Extend Robotics, a UK-based startup that uses consumer Virtual Reality (VR) technology to make it easier for individuals to control robotics hardware remotely, has secured an offer of £150,000 on the reality TV show, Dragons’ Den.
Founded in 2019 by Dr Chang Liu, the tech startup aims to enable humans and machines to work together in “perfect harmony” via human-robot interface software for non-robotic experts to teleoperate and program robotic manipulators remotely for physical tasks. Dr Liu is a research associate at Imperial College London and the University of Southampton.
Dr Liu and his team developed a cloud-based SaaS solution – Advanced Mechanical Assistance System (AMAS) – which enables users to control robotic arms remotely from anywhere in the world. The technology leverages user-friendly VR tech like Oculus and SteamVR, so that users are able to benefit from full depth perception of 3D environments and intuitive, precise controls in an immersive, real-time experience.
Speaking about Extend Robotics’ latest news, Liu said: “We are thrilled to have received the backing from such a successful entrepreneur. Our technology has an incredibly wide range of applications, from industrial work to healthcare and retail. With his investment and guidance, we can really begin to make our vision a reality and ensure no one gets left behind in the automation revolution”.
To help drive the company’s upward trajectory, the startup secured an offer of £150,000 from the show’s longest-standing Dragon, Peter Jones. Dr Liu identified three immediate uses for Extend Robotics’ technology during his pitch (healthcare, industrial work such as handling hazardous materials and hospitality), noting that with adaptation the applications are broad.
Jones likened the technology to “Iron Man without the travel”. He continued, “You can see a time where you could say, tonight, we’ve got Gordon Ramsay coming to our restaurant, or you could end up with a Deborah Meaden robot giving you business advice”.
The episode in which Dr Liu successfully pitched the Dragons aired on the 6th of January 2022. If UK-based, the full episode can be viewed via BBC iPlayer.
You can find more information about Extend Robotics and its Dragons’ Den funding on its website.
Stay up to date with the most recent automation, computer vision, machine vision and robotics news on Automate Pro Europe, CVPro, MVPro and RBPro.
