RISE® Robotics Welcomes Hiten Sonpal as New CEO Supported by Acosta and Co-Founders

SOMERVILLE, Mass.--RISE™ Robotics is thrilled to announce the appointment of Hiten Sonpal as the company's new Chief Executive Officer. Sonpal, a seasoned leader in robotics and automation, brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision to drive RISE into its next phase of growth and innovation. This strategic move, fully supported by the entire RISE team, underscores our commitment to continued growth and leadership in the industry.

Hiten Sonpal's impressive background includes roles as President at Electric Sheep Robotics, Chief Product Officer and CEO at Mowbot, and key positions at iRobot, where he led engineering and product initiatives. Sonpal’s leadership has been instrumental in the successful shipment of millions of units across various product lines, demonstrating his ability to scale and drive significant business impact.

"I am excited to be part of RISE Robotics and to lead such a talented team,” said Sonpal. “The founders and executive team have uniquely positioned RISE to revolutionize the hydraulics industry with our innovative belt technology. Our mission is to replace every linear hydraulic actuator on Earth with our more efficient and productive solutions."

Since joining RISE Robotics in May, Sonpal has already begun implementing strategic initiatives, including realigning the company's project portfolio and launching an innovative 12-week program allowing employees to work on passion projects every Friday. This initiative aims to harness the internal motivation of the team, driving creativity and advancing the company's technological capabilities.

"I am excited for RISE because Hiten’s fresh perspective and extensive experience are exactly what we need as we accelerate," said Arron Acosta, Co-Founder and VP of Business Development at RISE and Former CEO. "I worked with Hiten leading up to this transition, and I am enjoying working with him now and supporting his leadership." Acosta's continued involvement, along with other Co-Founders Blake Sessions CTO, Toomas Sepp Chief Engineer, and Kyle Dell’Aquila Head of Industrial Design. ensures a unified leadership dedicated to RISE's future success.

Sonpal's strategic focus includes accelerating the time to market for RISE Robotics' products, starting with the company's sampling program, and restarting the paused liftgate project. He emphasizes the importance of speed over size in seizing market opportunities, ensuring that RISE Robotics remains agile and impactful in the industrial sector.

"RISE Robotics has a tremendous opportunity to make a significant impact across various industries, from logistics to manufacturing to defense," Sonpal added. "Our technology not only increases productivity but also enhances efficiency, so our customers can increase revenue per employee while simultaneously driving down operational expenses. The efficiency improvements also contribute to broader societal goals by directly reducing greenhouse emissions of gas-powered machinery and the battery size of mobile electric machinery.”

The RISE Robotics team is enthusiastic about the future under Sonpal's leadership and looks forward to the continued growth and success of the company.

About RISE™ Robotics

RISE™ Robotics is a leading provider of next-generation actuation solutions, revolutionizing the hydraulics industry with its proprietary belt technology. Founded in 2011 by graduates of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), RISE Robotics is a technology company backed by The Engine, a Tough Tech venture capital fund built by MIT, Greentown Labs, and Techstars. RISE Robotics is leading the way to zero-emission heavy machinery by providing the world’s most efficient and productive alternative to hydraulics, RISE Beltdraulic™. Designed for medium and heavy-duty applications, Beltdraulic provides fuel, emissions, and sound reductions, improves productivity, and extends machine life.

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RISE™Robotics has successfully closed approximately $15 million in financing

We are thrilled to announce that RISE™Robotics has successfully closed approximately $15 million in financing, with the participation of 22 dedicated investors. This significant milestone is a testament to the confidence our investors have in RISE™Robotics' innovative approach and our potential to revolutionize the industry.

RISE™Robotics previously secured $7 million. With these combined efforts, our total funding to date stands at approximately $22 million.

In addition to financing, RISE™ has also received more than $11 million in development and product funding through various commercial and defense projects. 

Momentum and Market Potential

This funding marks a pivotal moment for RISE™Robotics as we continue to gain momentum and traction in our mission to disrupt the market with cutting-edge innovation. We believe this is just the beginning, and we will look back on these early days as the foundation of our journey towards transforming an addressable market estimated at $50 billion.

