By March 2024, Abhishek Gupta, Jackson Jesionowski, and Ashish Gupta had launched Open Droids, a pioneering initiative to create an open-source robotic platform grounded in innovative ideas.
Based in San Francisco, the company launched its R1D1 single-arm cell manipulator in August 2024 and showcased its innovative technology in the startup zone at BioSpace. Notwithstanding this, Open Droids did not have a physical robotic presence at that time.
Open Droids begins with R1D1
The corporation has announced that its initial product is versatile, serving a broad range of applications, spanning from household tasks to heavy-industry requirements. The R1D1 features a highly articulated, six-degree-of-freedom robotic arm boasting an impressive 24.4-inch reach and capable of lifting up to 6.6 pounds.
The robotic’s 4-foot (1.22-meter) vertical-stroke actuator allows for peak adaptability, permitting operation across a range of surfaces and environments, according to Open Droids. The R1D1 option features an autonomous cellular robotic (cell-based) platform.
The device features a high-resolution digital camera and advanced picture processing capabilities, including real-time visual perception, enabling autonomous navigation capabilities. With self-charging capabilities facilitated by automated docking, a seamless power supply ensures consistent operation, while the device’s impressive velocity allows for efficient transportation at approximately 0.67 meters per second, or 1.4 miles per hour.
Robots are rolling out to retail stores, with new research suggesting a significant increase in automation across the sector.
OpenDroids revealed that it is currently in discussions with popular brands Baskin-Robbins and Subway to offer their products for pre-order, a move that could significantly enhance the user experience. According to the video, the corporation envisions its robot enhancing retail operations by assisting with restocking, sanitation, and even serving ice cream.
At the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show, Open Droids is set to unveil its latest innovation: the R2D3, a cutting-edge, dual-arm humanoid robot designed as an upgrade to the pioneering R1D1 model. The corporation is accelerating its push to bring these offerings to market, with a global recruitment drive underway to hire engineering professionals in the U.S., Canada, and India.
Open Droids announced its product roadmap, outlining ambitious goals to develop artificial intelligence solutions tailored to various industries, including household tasks, healthcare, retail, and restaurants.
For $18,500, the R1D1 serves as a cost-effective option for college research labs seeking an affordable cellular manipulator to develop and test novel software or sensors. The corporation has stated that its mission facilitates analysis and drives growth.
