Pollen Robotics, the Bordeaux start-up finalist of the ANA Avatar XPrize competition

Pollen Robotic, takes its know-how beyond borders. Indeed, the Bordeaux robotics start-up is a finalist in the ana avatar XPrize global innovation competition. This is a consecration for Pollen Robotics which can be proud of its success. It must be said that the competition is considered the “Olympic Games of Science”. A contest also sponsored by All Nippon Arways which is none other than the largest airline in Japan. The objective of the competition is to create a system of remotely controlled robotic avatars. Matthieu Lapeyre and Pierre Rouanet, have taken up the challenge and show the relevance of their robotic solutions on a global scale.

Pollen Robotics, a Bordeaux start-up that ensures a bright future

Mathieu Lapeyre and Pierre Rouanet embarked on the entrepreneurial adventure in 2016 with Pollen Robotics. The two entrepreneurs have a common background. They are both former researchers at INRIA and have done a PhD in interactive robot design and artificial intelligence. In particular, they have published writings that have contributed to international scientific knowledge. At the same time, they own several patents in collaboration with global laboratories. The two men have developed their knowledge and thinking over the years from mechatronics and software architecture to real-world machine learning to human-machine interactions. They are both driven by a common will. They want to make robotic science and technology accessible to the public and above all useful for everyday life.

Thus, with Pollen Robotics they have set up from 2011, open source projects such as the Ergo robot, the Poppy humanoid robot, the Ergo Jr robot or the Lab Robot sold to 10,000 units on the territory. Its flagship robot is Reachy. It is a robot that can interact with people and manipulate objects. With 10 years of experience in the development and sale of intelligent robots, the start-up has created a real community of developers. In particular, they have taken part in open source projects around the world. Today the start-up Pollen is made up of 7 people including 5 engineers and researchers in research and development. They develop solutions for the future that will contribute to the world of tomorrow.

Recently, they showed their strong skills through the nomination of the start-up as a finalist in the ANA Avatar XPrize competition. A huge opportunity since the start-up is the only French start-up that qualifies for this competition with an international dimension. So to speak, Pollen Robotics then represents French innovation compared to the rest of the world.

Robot science man innovation
Pollen Robotics’ innovations contribute to the world of tomorrow

Ana Avatar XPrize Contest Opportunities

The ANA Avatar XPrize Innovation Competition is an international competition. At the start, 77 teams qualified and 38 reached the semi-finals. Following the jury determined 15 finalists including Pollen Robotics. The start-up is one of the best competitors in the competition. She received a score that allowed her to qualify for the semifinal in Miami last September. Pollen has notably highlighted its Reachy robot, which has been equipped with teleoperation since 2021. Thanks to this innovation, Reachy is controllable worldwide through virtual reality equipment. It is therefore the first teleoperable humanoid robot on the market.

Participation in the competition allowed Pollen Robotics to perfect Reachy in addition to ensuring global visibility and recognition. Now Reachy is mounted on a base with wheels. It can move in all directions especially since it is equipped with a battery. It can therefore move autonomously. Reachy will offer its solutions and facilitate work in 3 major areas: retail, catering and health. The Pollen Robotics team continues its reflection with the goal of the finals of the competition in Los Angeles in July 2022. A path that we will follow with attention.

Sources:

“Pollen Robotics is the only French startup finalist in the ANA Avatar XPrize global innovation competition” PollenRobotics, press release of October 21, 2021

xprize.org

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