Stay Connected

We invite you to follow our progress and stay updated on our latest developments by subscribing to our monthly newsletter and connecting with us on LinkedIn. Together, we are building a future powered by RISE™Robotics, and we are excited to have you with us on this journey.

Thank you for your continued support and belief in our vision.

Unveiling the Revolutionary Benefits of RISE™Cylinder Technology: A Milestone in Military Logistics

In the realm of modern military operations, innovation is not just an option—it's a necessity. As adversaries evolve and challenges mount, the United States Air Force (USAF) and other branches of the military must continuously seek out new technologies to enhance their capabilities and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of warfare. One such technology that is emerging as a game-changer in military logistics is the RISE™Cylinder.

Developed by RISE™Robotics, the RISE™Cylinder represents a paradigm shift in linear actuator technology. Fluid-free and electromechanical, this innovative device has captured the attention of military leaders for its unparalleled efficiency, reliability, and versatility. But what exactly makes the RISE™Cylinder stand out, and how has it been proven to revolutionize military logistics?

A recent Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Reports highlights the benefits and proven capabilities of the RISE™Cylinder, as demonstrated in the context of the MHU-83 redesign & Ultralight 10K All-Terrain (AT) Forklift application.

Precision and Performance: The RISE™Cylinder's electromechanical design enables smooth and precise movement, delivering the same or better power, lift capacity, speed, and stroke length as hydraulic systems. This precision and performance were validated through rigorous testing and simulation, reaffirming the RISE™Cylinder's capability to meet the demanding requirements of military operations.

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Reliability: In the demanding environment of military operations, reliability is paramount. The report underscores the reliability of the RISE™Cylinder, highlighting its fluid-free design that eliminates the risk of hydraulic fluid leaks. This not only minimizes maintenance requirements but also enhances the overall reliability of military equipment—a crucial factor in ensuring mission success.

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Versatility: The RISE™ Cylinder showcases remarkable adaptability in terms of energy diversification. Throughout the project, the RISE team extensively documented the cylinder's ability to operate using various energy sources. While the demonstration focused on battery power, the cylinder's compatibility extends to other sources such as internal combustion engines and generators. This versatility ensures its suitability for a wide array of military platforms, providing flexibility and resilience in diverse operational environments.

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Efficiency: One of the most striking benefits of the RISE™Cylinder is its remarkable efficiency. According to the report, the RISE™Cylinder consumes at least 65% less energy than traditional hydraulic systems. This dramatic reduction in energy consumption not only translates to cost savings but also aligns with broader initiatives for energy sustainability and carbon neutrality—a critical consideration for the Air Force and other military branches.

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The successful testing of the RISE™Cylinder represents a significant milestone in military logistics, illuminating the path forward for its integration into future operations. With a comprehensive understanding gained through both digital simulations and physical demonstrations, stakeholders now recognize the transformative potential of RISE™ Technology within the framework of Air Force missions. 

The potential integration of the RISE™Cylinder into vehicle development programs heralds a new era of testing across a range of Agile Combat Employment (ACE) scenarios, promising enhanced mission capabilities. The RISE™ Cylinder is proving to play a pivotal role in reshaping military logistics, offering a compact, agile, and highly capable solution that not only diversifies energy sources but also enhances terrain adaptability. This signifies a transformative leap forward in military operations, poised to redefine efficiency and effectiveness on the modern battlefield.

Selma Svendsen Joins RISE™Robotics as Vice President of Engineering

RISE™ Robotics is thrilled to announce the addition of Selma Svendsen to their esteemed team as the new Vice President of Engineering. With a remarkable track record in the tech industry spanning over two decades, Selma brings extensive expertise in engineering, global strategic sourcing, and new product introductions (NPI). Her remarkable achievements include managing multimillion-dollar budgets, transforming businesses, and assembling cross-functional teams that drive operational excellence.

