Question 1

What is Re-Vector?

Accepted Answer

Re-Vector is a new class of modular robotic arm. Originally developed for operation in confined, hard-to-reach environments, the arm combines the manoeuvrability of a living creature with the robustness and reliability of engineered machinery. Re-Vector can reach around obstacles, coil back on itself and access every part of its workspace with precision. Harmonic-drive actuators and dual-encoder feedback deliver deterministic motion, accuracy and repeatability. Re-Vector's distinctive, muscular profile is inherently effective and efficient — the load path runs centrally through the arm and the smooth, elbow-free silhouette resists snagging in cluttered environments.

Question 2

How does Re-Vector differ from other robotic arms?

Accepted Answer

Conventional robots are typically built around six-axis, elbowed geometries. They also tend to have limitations that are very robotic: they freeze or lose control in certain regions of the workspace and cannot reach around obstacles because the shortest route is a straight line. The mathematics that controls them becomes extremely complex, a direct consequence of their geometries which limit how many joints they can have. Re-Vector was designed from first principles to remove these constraints — blockers that often demand costly software workarounds or make some tasks impossible. The arm's unique joint architecture delivers the largest practical motion envelope, exceptional manoeuvrability in confined spaces and stable, predictable movement even in complex, cluttered environments.

Question 3

What are the main advantages for operators and integrators?

Accepted Answer

Compact form factor: operates in places too confined for standard arms
Elbow-free profile: reduces snagging and a load-path central to the arm supports near isotropic behaviour
Transversal angle: direction changes greater than 90 degrees are achieved at the transversal joint. A concatenation of joints of this type can reach around obstacles and enter confined spaces.
Operationally singularity-free movement: no requirement for software workarounds and no-go zones are eliminated
The whole workspace: the arm can operate everywhere with its reach
Modular design: enables rapid reconfiguration to suit specific reach or payload requirements
ROS 2 and MoveIt integration: supports digital twin workflows, simulation and advanced autonomy

Question 4

Is Re-Vector a prototype or a finished product?

Accepted Answer

Re-Vector has been validated through real-world demonstrations in aerospace and nuclear-decommissioning scenarios and is currently at Technology Readiness Level 7. We are now transitioning from prototype to pre-commercial configurations.

Question 5

Can Re-Vector be customised for specific industries or tasks?

Accepted Answer

Re-Vector is a modular platform. A baseline set of robot modules can be reconfigured to create new robot types – modifying reach and lifting capability. The sensor package and tooling interface can be tailored to the application — from confined-space inspection to precision handling or additive manufacturing. Standard cabling, hydraulics and pneumatics can be routed inside the robot arm to remove the need for external umbilicals.

Question 6

What payloads can Re-Vector handle?

Accepted Answer

Payload capacity scales with configuration. Standard configurations derived from the baseline modules have payload capacity in the range 10Kg to 18Kg. Bespoke configurations, including electro-hydraulically actuated variants, can be specified for larger payload capacities.

Question 7

How is Re-Vector controlled?

Accepted Answer

The control software is developed within the Robot Operating System (ROS 2) environment to enable easy integration and rapid evolution of new capabilities. Standard industrial simulators such as RViz and path-planners such as MoveIt and ISAAC SIM are fully supported. Re-Vector can operate in teleoperated or semi-autonomous modes and is compatible with digital-twin and VR environments for visualisation and task planning.

Question 8

Can Re-Vector be integrated with other robotic systems or sensors?

Accepted Answer

Each module includes power and data pass-through with I/O options making it possible to mount sensors and tools at any point along the length of the robot arm as well as at the End Of Arm Tooling (EOAT). Third-party components can be networked and integrated using ROS2. The platform is designed for broad interoperability.

Ross Innovation

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Re-Vector

Reconfigurable robotic arms for confined and complex environments

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