Revolute Robotics raises $1.9M for hybrid roll-and-fly surveillance robots

Revolute Robotics has raised $1.9 million to accelerate deployment of its spherical robots that can both roll across terrain and fly when needed. The Arizona-based company’s hybrid mobility robots are designed for surveillance, security, defense applications, and industrial inspections in hard-to-reach areas, positioning them to serve critical infrastructure and military markets.

What you should know: Revolute’s robots combine ground and aerial capabilities in a single spherical design equipped with advanced sensing technology.

• The “Hybrid Mobility Robot” features LiDAR sensors (which use laser beams to create detailed 3D maps), thermal imaging, gas and radiation detection, and ultrasonic systems for comprehensive data collection.
• In mining applications, the robots can assess whether mine shafts and excavation sites are safe for human workers to enter.
• The company is currently working with select customers on pilot studies and plans a broader launch next year.

The funding round: Venture capital firms ANIMO Ventures and Ascend led the $1.9 million investment to support the company’s expansion plans.

• This follows previous funding milestones, including a $100,000 grant from the MassRobotics Accelerator program this year.
• In January, Revolute received a $50,000 grant from MassChallenge, a Boston-based venture capital firm.

What they’re saying: CEO Collin Taylor positioned the technology as a versatile solution for multiple inspection scenarios.

• “Our hybrid aerial-terrestrial capability allows for a single solution to cover multiple uses,” Taylor said, “like the Swiss Army Knife of robotic inspections.”
• ANIMO partner Antonio Osio expressed confidence in the team’s vision: “We believe Collin and his team [have] created a system that will become the go-to tool for inspecting the world’s most critical and least accessible assets.”

Industry recognition: Revolute has gained attention from high-profile tech circles and accelerator programs.

• In 2024, the company showcased its robotics technology at Jeff Bezos’ annual MARS Conference, a prestigious event focused on machine learning, automation, robotics, and space innovations.
• The company was selected for the MassRobotics Accelerator program, which provided both funding and mentorship opportunities.

Why this matters: The dual-mobility approach addresses a key limitation in current robotics solutions, where separate ground and aerial systems are typically required for comprehensive site inspection and surveillance operations.