Selma's outstanding contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious "Best Invention" recognition by Time Magazine, the "Best of What's New" Popular Science award, and induction into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame in 2017. These well-deserved honors bear testament to her innovative problem-solving skills and unwavering commitment to excellence.

In her new role as VP of Engineering, Selma will spearhead all product development initiatives in alignment with the RISE™ product roadmap. Her primary focus will be on optimizing product performance and reliability while minimizing costs. This appointment comes at an opportune moment for RISE™ as the company continues to foster collaborative partnerships with industry giants such as Anthony Liftgates, Danfoss Power Solutions, and the USAF. Together, they aim to develop cutting-edge motion control solutions that enhance machine performance, promote environmental preservation, and enhance our overall quality of life. Selma's arrival is of utmost importance as RISE™ forges ahead with their collaborative efforts alongside Anthony Liftgates and the United States Air Force to revolutionize equipment for the forthcoming era of productivity.

Colin Angle, Chairman, Founder, and CEO of iRobot, Selma's former employer, spoke highly of her exceptional abilities, stating, "When I think of iRobot and what makes us special, I think of Selma. She has a drive and passion not just to solve the problem she was given but to find a solution for what we were trying to accomplish."

Selma herself expressed her enthusiasm for joining RISE™ Robotics, stating, "I firmly believe that sustainable growth necessitates innovation, assembling the right talent, establishing effective governance, fostering healthy workplace environments, and embracing flexibility. At RISE™ Robotics, I am eager to develop strategic plans that encapsulate these vital elements and yield tangible results."

The entire RISE™ Robotics community is encouraged to extend a warm welcome to Selma. Her expertise and enthusiasm are set to invigorate the team, and the company eagerly anticipates the positive impact of her leadership on their future endeavors.

As RISE™ Robotics continues to progress, subscribers are urged to stay tuned for further updates. RISE™ expresses heartfelt gratitude to the community for their unwavering support and involvement in their mission.

bauma 2022 Presents a RISE™ Paradox

Companies that want to go electric have battery strategies, and broadly speaking, they have electrification strategies.

But, what's their actuation strategy?

If it's based on screws, then they're going to discover they are quite limited, or they already have.

There's really no widely recognized alternative to hydraulic cylinder power.

The answer to this really big problem is not incremental innovation; it's a breakthrough.

It's something totally new and advanced. It’s RISE™Technology.

What we've done is make the format familiar by putting the technology inside a cylinder, but it's fluid-free.

RISE™Cylinder instead uses a breakthrough material that has already disrupted the elevator industry. We figured out how to use similar belts in a new way and patented two methods of use.

The result is something that looks like a hydraulic cylinder and behaves like a hydraulic cylinder, but it's more efficient, more precise, lighter, fluid-free, and fits nicely.

This is the electrification strategy that innovators are looking for.

Today, it's in the early R&D phase with only one commercial production project so far, our partnership with Anthony Liftgates. 

Anthony Liftgates is the most innovative company in liftgates and they have put RISE™Technology into their liftgates in order to solve dead battery problems due to no idling laws.

With Anthony Liftgates, we've gone to production and are in the early phases where we're conducting field trials and gathering information.

The second thing we’ve announced is our collaboration with Danfoss. With Danfoss, we're going to prove a new application and scale RISE™Technology.

We're both getting to know each other and we're going to bring this to market together-it's going to be RISE™ and Danfoss doing it for an industry.

RISE™ is concluding their first experience at bauma with the most innovative collaboration partners.

We came to accelerate our path to market and to scale. We are going home with partners who want a different and defensible advantage for their actuation strategy and for their electrification initiatives.

It's not for everybody. Some companies are going to get left behind.

Larger companies are used to things coming out of a university after 10 or 20, or 30 years and lots of grants.

RISE™ is different in the sense that we invented something from nothing, and we're blitzing straight to commercial. This is not going to languish in a lab for a decade and then finally get out.

What that means is that some companies want us to be a little farther than we are. But, in order to get there, we're going to be partnering with their competitors.

