Organization: Collaborative Robotics (Cobot)
Country: U.S.
Website: co.bot/
Year Founded: 2022
Number of Employees: 51-200
Innovation Class: Technology
Collaborative Robotics Inc.'s Proxie is a mobile manipulator distinguished by its fusion of engineering, AI, and user-centered design. It has earned an RBR50 award for its precise solutions to real-world challenges and its adaptability for applications across sectors. The drive base of Proxie features “swerve drive”, a kinematic solution for holonomic motion that (until now) is rarely used for autonomous mobile robots (AMR). Swerve drive is a more complex drive train than mecanum wheels, but it provides fluid, vibration-free motion for the AMR base. Proxie is able to maneuver into and out of tight gaps to position itself to capture and move carts around the facility.
Following extensive beta testing with select customers, Collaborative Robotics launched Proxie in late 2024, emerging from years of secretive development. CEO Brad Porter started with a blank sheet of paper for Proxie’s design after more than a decade leading the robotics engineering team at Amazon Robotics. He co-founded the Santa Clara, Calif.-based company in 2022.
The leadership team at Collaborative Robotics has experience in large-scale robot deployment and innovative business approaches. However, customer feedback highlights Proxie's impact to warehouse, logistics, and healthcare organizations.
The initial market for Proxie is moving carts, but the company is already testing the use of articulated arms onboard the mobile base. With a mobile manipulator, Proxie will able to handle applications such as eaches picking, kitting, and sorting. The company plans to continue adding features to the robot as customer applications demand.
Explore the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards 2025.