Wheeled mobile manipulator uses teleoperation to multi-task

Reflex Robotics offers a compelling alternative to legged humanoids with its wheeled mobile manipulator. Reflex Robotics’ platform features a torso mounted onto a mobile base with two arms that move up and down. The robot offers a payload capacity of 50 lbs and is quite dexterous at picking items off shelves and boxes off the ground.

Its design enables it to navigate dynamic environments without the more challenging mechanical and software challenges that come with legged locomotion. This potentially makes it a strong solution for materials handling tasks.

Reflex Robotics’ founding team previously shipped production hardware at Boston Dynamics, Tesla, Oculus, and ASML. At press time, the company had raised $7 million in funding led by Khosla Ventures, alongside the co-founders of Dropbox and Cruise. The robot is currently teleoperated by humans, which allows it to handle complex and unpredictable tasks in real time.

A key question moving forward is whether Reflex Robotics can develop the necessary AI and decision-making capabilities to enable true autonomy. If successful, this shift would significantly expand its use cases, allowing it to function independently in warehouses, manufacturing floors, and other environments.

Early trials with GXO Logistics in its accelerator program have demonstrated the robot’s ability to assist in warehouse operations, particularly in material handling and repetitive tasks. These tests provide valuable real-world data and a pathway for Reflex Robotics to refine its system for larger-scale deployments.

Explore the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards 2025