The paradox is that only the most forward-looking R&D partners are going to be able to tolerate this challenge.

The Engine - Building A Tough Tech Movement

The Engine, a venture capital firm founded in 2016 by MIT, aims to support and accelerate the development of companies and innovations that improve the world through science and technology.

Recently, Reed Sturtevant, General Partner at The Engine, joined host Justin Starbird on the RISE™Inside podcast to discuss the company's mission and how they are supporting the small business ecosystem for the most promising teams and breakthrough inventions solving some of today's most pressing concerns.

At The Engine, they believe that transforming the industry's foundations can unlock massive opportunities for a more sustainable and resilient world. Recognizing that a healthier population, a more accessible and adaptive society, and a more resilient world are all possible through science, engineering, and leadership, they are focusing their sights on Tough Tech coming from innovators, founders, and startups across human health, climate change, and advanced systems and infrastructure. 

"At the very beginning," Reed points out, "it felt like 'The Engine is just one firm. How much of a dent can we make in all of the problems that are out there?' We aimed to create and encourage an ecosystem to pull all of this together, so we intentionally designed our programs and the space to try to pull like-minded people together."

Reed Sturtevant

Bringing together the investment, government, academic, regulatory, and corporate communities, The Engine creates opportunities for their portfolio companies to learn from large corporations and industry leaders, as well as a chance for industry and government to learn from and collaborate with Tough Tech companies on how to build upon existing solutions. Together, the network can work towards removing barriers and paving a more direct route to commercialization and success for these forward-thinking businesses.

A constant source of innovation opportunities, Reed sees much potential for Tough Tech in the future.

For example, he points out, "there have been several decarbonization efforts where they rely on a carbon tax, or large corporations are often making a commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and are willing to pay a green premium, whether it's for electricity, or materials like cement and steel, or even something uneconomic on its own, like direct air carbon capture. Policies like the IRA and the Inflation Reduction Act can accelerate the development of some of these technologies.

"The hydrogen economy, but in a broader sense, energy storage and transportation is an area we're keeping an eye on. We definitely see a lot of interest in different forms of energy storage—the hydrogen economy using hydrogen or ammonia, or even aluminum as an energy store for moving. It's like converting renewable electricity into something you can transport. Something that we're also always looking at is people creating new kinds of electrolyzers for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.

"We also believe there are some real opportunities in biomanufacturing, which could be used for things like carbon-neutral jet fuel. In its own way, at a platform level, improvements to some of the base technologies around biomanufacturing will have a lot of downstream positive benefits."

In building their portfolio, Reed points out that not only does The Engine perform outreach, but they also have an open-door policy. "We try to build strong relationships with research universities and large corporations, trying to understand what's being worked on in academia and the strategic needs of large customers. We maintain those types of relationships as best as we can. We also have a pretty welcoming front door. People can reach out to us in terms of investment. We have a whole team of associates and partners who are always looking over the material and taking short meetings. The more, the merrier!"

To hear more about The Engine, their mission, and how they're accelerating the Tough Tech small business ecosystem, listen to "The Engine's Role in the Small Business Startup Ecosystem with Reed Sturtevant," live now on the RISE™Inside podcast!

SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE - Empowering Companies To Innovate In Entirely New Ways

1995 SolidWorks Logo

SOLIDWORKS, a company founded 25 years ago by a team of engineers in Massachusetts, began with a dream of building 3D computer-aided engineering software that was easy to use, affordable, and easily accessible.

At the core of their founding values was a desire to stay close to clients, listen to their needs, and continuously improve the technology.

It was that continuing desire to evolve, to provide the technologies needed today to accelerate the innovations of tomorrow, that led to the creation of 3DEXPERIENCE Works. This program expands SOLIDWORKS capabilities from merely a design tool to a complete product development platform, spanning multiple disciplines and uniting entire teams.

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform is a collaborative environment that empowers businesses to innovate in entirely new ways. It combines all aspects of product development, including design, simulation, manufacturing, management, marketing, and sales, centralizing the company on a single platform for increased collaboration, best execution, and accelerated innovation.

