Rugged Robotics

Employee Spotlight: Yan Yao Title: Robotic Operations Engineer At Rugged since: May 2021 🔧 What do you do at Rugged? "I joined the team early on helping with R&D on our beta robots before transitioning into a traveling, deployment engineer, where I worked with customers in the field and led crews of operators. Today, I’m fortunate enough to help manage the operations team and will soon become a product manager on our software team!" 🧱 What drew you to Rugged? Initially, I was interested in the robotics aspect, but over time I became inspired by Rugged’s mission to provide practical solutions via automation to the construction industry. After meeting people suffering from knee and shoulder pain due to the physical nature of manual layout, I was totally convinced that something had to be done." ⚡ What’s unique about working here? "It is an absolute privilege and joy working side-by-side with hardworking, smart people. Every person here is an elite teammate, from operations to engineering to leadership, that I can rely on. It really means a lot when you're on the 15th floor of an exposed skyscraper in the Boston winter (see pic).” 🏧 Favorite project or challenge so far? “I had a lot of fun squeezing every ounce of performance out of our prototype, the Beta4 robot. From creating calibration routines to writing scripts to the physical delivery, I played a hand in turning the Beta4 into something that provided real value. It was satisfying watching all the compounded improvements manifest at Roman Mosaic, the last Beta4 job, where we delivered Terrazzo layout on time with no questions asked about accuracy. That said, super happy that we only run Mark1s in the field today!” 🔍 Fun facts about you 🧗 I enjoy rock climbing, especially sport climbing! ✈️ I’ve flown 150k miles over 100 flights for Rugged in the past 4 years 👴 I joined as Rugged’s 4th employee

Equipment installation can be as easy as flat-pack furniture, no matter your crew’s experience level. Say goodbye to cryptic “X” marks and basic centerlines—print detailed equipment outlines, bolt holes, power feed labels, conveyor belt elevations, and so much more right on the floor. 🔹 Cut installation timelines and power up weeks early 🔹 Text, symbols, and outlines, printed in multiple languages 🔹 Fewer errors, zero rework, and better use of man-hours Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e_eNW-2A #PrintMoreInstallFaster #AI #ConstructionTech #PrecisionLayout #FasterInstalls #WePrintWhatMatters

‼️ Rugged Robotics Wins IEEE Innovation Award ‼️ I'm proud to share that Rugged Robotics will receive the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society for Product Innovation at #ICRA2025. Built directly on active job sites to solve real construction challenges, our autonomous layout robot is now transforming field layout with precision, speed, and simplicity. The IEEE selected our solution for its advancements in the state of the art for construction, and we’re honored to be recognized alongside innovators like Apptronik, Ambi Robotics, Clearpath Robotics by Rockwell Automation, and Fetch Robotics (now part of Zebra Technologies). Recognition from the IEEE validates what we've always believed: real innovation starts in the field. And we’re just getting started. #IEEEAward #ICRA2025 #ConstructionTech #AutonomousRobotics #FieldLayout

With our full-service layout solution, reducing rework, slashing installation timelines, and saving hard dollars has never been easier. 🙅 Forget about any steep learning curve, bulky equipment storage logistics, or financial risk—let us handle the layout for you, from file prep to printing. Learn more about Layout as a Service—and see how you can save 60% on installation timelines by partnering with Rugged: https://lnkd.in/gU9WzreR #AutomatedLayout #ConstructionTech #ConstructionRobotics #Innovation #RuggedRobotics #ManufacturingTech

From jobsite pain point to industry breakthrough: Derrick Morse, P.E. on founding Rugged Robotics. Derrick Morse didn't plan to become an entrepreneur. But when he returned to the construction industry after stints at the MIT Sloan School of Management and Samsung Electronics, he saw an unmet need and a huge opportunity. No one had solved the problem of layout, a pain-point he had experienced first hand while installing sprinkler systems earlier in his career. As he walked sites, Derrick still saw messy chalk-lines, spray-painted notes, and vague sharpie marks - with countless errors, clashes, and rework. The models were better, the design information was there, but no one was using it.  No one was accurately carrying that coordinated design into the field. He had an idea - the “layout Roomba.” The result of that idea was Rugged Robotics, a company whose automated platform, the Rugged Mark1, translates digital CAD designs into the life size blueprints, ensuring all trades install their systems and equipment exactly where it was designed to go. In a recent spotlight by Suffolk Technologies — the venture capital and technology accelerator associated with Suffolk Construction — Derrick explains how Rugged developed its platform working alongside crews on real-world pilots as part of the Suffolk Boost program. Their collaboration extends to this day, and Rugged is deeply engaged with the Suffolk Construction team, often on the most complex (and confidential) projects across the country. https://lnkd.in/gV77SWnm #constructiontechnology #constructionrobotics

