Wheeled robotic systems are drawing growing interest as practical solutions for automation, especially in sectors facing persistent staffing shortages. Richtech Robotics, known for its service-oriented robots, recently introduced Dex—a dual-armed, wheeled mobile manipulator—marking its entry into this competitive market. Commercial environments often favor reliability and operational efficiency, making wheeled robots more attractive than humanoid models with legs. Dex is positioned as a response to the urgent needs of industries that struggle to fill labor positions, promising both stability and the capacity to handle repetitive tasks. Several companies have experimented with AI-powered robotics, but Richtech’s strategy centers around adaptability and tangible returns for businesses.
Similar recent product releases in the robotics sector have focused on humanoid formats or arm-equipped autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), like Diligent Robotics’ Moxi and 1X Technologies’ Eve. Earlier, the robotics market saw a considerable split between legged and wheeled platforms, but available research points to a dominance of wheeled manipulators due to their simpler mechanics and longer operational cycles. Richtech’s move echoes industry priorities, favoring reliability over technical showmanship, unlike the more experimental and headline-catching bipedal robots. The company’s robotics are also designed for rapid deployment and easier maintenance—factors that have set modern service robots apart in real-world environments.
Why Did Richtech Opt for a Wheeled Design?
Richtech Robotics opted for a wheeled base with Dex after extensive consideration of operational demands in industrial contexts. Wheeled configurations consume less power and support longer battery life, meeting the needs of clients who require minimal downtime and efficiency in small or crowded spaces. President Matt Casella explained,
“When designing Dex, our first mobile humanoid robot, Richtech deliberately chose wheels over legs for practical industrial deployment.”
This approach emphasizes consistency and safe navigation amid the constraints of real customer environments.
How Does Dex Utilize Artificial Intelligence?
To deliver advanced AI capabilities, Dex leverages technological partnerships with prominent firms such as NVIDIA. Integration with NVIDIA’s Jetson Thor platform and Isaac Sim workflow equips Dex with rapid perception, autonomous navigation through lidar-based SLAM, and edge-computing for real-time decisions. Casella elaborated on these features:
“Dex’s architecture integrates dual-arm manipulation with an NVIDIA Jetson Thor processor to enable real-time AI vision, decision-making, and task execution.”
By focusing on robust in-house software, Richtech aims for flexible and reliable operation, with a cloud-management suite that supports remote diagnostics and iterative improvement.
What Are Richtech’s Strategic Goals for Dex Deployments?
Richtech’s strategy combines robot-as-a-service (RaaS) offerings with direct sales, targeting both hospitality and industrial markets. The company also operates its own retail sites, CLOUFFEE & Tea and AlphaMax, which double as testbeds and revenue sources. Richtech plans to scale their deployment past 1,000 robots and to expand their business model to include data-as-a-service (DaaS). The real-world data generated by their robots will support the broader robotics ecosystem, with potential access for external partners developing physical AI systems in the United States. These efforts underscore a push to shift from mere automation towards data-driven operational intelligence.
The ongoing development and field deployment of Dex reflect wider industry themes around the practicality and scalability of mobile manipulators. Compared to earlier attempts by various robotics startups, Richtech emphasizes utilitarian performance, stable mobility, and integration into existing workflows rather than anthropomorphic novelty. Service-oriented wheeled robots now outnumber bipedal designs for good reason: they scale faster, break down less, and are easier to customize for specific labor shortages, especially in service and hospitality. Richtech’s dual focus on operational robustness and data generation addresses two central needs—immediate staffing challenges and the long-term optimization of automated workforces. Readers seeking stability, efficiency, and integration in robotic automation may find wheeled manipulators like Dex are setting the prevailing trend. For decision-makers, this signals that practical deployment matters just as much as technical advancement when considering robotic solutions in business environments.
