Clearpath Robotics, a global leader in autonomous mobile research and development robots, has launched Husky A300, the next-generation version of its flagship rugged mobile robot platform.
Clearpath, part of Rockwell Automation, says the new robot offers “superior performance, durability and flexibility, empowering robotics researchers and innovators to tackle the most complex challenges in demanding environments.”
With significant improvements in speed, weather resistance, payload and runtime, the Husky A300 is “poised to redefine the possibilities” for robotics research and development, fueling the next generation of breakthrough discoveries and applications, Clearpath adds to.
Robin Lefler, Managing Director, said: “Over the past decade we have seen the original Husky make remarkable advances in robotics in a variety of areas including agriculture, mining, inspection, academia and beyond.
“The open architecture and support for the Robot Operating System (ROS) has led to unprecedented global collaboration.
“With the Husky A300, we have built on that legacy, combining our extensive experience with many key technical developments to deliver a robotic platform that existing users and newcomers alike will love.”
At the heart of the Husky A300 is a powerful, high-torque drivetrain with four brushless motors, enabling speeds of up to 2 m/s – twice as fast as the original version – and a payload of up to 100 kg.
Versatile power options provide extended runtimes of up to 12 hours for increased uptime and uninterrupted use in the field and laboratory.
Like all Clearpath mobile robots, the Husky A300 offers a flexible payload interface and several compute options for easily integrating third-party components and accessories, including cameras, LiDARs, manipulators and custom devices.
Designed with a rugged, weatherproof aluminum chassis and an IP54 rating, the Husky A300 is designed to withstand even the harshest environments, from extreme temperatures to rain and industrial environments.
Husky A300 offers new visual features designed to improve user interaction, safety and operational awareness.
The robot now features four programmable LED lights – two on the front and two on the back – that provide real-time status updates so users can easily monitor operational status.
Complementing this, a 3.70-inch e-ink display provides key information such as battery status and charging levels, so users are always aware of the robot’s performance.
Husky A300 provides industry-reference ROS implementation, documentation and tutorials. The robot comes with ROS 2 Jazzy, with demos of Nav2, MoveIt 2 and other Clearpath and ROS developer tools.
Purpose built platform
As part of the Husky A300 release, Clearpath is offering a configuration of the A300 as a turnkey, autonomous mobile robot.
Called Husky AMP (Autonomous Mobile Platform), this variant includes a fully integrated sensor suite for navigation, pre-installed and configured OutdoorNav navigation software, an optional wireless charging pad and an easy-to-use web-based user interface.
Robotics developers can easily integrate payloads on the assembly deck, perform simple software integration through the OutdoorNav interface and get their system running faster and more efficiently in the field.
Robin Lefler, Managing Director, says: “Husky AMP shortens the time to develop and deploy a useful robotic solution and lowers the technical barrier to building with Clearpath platforms.
“You no longer have to be a ROS developer or roboticist to build and deploy an autonomous solution in the field.
“With Husky A300, our goal is to continue to lead the mobile robot research and development market, while also providing users with a more convenient path to deploy robotic systems with our platforms in the industry.”
