Rethink Robotics's CASE STUDY

At Rethink Robotics, we are radically reshaping the industrial automation landscape with pioneering solutions that seamlessly augment human productivity. Founded in 2008 by the esteemed robotics visionary Rodney Brooks, our venture stands as a beacon of ingenuity and practicality in the world of collaborative robotics—often referred to as "cobots."
As we set out to reform the intricate dance between robots and human counterparts on the manufacturing floor, our flagship products, Baxter and Sawyer, emerged as icons, embodying a delicate balance of sophistication and user-friendly adaptability.

The Genesis of an Ambitious Dream

Rodney Brooks' ambition was clear from the inception: make automation accessible not just for the tech elite, but for SMEs that lacked a PhD-level understanding of robotics. Our headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, became a crucible of innovation, producing robots that could be easily trained by non-engineers and were financially feasible for businesses of various scales.
We knew our endeavor was ambitious. However, the potential benefits for industries such as automotive, electronics, and logistics were immense. Robots that could learn tasks with minimal downtime, adapt to varying tasks, and work safely alongside humans had the potential to redefine manufacturing. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the use of industrial robots is projected to increase by 12% annually from 2021 to 2024, attesting to the growing appetite for automation (IFR, World Robotics Report 2021).

Distinguishing Ourselves in a Saturated Market

What sets Rethink Robotics apart is not just our groundbreaking technology but also our business philosophy. We recognized that industries needed more than just sophisticated machinery—they needed solutions that integrated smoothly into their existing processes. To this end, our revenue model is multifaceted, ensuring both sustainability and growth.
First, we offer direct sales of our cobots, which are augmented by software licenses that power our robots' proprietary operating systems. Maintenance contracts, extended warranties, and specialized training programs provide recurring revenue while ensuring comprehensive support for clients. According to a study by Deloitte, companies that offered extensive training and customer support experienced 35% higher satisfaction rates and 22% higher productivity (Deloitte’s 2020 Global Human Capital Trends).

Elevating Operational Efficiency

A defining moment came when one of our prominent clients, a mid-sized automotive parts manufacturer, faced a daunting challenge. They were struggling with labor shortages and rising operational costs.
Enter Sawyer, our adaptable cobot. Sawyer was deployed to handle repetitive and labor-intensive tasks. The results were astonishing: productivity rose by 30%, operational costs dropped by 20%, and job satisfaction among human workers improved as they were freed to focus on higher-value activities.
Our robots' advanced AI and machine learning capabilities are what make these results possible. Powered by sophisticated algorithms, our cobots can learn and relearn tasks, making them infinitely flexible. As a result, businesses enjoy minimal downtime, and the robots can be swiftly redeployed to different tasks, amplifying efficiency and productivity.

Intuitive Design and Ease of Use

Our approach is also characterized by an unwavering commitment to user-friendly design. We wanted to democratize the use of robotics. Thus, our robots are designed to be easily trainable by non-engineers. Through an interface that is both intuitive and aesthetically appealing, we enable everyday workers to program complex tasks without extensive training.
This usability was vividly demonstrated in a multiple-shift packaging facility that adopted Baxter. Previously, the facility grappled with long training periods and frequent downtimes. After implementing Baxter, the training time was slashed by 50%, and the downtime dropped by 40%. This transformational change was captured in a revealing case study published by the Robotics Industries Association (RIA, 2021).

Value-Added Services and Comprehensive Support

We recognized early that hardware alone couldn't fulfill our clients' broad spectrum of needs. Thus, we extended our offerings to include comprehensive training programs, technical support, and extensive customization services. This strategic move not only enriched our revenue streams but also deepened customer loyalty and satisfaction.
Our value proposition encapsulates what industries desperately seek: enhanced workplace safety, cost-effective automation, and infused operational efficiency. With cobots that adapt, reduce operational costs, and improve workforce capabilities, we address an expansive array of customer needs—whether functional, emotional, or social.

The Impactful Ecosystem of Partners

Our success is also grounded in an expansive ecosystem of partners. From industrial robot manufacturers and software development firms to research organizations and academic institutions, these partnerships enable us to stay at the forefront of innovation. By leveraging these alliances, we can offer cutting-edge solutions while ensuring robust support and implementation.
The impact of our collaborative efforts was best exemplified during a joint project with a prominent electronics manufacturer. By integrating our customizable Sawyer robots into their assembly lines, the manufacturer achieved a 25% reduction in defects and a 15% increase in throughput. This successful collaboration highlighted the potent synergies that can unfold when industry innovators join forces.

A Vision for the Future

Our forward momentum remains strong as we continue to redefine the paradigm of industrial automation. We are driven by the belief that every business, regardless of size, should have access to transformative automation solutions. With an unyielding commitment to innovation, we aim to continue developing cobots that are safer, smarter, and more adaptable.
As industries worldwide embrace the wave of automation, our mission is more critical than ever. In an age where the demand for efficiency and adaptability is paramount, Rethink Robotics stands ready to lead the charge with solutions that truly rethink the relationship between human and machine.
We invite you to join us on this exciting journey. By embracing the future of robotics, together, we can forge a path toward unprecedented productivity and innovation.
For more information, visit us at: [Rethink Robotics](http://www.rethinkrobotics.com/)