WiBotic

WiBotic is a Seattle-based company that provides wireless charging and power optimization solutions for the robotics industry. The company was founded by Ben Waters and Professor Joshua Smith in 2015 at the University of Washington in Seattle. They provide hardware and software systems that most customers can use with any type of aerial, mobile, or marine robot. WiBotic announced its second funding round (Series A) in June of 2020, in the amount of $5.7M.

Wibotic’s systems include fully autonomous charging structures that can be customized for any battery-powered device. In constructing their chargers, Wibotic works to balance effective power delivery, cost minimization, and ease of integration. Their charging stations are constructed with lightweight material and specialized mounting brackets, allowing them to be easily installed on most drones and robots. They sell complete charging systems and individual parts, such as transmitters, chargers, and antenna receiver components. In addition, in the case that their products do not meet customer needs, WiBotic offers the ability to discuss and possibly generate custom charging systems uniquely suited to the physical and electrical demands of their clients’ machinery.

Wibotic wireless charging systems allow for autonomous drones to be powered without manual retrieval. The operational flexibility offered by contactless charging is highly valued when handling robots underwater or in space. The chargers can be integrated into the body of the robot and fully separated from the surrounding environment, preventing battery degradation.