stationary obstacles, relying on flat mapping. 3D LiDAR: A UGV equipped with the SICK Sensor Intelligence MultiScan 100 navigates a forest, detecting tree branches, slopes, and uneven ground in real time. Why Point Clouds Matter: Point clouds allow robots to understand their environment in terms of spatial relationships. This data is critical for: Autonomy: Robots make navigation decisions using point clouds to identify pathways and avoid obstacles. Mapping: Point clouds are converted into detailed maps for various applications. Simulation and Training: Point clouds can be used in AI training to simulate real-world environments. #RoverFlipper #Sickindustries #NVIDIA #UGV #AMR #NUC #LIDAR #POINTCLOUD

?? Rover Robotics Water Test: Mission "Lake Dive" Here at Rover Robotics, we’re always pushing the boundaries to make sure our robots are as tough as the environments they’re built for. In this clip, you’ll see one of our rovers take an unexpected dive straight into the lake! Spoiler alert: it floats but isn't exactly Michael Phelps in the water. The best part? After a quick retrieval, the rover is right back on track and ready to roll. Our commitment to durability and waterproofing ensures that Rover Robotics units keep going—whether it’s on land or briefly in water. #RoverRobotics #WaterproofTech #FieldRobots #Innovation #NVIDIA #NUC #Sickindustries #Ouster #Slamtech #ROS2 #Nav2

Happy Halloween from the shadows of Rover Robotics! ???? Our Rover’s bringing the chills with a haunting glow. Beware… there’s more than one way to light up the night! Stay spooky, everyone! Sound Up for full effect!!!! #HappyHalloween #RoverInTheDark #NVIDIA #NUC #SICKINDUSTRIES #OUSTER

Throwback to Rover Robotics in 2018! ?? Back when we were just getting started, we shipped many of our tracked Rovers to police departments across the country. These units played a vital role in tactical operations, helping officers safely access challenging areas and navigate dangerous situations. From high-stakes searches to real-time surveillance, our robots brought cutting-edge support to those who protect and serve. Reflecting on how far we’ve come since those early days makes us incredibly proud and grateful for the trust our partners have placed in us. Here’s to the innovation that got us here and the journey ahead! #RoverRobotics #PoliceTech #Innovation #Throwback #TacticalSupport #Since2018 #Roverflipper #NVIDIA #NUC

Join the Future of Robotics with Rover Robotics At Rover Robotics, our platform is designed to empower researchers, innovators, and tech leaders to push boundaries in a wide range of fields—from agriculture and security to military applications and beyond. Our open-source hardware is built for adaptability, with integrations that enable advanced capabilities like 2D/3D LiDAR, GPS, and camera tech, all configurable via ROS2. Whether you need rugged durability, autonomous navigation, or real-time data capture, Rover Robotics has a solution ready to take on your next challenge. Here’s what makes Rover Robotics a game-changer: Reliable Durability: Built to endure harsh environments, weather-resistant, and engineered for challenging terrains. Cutting-Edge Technology: With capabilities to support applications in agriculture, security, power & utilities, and military sectors. Partner Ready: We’re actively collaborating with partners in various sectors to expand and integrate new technologies seamlessly. Ready to explore new heights in robotics with us? Send us a message or visit our website to learn how Rover Robotics can be the platform for your next innovation. #RoverRobotics #InnovationPlatform #RoboticsHardware #OpenSource #FutureTech #Partnerships #NVIDIA #NUC #SickIndustries

Mapping made simple with 2D Lidar! Check out our Rover in action! With a 2D Lidar sensor, it's navigating around and creating a map in real-time in our toy filled (and slightly messy) lab. But how does it work? A 2D Lidar sends out laser pulses to measure distances in a flat plane, creating a precise layout of the environment. Paired with Nav2, setting up and navigating couldn’t be easier! #RobotTech #MappingTheFuture #RoverRobotics #Lidar #Automation #Nav2 #Nvidia #Nuc #Sickindustries #AMR #AVG