In this episode of the Inspectations podcast, host Justin Starbird sits down with Hiten Sonpal, President of RISE Robotics, to dive deep into the revolutionary potential of fluid-free actuation technology. Together, they explore how RISE’s breakthrough actuator system is reshaping the landscape of heavy machinery—making it cleaner, more efficient, and ultimately more sustainable.

Hiten breaks down how traditional hydraulics, long relied upon in construction, logistics, and defense industries, are becoming a bottleneck in the global push toward electrification. Enter RISE: with a 75% efficient system that captures energy during movement and transforms it into reusable power, they’re not just replacing hydraulics—they’re redefining what's possible!

The conversation highlights how RISE actuators—featuring built-in diagnostics, natural shock load handling, and compliance-friendly components—are a game-changer for OEMs and end users alike. From ports on the U.S. coasts to mining operations in Australia, the demand for zero-emission solutions is growing, and RISE is primed to deliver.

Hiten also gives listeners a glimpse into the company’s momentum, from a top-performing Wefunder campaign to the upcoming launch of a new developer kit and the highly anticipated liftgate pilot. Most exciting of all? RISE’s mission to reduce costs, boost productivity, and leave the world a cleaner, wealthier place through smarter engineering.

Whether you’re an industry insider, investor, or sustainability enthusiast, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of heavy machinery and the electrification revolution.