RISE Robotics Raises Millions to Drive Electrification and Sustainability of Heavy Machinery
RISE Robotics has raised money to further their efforts in the development of electric and mechanical systems.
Who is RISE Robotics?
RISE Robotics, a company in Massachusetts, has been taking on the task of developing a greener future for the heavy equipment industry. Their plan focuses on reducing CO2 emissions through state of the art linear actuators. They want to help move toward an oil-free, zero-emissions standard for the entire industry, where the machinery not only meets emission standards but eliminates emissions of CO2 altogether.
A graphic of heavy machinery from RISE Robotics. Image used courtesy of RISE Robotics.
The actuators are used to replace hydraulic cylinders in heavy equipment, that traditionally produce a large amount of CO2. Replacing hydraulics with linear actuators serves more than a singular function however, RISE promises longer run times between maintenance, and lifetime lubrication of the cylinders, further reducing downtime and cost for equipment.
Support for the Idea
RISE has managed to earn $3 million worth of funding for their effort toward the elimination of hydraulic systems in heavy machinery and equipment. The funding came from several companies in search of solutions to reduce greenhouse gasses through science and technology. RISE hopes the funding will help to speed up the process of converting heavy machinery that is traditionally diesel-powered to 100% electric powered. The hydraulic systems required to move the machinery up to this point has been a major hold up in the process, which RISE plans to eliminate.
Advantages of Linear Actuators
Linear actuators offer some competitive advantages over their hydraulic counterparts. Although the initial costs can be higher, which RISE is hoping to reduce, they have a lower maintenance cost than hydraulic cylinders in long term installations. This means that a change to electric power can benefit companies looking to reduce maintenance costs through saved labor, and shorter lengths of downtime.
Installation is simplified because actuators only require wires to operate and don’t use the same complex plumbing that is required with hydraulics. Since the installation is simple with an actuator, labor cost is saved when building the equipment to help offset the higher cost of the actuator in comparison to a hydraulic cylinder.
From a safety standpoint, linear actuators stand out, and they can be designed to be self-locking, preventing movement in the event of a power failure or problem with the equipment using the device.
A RISE Cylinder. Image used courtesy of RISE Robotics.
Depending on the specifics of a failure in a hydraulic system, the results can be much more damaging. On a piece of heavy machinery, if the hydraulic line running to the cylinder is cut or there is a sudden large leak in the plumbing, the cylinder will lose its ability to hold its load. It can be dangerous if the equipment loses its hydraulic pressure at a critical moment, causing damage or personal injury to operators.
With an actuator, the wires to the system can be cut or lose contact with the power source and they will simply stop moving and should not lose control of their load like a hydraulic cylinder might.
RISE is paving their own trail to a brighter future in the heavy equipment industry. They have managed to raise a lot of support for their idea and will put it to use, staying focused on making a cost-effective way for heavy equipment manufactures and users to move to a greener platform for the work they perform.
Eliminating the need for hydraulic oil reduces the amount of oil needed globally by a large margin. Linear actuators require less maintenance and can help to improve safety for the workers using the equipment.
