In March 2024, Abhishek Gupta, Jackson Jesionowski, and Ashish Gupta founded Open Droids around the idea of creating an open-source robot platform.
The San Francisco-based company launched the R1D1 single-arm mobile manipulator in August 2024 and had a booth in the startup zone at RoboBusiness 2024. However, Open Droids did not have a physical robot at the show.
Open Droids starts with R1D1
The company said its first product is designed for a range of applications, from domestic chores to industrial tasks. R1D1 features a six degree-of-freedom (DoF) robotic arm with a 62.2 cm (24.4 in.) reach and 3 kg (6.6 lb.) payload.
The robot’s 1.22 m (4 ft.) vertical-stroke actuator allows for height adjustments, enabling operation across various surfaces and environments, according to Open Droids. The R1D1 features an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) base.
The mobile manipulator has a depth camera and advanced image processing with real-time visual perception for autonomous navigation. Self-charging capabilities via automated docking ensure continuous operation, and the unit can move up to 0.67 meters per second (1.4 mph).
More robots coming for retailers, researchers
Open Droids said it is in talks with Baskin-Robbins and Subway for pre-orders. As seen in the video above, the company envisions the robot helping around a store by assisting with replenishment tasks, cleaning up, and even scooping ice cream.
At CES 2025, Open Droids plans to demonstrate its second model, the R2D3, a dual-arm update of the R1D1. The company is on a fast track to bring these solutions to market and is hiring engineering staffers in the U.S., Canada, and India.
Open Droids said its product roadmap includes applications for domestic chores, nursing, retail, and restaurants.
At a price tag of $18,500, the R1D1 is also an option for university research labs looking for an affordable mobile manipulator to develop and evaluate new software or sensors. The company added that its mission supports research and development.
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