Serpent Robotics provides SR‑01, a teleoperated rope‑climbing robot that lets arborists perform high‑canopy cuts from the ground. Using a standard arborist line, a self‑centering grip, and a handheld controller with live video and telemetry, the system eliminates the need for climbers on the rope, reducing injury risk and fatigue while enabling more high‑risk jobs. The robot’s hot‑swappable batteries, mechanical failsafe, and data logging support rapid deployment and safety compliance for commercial tree‑care services.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Arborist crews must send climbers onto high, often compromised limbs to perform cuts, exposing workers to significant safety risks, fatigue, and limiting the number of high‑canopy jobs they can accept.
Solution
Serpent Robotics’ SR‑01 is a teleoperated rope‑climbing robot that enables arborists to perform canopy cuts from the ground. The system uses a standard arborist line, a self‑centering mechanical grip, and a handheld ground controller to ascend, position, and cut without any personnel on the rope. Live RGB video, IMU, and load‑cell telemetry provide real‑time situational awareness, while onboard data logging records each operation for safety compliance and post‑job analysis. The robot’s hot‑swappable battery packs and low‑latency control link support rapid deployment and continuous operation on multiple sites. By keeping climbers on the ground, SR‑01 reduces injury risk, lowers fatigue, and allows crews to take on higher‑risk jobs that were previously declined.
Target Audience
Primary customers are commercial arborist companies and tree‑care service providers that perform high‑canopy removals and need to improve worker safety and operational efficiency.
Features
- Self‑centering rope‑gripping claw that locks onto standard arborist lines under full load and maintains grip on uneven limbs
- Ground‑based controller with live video feed, IMU, and load‑cell telemetry for precise teleoperation of ascent, positioning, and cutting
- Mechanical failsafe arrest that prevents free‑fall in the event of power loss
- Hot‑swappable field battery packs enabling quick turnaround between jobs
- Integrated telemetry logs all movements, loads, and video for compliance documentation and performance review
- Compatibility with existing arborist tools via interchangeable mounts
- Rapid setup workflow requiring only standard rigging procedures and on‑site training