Super Team C - Baxter

Photos: Rethink Robotics

What is Baxter

Baxter was introduced to the public in the fall of 2012 (1) as an economically viable, and trainable robot used for menial tasks in the manufacturing process, by Rethink Robotics. This robot consists of 6 robotic torsos attached to a pedestal, two arms “each with seven axes of motion and a reach similar to that of a human”(2) and an animated face on an LCD screen. Baxter is particularly good at picking up objects and putting them down and can adapt to a changing environment.(2) For example, if the speed of the conveyor belt increases Baxter can recognize this and change its speed.

(3)

Rethink Robotics: Meet Baxter (8)

Based on the expertise of robotic genius Rodney Brooks, creator of the Roomba and the Packbot Military Robot, Baxter has been designed to offer a solution for medium to small sized businesses looking to cut down on labour costs, while increasing productivity (3). Typically robotic automation is an expensive capital endeavour, but because of Rodney’s technological innovation and expertise he is able to sell Baxter at a much lower price.

Robert Brooks speaking on the advancement of Robotics at Ted Talks, 2003

Photo: David Yellen for IEEE Spectrum

Price

The basic Baxter model retails for approximately $22,000, which includes a one year subscription to software upgrades and a one year/2100 hour warranty. Customers are given the option to purchase different add ons such as different grippers; electric parallel grippers ($1,500), vacuum cup grippers ($1,500), a mobile pedestal, which adjusts to different workspace heights ($2,000), and extended warranty($3,000-$5,000) (3). This is comparably cheaper to typical robotic automation which is extremely expensive. Refurbished models can range from $28,000 to $40,000 and still require the capital for set up on the production line (4).


Ease and Diversity of Application

One of the main reasons businesses are attracted to Baxter is not only because of its low cost, but also because of the simplicity of its installation. Baxter does not require any complex programming and can be up and running within an hour of arrival at the factory (5)

Photo: MSI Tec

Teaching Baxter how to complete tasks is relatively simple due to the motion sensors within its robotic structure. These motion sensors allow for any employee to move Baxter’s mechanical arms and ultimately teach it how to complete the desired process (3). Once Baxter has been instructed how to perform a task it becomes fully functional. Another beneficial aspect of Baxter’s motion sensors is their ability to detect when employees are nearby. As a result of this ability, Baxter can avoid potential harmful collisions with fellow workers who would normally have to work in cages alongside other robots. Baxter is also equipped with basic safety features that can be easily reformatted to fit the requirements of the manufacturer (3). 

Similar to an iPod, Baxter has application software in the operating system that can be improved with updates to increase the performance, and the number of tasks that Baxter can perform (3). As well, there are no additional software licenses or Information Technology Specialists required for Baxter, adding to the attractiveness for small to medium sized businesses (3). As well, Baxter can perform a diverse range of tasks:

Photo: The Verge

· Material Handling

· Loading and unloading lines

· Inspecting, testing and sorting

· Machine operation

· Packing and unpacking

· Assemble items

· Finishing operations (3)

Photo: MSI Tec

Competitive Advantage

In terms of the advancement in robotics, it is thought that by the end of the century 70% of today's jobs will have been replaced by automation(7). Rethink Robotics has positioned Baxter as a Made In America product that will rejuvenate the American manufacturing sector (2). Not only will it create jobs for labourers, it will in turn create residual jobs in industries that support the manufacturing sector.

Baxter is an inexpensive way for all manufacturing companies to increase productivity for menial tasks and allow workers to refocus and move their efforts towards jobs that require a higher level of skill (6).This will empower employees based on the vertical repositioning of their role within the company. Rethink Robotics is creating a competitive edge for American manufacturers as a result of the lower labour costs and increased productivity provided by Baxter. This advantage allows American manufacturing companies the ability to compete with companies in China and the developing world (4). Rethink Robotics believes that all manufacturers should be able to benefit from industrial robotics, regardless of a business’ scale.

Limitations

Despite its benefits to the industry, Baxter has some limitations to its capabilities. While it may have the versatility to complete a wide range of tasks, it is unable to do perform intricate and highly-specialized jobs. As well, Baxter cannot perform jobs at the same speed as specialized machines and therefore reducing its efficiency in some aspects of the manufacturing process(6). Overall, each company should evaluate their production process to see if it will add value to their specific organization.


For a closer look at Baxter check out Rethink Robotics - Corporate Brochure (3), or tune in to our Podcast


Bibliography

1. Baxter Will Redefine Manufacturing in America. October 2012.  

http://www.msitec.com/vendors/Rethink_Robotics/announce.shtml (accessed February 22, 2013).

2. Guizzo, Erico, and Evan Ackerman. ieee spectrum: Inside Technology. October 2012.     

http://spectrum.ieee.org/robotics/industrial-robots/rethink-robotics-baxter-robot-factory-worker (accessed February 25, 2013).

3. Rethink Robotics. 2013.

http://www.rethinkrobotics.com/index.php/products/baxter/ (accessed February 15, 2013).

4. RobotWorx. 2013.

http://www.robots.com/faq/show/how-much-does-robot-automation-cost (accessed February 26, 2013).

5. Goddard, Louis. Adaptable 'Baxter' robot could help businesses compete with cheap foreign labor.

September 18, 2012. http://www.theverge.com/2012/9/18/3351164/baxter-production-line-robot (accessed February 22, 2013).

6. Bregar, Bill. Rodon installs teachable, watchful, 2-armed robot. February 20, 2013.

http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20130220/NEWS/130229992/rodon-installs-teachable-watchful-2-armed-robot# (accessed February 27, 2013).

7. Kelly, Kevin. Better Than Human: Why Robots Will — And Must — Take Our Jobs. December 12, 2012.

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/12/ff-robots-will-take-our-jobs/all/ (accessed February 22, 2013).

8. Kirsner, Scott. Rethink Robotics launches its first product: Baxter, an inexpensive and easily-trained

manufacturing bot. September 17, 2012. http://www.boston.com/business/technology/innoeco/2012/09/rethink_robotics_readies_to_la.html (accessed February 22, 2013).

Podcast Bibliography

Bregar, Bill. Rodon installs teachable, watchful, 2-armed robot. February 20, 2013.

http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20130220/NEWS/130229992/rodon-installs-teachable-watchful-2-armed-robot# (accessed February 27, 2013).

Guizzo, Erico, and Evan Ackerman. ieee spectrum: Inside Technology. October 2012.     

http://spectrum.ieee.org/robotics/industrial-robots/rethink-robotics-baxter-robot-factory-worker (accessed February 25, 2013).

Rethink Robotics. 2013.

http://www.rethinkrobotics.com/index.php/products/baxter/ (accessed February 15, 2013)