Clearpath Rethinks All-Terrain Robotics with Launch of Amphibious “Warthog”

Clearpath Robotics, a provider of mobile robotic platforms for research and development, today announced the release of Warthog, an amphibious robot designed for application development.

Warthog enables researchers to test, validate, and advance their robotics research faster than ever before in real world conditions, whether on land or in water, says the Kitchener-based company, who partnered with Xtreme Terrain Robotics to build the robust machine.

“ARGO XTR has a terrific record of manufacturing rock-solid outdoor platforms,” says Julian Ware, General Manager for Research Solutions at Clearpath Robotics. “Combined with our expertise in robotics, we’ve developed rugged platform suitable for a wide range of robotics applications in mining, agriculture, forestry, space, and environmental monitoring.”

Warthog’s light-weight aluminum chassis, low ground pressure, passive suspension system, and 24” traction tires allow it to traverse a variety of tough terrains including soft soils, thick muds and steep grades, all while carrying up to 600 pounds. Warthog is fully weather-proof and amphibious, capable of moving through deep waterways at up to three miles per hour, or up to 12 miles on land.

“ARGO XTR is excited to partner with a progressive robotics company like Clearpath with our platform,” says Jason Scheib, ARGO XTR Robotics Program Director.  “The combination of our proven experience in amphibious and extreme terrain environments with our platforms with the progressive software and sensor integration from Clearpath Robotics, has created a second to none solution for a myriad of research and commercial applications.”

Warthog includes an internal computer, IMU, wheel encoders, and mounting racks, as well as accessible user power and communication ports for integrating sensors, manipulators, and other third-party hardware.

Clearpath works with 500 of the world’s most innovative brands in 40 countries, serving markets that span industrial materials handling, mining, military, agriculture, aerospace, and academia. Recently the company secured a $30 million investment to grow the company’s industrial division, OTTO Motors. The financing round was led by iNovia Capital with participation from Caterpillar Ventures, GE Ventures, Eclipse Ventures, RRE Ventures and Silicon Valley Bank.

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