Last night, Rugged Robotics continued its tradition of hosting a Mentor Meetup during the #FIRSTRoboticsChampionship in Houston at True Anomaly Brewing Company, creating a space where these dedicated mentors and volunteers could unwind and connect for the fourth straight year. We appreciate their commitment and dedication of these mentors that are bringing up the next generation of roboticists. At Rugged, we believe in honoring those who inspire the next generation of innovators, and #FIRST is near to our heart. #FIRST brought me into the robotics field as a high school freshman in 2006, where I decided that I wanted to build sweet robots for a career. Now we've built a company that builds sweet, and more importantly, useful robots working in the world. Our company includes a bunch of awesome FIRST graduates and active mentors and volunteers. A special shoutout to Andrew Hartnett mentoring Pearadox 5414 FRC, Jack Sampson mentoring CRyptonite Robotics, and Mason Markee volunteering for #FIRSTChampsLive. The evening buzzed with conversation as 250+ mentors from across the nation and world shared stories of breakthrough moments and challenges overcome for their teams. These dedicated individuals, many balancing full-time careers with their volunteer commitments, embody the spirit of innovation we champion. Their dedication transforms students into tomorrow's problem-solvers. We look forward to hosting for many years to come.

Great trip to San Francisco last week to reconnect with the west coast construction tech community and to speak on corporate venture capital in construction as part of BuiltWorlds Venture West with Alice Leung, Kaushal Diwan, Matt D., Ken Sobel, Kevin Albert, and Sadanand Sahasrabudhe. Some key takeaways from our discussion and from nearly 4 years of collaboration with Suffolk Technologies and Suffolk Construction:    Benefits of Engaging with Corporates  More than capital - While traditional VCs prioritize rapid growth and financial returns, corporates bring deeper engagement, industry expertise, and more patience Creditability boost – With appetite to try something new, they can grant faster access to pilots, open doors to decision makers, quantify ROI, and once invested - provide a strong signal to others that an industry leader values your offering Setting the Stage for Success  Do your homework - Research the firms’ investment history, stage, and preferences on deal structure. Understand the corporate’s profile, strategic priorities, and core markets or project types.  Solve their pain points - Frame your pitch around their top-of-mind challenges, how your technology addresses them, and who’s internal pain points you’re addressing  Bring evidence - Share early validation metrics that resonate (labor savings, safety improvements, waste reduction) and can be tested in a pilot Navigating the Partnership  Protect your flexibility – Navigate exclusivity provisions carefully, think about the potential upside and downside scenarios and the potential for signal risk. Communicate openly - there is a recipe for mutual success, but finding it depends on both parties.  Define success together - Establish clear KPIs that align with both startup growth and corporate objectives  Start small, scale fast - Propose a structured pilot/roll-out plan, leverage KPIs (from above) to unlock a clear path to broader adoption   Maximizing Strategic Value  Build multiple internal relationships - Connect beyond the investment and innovation teams to project teams and executives.   Tap their expertise - Request specific feedback from relevant stakeholders that improve your product or validate your assumptions   Access their network - Leverage introductions to their extended construction teams (suppliers, partners, subcontractors) and their financial network (other investors, banks, etc.) The Bottom Line: The most successful construction founders approach corporate venture capital not as merely a funding source, but as a strategic partnership that can provide the market access, technical validation, and industry credibility needed to overcome our industries slower adoption timeline. When done right, these partnerships accelerate not just company growth, but the entire industry's technological evolution!

Please find Derrick Morse, P.E. & Rey Virani at #ENRFutureTech in a couple of weeks. We look forward to sharing Rugged's impact on projects across the country for the industry's most forward-thinking builders and connecting with all the other stakeholders driving the AEC industry forward! https://lnkd.in/epaq6H2t

Considering leasing a robot to perform automated layout yourself? Let Rugged’s team of experts handle everything from setup to takedown. ❎ No operational risk—no onboarding, training, technology troubleshooting, or logistics management needed. ❎ No utilization risk—no robots sitting idle due to variable project schedules. Pay for layout when you need it. ❎ No scalability risk—scale quickly with as many robots and experienced technicians as needed, sent directly to your jobsites. Get all the benefits of automated layout with none of the hassle. Learn more about our full-service layout solution: https://lnkd.in/gU9WzreR

Rugged’s automated layout service is driving hard dollar savings of 50%, reducing rework by 75%, and slashing installation schedules by 60%. We offer the ability to drive similar results for your project without any of the hassle of leasing or owning a robot directly. No need to spend weeks learning new tech or managing logistics—Rugged’s team will show up and get the job done fast. 💪🏗️ Discover why full-service layout is the smarter choice—saving you time, money, and hassle on every project: https://lnkd.in/gU9WzreR #RuggedRobotics #Manufacturing #AutomatedLayout #ConstructionTech #Construction