3DEXPERIENCE cloud-based solutions allow team members to

• CREATE using comprehensive 3D design capabilities within a single modeling environment.

• DESIGN building complex designs with secure, convenient cloud-based data management to accelerate progress from concept to production.

• MODEL with the 3D SCULPTOR to create ergonomic and organic shapes easily and quickly. 

• DRAFT with an advanced 2D and 3D CAD system to easily, quickly, and efficiently create, edit, view, and mark up any DWG file. Share designs, collaborate, review, and revise designs virtually anywhere, with work securely stored in the cloud.

• PLAN unifying business processes as leaders and stakeholders get progress updates, task turndown, and resource usage for complete visibility into project progress. You can dynamically add dependencies, update timelines, and set milestones to ensure projects stay on track. CAD data is attached to tasks, so it's easy to maintain version control and track progress.

• PROGRAM managing CNC machines, accessories, tools, and tool assemblies in 3D, which speeds up NC programming, minimizes errors and maximizes machine tool utilization. 

• INFORM by aggregating information from online sources and comparing and analyzing shared metrics with your team. A sizeable online content source library lets teams track topics of interest, analyze trends, and even automate analytics to send real-time alerts.

• VALIDATE examining how products will behave in real life, guiding engineering decisions, and optimizing product performance. 

• OPTIMIZE with improved workflows in a collaborative environment. Optimize scheduling and resource allocation, prevent bottlenecks, and achieve near 100% machine utilization, with complete visibility and traceability of the entire manufacturing process.

• COLLABORATE uniting team members across locations within all disciplines in a secure, shared environment with communities, instant messaging, information dashboards, powerful search capabilities, and other features.

• MANAGE utilizing comprehensive data management, lifecycle management, revision and version control, workflow/route management, issue and change management, review and markup capabilities, and task management.

Today, 3DEXPERIENCE Works technology is used by over five million people worldwide, spanning 12 industries ranging from industrial equipment to aerospace, automotive to consumer goods, serving companies and corporations as well as startups, makers, individuals, and students.

RISE™Robotics is one innovative startup that has harnessed the platform's power to bring its ideas and dreams to fruition.

Familiar with SOLIDWORKS from their time as students, the team utilized its tools to optimize concept and modeling from the start, bringing to life their revolutionary discoveries. Today, 3DEXPERIENCE Works is assisting them in the commercialization and launch of their first commercial product, the RISE™Cylinder—an electromechanical alternative to hydraulic systems in heavy machinery—while positioning them to scale it in new collaborations to fit future applications.

"I would emphasize how collaboratively we use it," Toomas Sepp, VP of Engineering and Co-Founder at RISE™Robotics, explains. "We're a small startup team, but we have about 10 SOLIDWORKS users at this point. Most of them are working on a single design as we bring our first product to market. We're talking about a single assembly many people can enter simultaneously, often with different files checked out by each person at any given time and seamlessly integrated once parts are checked back in. We can rest assured that the model is what it is. It's a seamless integration of changes across the whole user base."

Following their successful launch, RISE™ is now using SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE capabilities as they pursue new collaborations and expand the reach of their technology.

"We're always thinking about the next steps and where we're going," says Toomas. "We have plans to grow. We're looking to double in size over the next year. We're on the verge of winning or have just won multiple government Air Force contracts, as well as creating business relationships with a few key manufacturing companies in the industry where we're going to attack new markets.

"We have multiple new projects that will kick off over the next few months. Relating that to the SOLIDWORKS platform, we're looking into the product lifecycle management functionality, enterprise resource planning functionality, and just building our supply chain as we get into manufacturing. Keeping those feedback loops quick and fast will be of utmost importance to us as we begin our foray into manufacturing and putting these products out into the field."

To learn more about SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE and how an innovative young startup, RISE™Robotics, has used the tools to develop, commercialize, and scale for the future, listen to "3DEXPERIENCE Works role in the Small Business Startup Ecosystem" live now on the RISE™Inside podcast.

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