RISE Inside

Get ready for the State of the Union address from RISE Robotics CEO, Hiten Sonpal! In this Year in Review episode, Hiten breaks down the biggest year in the company's history. We dive into the game-changing first commercial sale that officially shifts RISE from R&D to a commercial powerhouse, the major $3 million Air Force contract, and the incredible community support behind the largest crowdfunding campaign of 2025. Plus, find out what it took to set a Guinness World Record for the world's strongest robotic arm! It’s a candid look at the healthy conflict, team growth, and the push for $1M in commercial revenue that's defining the future of electrification!

Join host Justin Starbird on this episode of the RISE™Inside Podcast as he sits down with Hiten Sonpal, the newly appointed CEO of RISE® Robotics. Dive into Hiten’s fascinating journey from a computer engineer to a seasoned leader in robotics and automation, with pivotal roles at Electric Sheep Robotics, Mowbot, and iRobot. Hiten shares his vision for RISE, emphasizing innovation, team empowerment, and a bold strategy to replace hydraulic systems with RISE groundbreaking belt technology, Beltdraulic™. Discover the exciting initiatives Hiten is spearheading, including a unique innovation time carve-out for employees and strategic projects aimed at quick market impact. Listen in as Hiten discusses the challenges and opportunities ahead, his passion for shipping products, and his goal to revolutionize industrial machinery for a more efficient and sustainable future. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about leadership, technology, and the future of RISE. Tune in to gain insights into Hiten’s leadership style, the dynamic team at RISE, and the exciting road ahead for the company.

Join us on the latest episode of the Rise™Inside Podcast, where co-founders Arron Acosta and Kyle Dell’Aquilla unveil a groundbreaking advancement in industrial motion technology – Beltdraulic™. This innovative system, developed by the team at RISE™Robotics, promises to redefine mechanical movement across a range of industries. Episode Highlights: The Genesis of Beltdraulic™: Discover the inspiration behind this revolutionary technology and how it aims to enhance motion technology in applications from material handling to construction, agriculture, mining, and more. Learn about the novel, patented method of managing belt tension that delivers unparalleled force and precision. The Power of Beltdraulic™: Understand how Beltdraulic™ combines the benefits of steel cable systems and hydraulic systems, utilizing belts to create a highly efficient and versatile motion solution. Hear about its unique ability to deliver high power with exceptional efficiency, eliminating the need for lubrication and minimizing wear and tear. Looking Ahead: Explore the future prospects of Beltdraulic™ as our team continues to refine and expand this technology. Stay informed about upcoming announcements and the development of robust parts and service networks to ensure seamless adoption across various industries. Tune in to learn how Beltdraulic™ is set to revolutionize the heavy machinery industry by offering a more efficient, productive, and compact solution. Join us on this exciting journey as we build a future where motion technology is smarter, stronger, and more efficient than ever before. Stay connected with us for more updates and be part of the Beltdraulic™ revolution. Visit our website and follow us on social media for the latest developments and announcements.

Jamison Go, Senior Mechanical Engineer at RISE™Robotics, brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role. With a background in additive manufacturing and a lifelong fascination with robotics, Jamison's journey spans from exploring cutting-edge technologies at MIT to over 19 years in fighting robots. At RISE™, Jamison aligns with the company's vision for pioneering electric technology in heavy machinery. His meticulous approach to mechanical design ensures each project meets RISE™'s standards of excellence, driving the company's mission forward. Beyond work, Jamison's dedication to robotics shines through his continued involvement in BattleBots, showcasing his commitment to pushing engineering boundaries. With an eye on future technological frontiers, Jamison's contributions solidify his role as a key player in shaping RISE™'s electrifying future.

Eric Kong's path to RISE™ was an unexpected one. Initially planning a career in law, his passion for engineering was sparked in the sixth grade, setting his course toward a fulfilling career in engineering. As Senior Electrical Engineer, Eric leads multiple projects with expertise ranging from schematic capture to debugging. His hands-on approach ensures that projects surpass expectations and deliver exceptional results. Outside of work, he enjoys strategy games and sharing his passion for strategy with his newborn daughter. Looking ahead, Eric eagerly anticipates new challenges and collaborations, aiming to highlight the value of RISE™ through innovative solutions. Join us on the latest episode of Inside RISE™ for more on Eric's journey.