RISE™Robotics is Awarded a 6-Month Feasibility Study from the AFWERX Reimagining Energy Challenge for the U.S. Department of Defense

SOMERVILLE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--RISE™Robotics, the leader in high-performance and cost-effective electromechanical alternatives to hydraulic cylinders, announces it was one of eight recipients chosen as part of The Expeditionary Energy Campaign, which calls on the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to partner with energy technology companies selected from the AFWERX Reimagining Energy Challenge for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) The RISE™feasibility study will reimagine the use of energy for the U.S. Air Force, specifically focused on enhancing capabilities for the Expeditionary warfighter.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is currently the largest energy consumer globally, placing an astronomical demand and reliance on petroleum. The USAF’s innovation catalyst, AFWERX, seeks solutions to create the future of resilient energy production, transmission, use, and storage. AFWERX’s goal is to improve the way the DoD consumes energy, increase sustainability, reduce fossil fuel consumption, and reduce climate change.

Contract awards were completed across the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and Space Force (USSF) user portfolio, providing funding to companies for a six-month phase one, $200k feasibility study. Based upon an assessment of military utility, some of the solutions may receive additional funding for a limited demonstration to show proof of concept.

RISE™Robotics CEO, Arron Acosta said of the awarded feasibility study, “This is an outstanding opportunity to work directly with United States Air Force warfighters to learn about how best to apply RISE™Technology to address their challenges. Not only are we working with them to reduce energy consumption, but also to improve warfighter productivity and safety as we reduce maintenance requirements and cost."

RISE™Robotics’ first commercial product, RISE™Cylinder, is a fluid-free, electromechanical alternative to hydraulic cylinders for heavy equipment and machinery that addresses the battery-electrification problems inherent in hydraulic systems by delivering hydraulic-like forces at unprecedented efficiency, precision, speed, and weight. RISE™Cylinder uses up to 90% less energy than hydraulic cylinders.

Founded in 2011 by graduates of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), RISE™Robotics is a high-growth technology company backed by The Engine, a Tough Tech venture capital fund built by MIT, Greentown Labs, and Techstars.

RISE™Robotics is joined by other challenge finalists including The AES Corporation, Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc., IceWind, LLC, Influit Energy, LLC, Reach Labs, Resonant Link, and Siemens Energy, Inc. RISE™ will use what is learned in the 6-month feasibility study to make specific proposals to the USAF to modernize their ground service equipment with RISE™Technology.

About AFWERX

AFWERX, a program office at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), connects innovators across government, industry, and academia. Through innovation and collaboration with our nation’s top subject-matter experts and harnessing the power of ingenuity of internal talent, by expanding technology, talent, and transition partnerships for rapid and affordable commercial and military capability. In 2020, Fast Company ranked AFWERX #16 of Best Workplaces for Innovators, alongside brands such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon. Additional information is available at: https://www.afwerx.af.mil/.

About AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 11,000 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit www.afresearchlab.com.

About RISE™Robotics

RISE™Robotics is the leader in high-performance and cost-effective electromechanical alternatives to hydraulic cylinders. RISE™Technology helps designers embrace high-efficiency, fuel-saving alternatives to hydraulic cylinders. Designed for medium and heavy-duty applications, RISE™Cylinder provides fuel, emissions, and sound reductions, improves productivity, and extends machine life. Find RISE™Robotics online: https://www.riserobotics.com/.