SKA Custom Robots and Machines Collaborates With PickNik on Field Robotics Development

PickNik Robotics today announced that it is working with SKA Custom Robots and Machines. The strategic partnership intends to combine PickNik's expertise in robotics software for unstructured environments and SKA's hardware engineering capabilities to develop field robotics.

"PickNik has some of the best robotic manipulation engineers and technology in the world, whereas SKA has world-class competence in field robotics," stated Spencer Krause, president and CEO of SKA Custom Robots and Machines, in a release. "This partnership will enable more rapid development of dexterous robotic systems by utilizing both firms' expertise."

He also said that PickNik Robotics' ability to address challenging robotic manipulation problems will expedite development.

SKA applies engineering expertise

Pittsburgh-based SKA Custom Robots and Machines has engineered construction, surgical and medical, life sciences, and mining robots. The company's portfolio also includes a variety of inspection drones that fly, float, and crawl.

Founded in 2015, SKA offers robotics hardware and software development, as well as consulting services. It said it "consistently delivers groundbreaking solutions at the forefront of robotic engineering."

"With their unparalleled track record of engineering excellence, SKA is poised to take a substantial leap forward in their robotic endeavors through this collaboration with PickNik Robotics," said the company.

PickNik to add dexterous manipulation to more robots

"We are extremely excited to join forces with SKA Custom Robots and Machines in this collaboration," added Dave Coleman, CEO of PickNik Robotics.

"Through the synergy of our software expertise and SKA's excellence in custom robots, we have the potential to bring significant advancements to dexterous manipulation on purpose-built robots in many domains," he said. "Together, we will push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of ruggedized unstructured robotics, and we look to redefine the future of these industries."

Also founded in 2015, PickNik Robotics said it helps companies address the technical, cost, and time challenges associated with the development of advanced robotic applications. Many organizations, including NASA, Google, Amazon, and Samsung, have partnered with PickNik, said the company.

Boulder, Colo.-based PickNik also supports and collaborates with the worldwide open-source robotics movement and is the lead developer of MoveIt and MoveIt Studio.