US based aerial lift and telehandler manufacturer JLG has acquired a stake in US tech company Nextera Robotics in order to help further develop its autonomous robots and AI /Artificial Intelligence/ based technology for mapping, managing and monitoring active construction sites.
The autonomous 'Didge' robot
Boston based Nextera Robotics develops autonomous wheeled and tracked mobile robots - dubbed Didge - that use 360 degree cameras and AI to create digital maps of job sites, as well as monitor project progress and safety etc. JLG says it will help Nextera further develop its products through access to its customers and partners, for field trials as well as providing application support and development.
Nextera robots on site JLG president Mahesh Narang said: “Our investment in Nextera is a confirmation of our belief in their technology, and our partnership will help Nextera accelerate its mission to connect the construction job site.”
The units are able to climb stairs when mapping sites Chief technology officer Shashank Bhatia added: “Nextera has developed unique technology across visual image recognition using AI, and Bluetooth technology. We will explore using these technologies to advance our strategy of developing products for the job site of the future.”
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