A new robotic arm that can lift more than three tons – enough to hoist a Ford F-250 pickup truck – is getting ready to break a world record that has stood for nearly ten years.

Old-School Technology With a Modern Twist

Massachusetts-based company Rise Robotics has created what they call the "Superjammer," a powerful robotic arm that doesn't use the traditional hydraulic systems found in most heavy machinery. Instead, it uses something much simpler: belts and pulleys.

The company calls their invention "Beltdraulic" technology. While it might sound like something from the past, Rise has given this basic mechanical principle a high-tech upgrade.

"Sometimes the best solutions aren't the most complicated ones," said a representative from Rise Robotics. "We've taken the reliable concept of belts and pulleys and engineered it for modern industrial needs."

Smashing the Previous Record

In a recently released video, the Superjammer lifts an impressive 6,460 pounds (2,930 kg) to a height of about 15 feet (4.6 meters). The arm then moves the massive weight forward and backward with apparent ease.

This already beats the current record holder – the Fanuc M-2000iA/2300, which lifted 5,070 pounds (2,300 kg) back in 2016 – by nearly 1,400 pounds.

Rise Robotics plans to make their official world record attempt on March 20, 2025, at 4 PM in Union Square, Somerville, Massachusetts. Local residents and visitors will have the chance to witness this feat of engineering in person.

Why Belts Instead of Hydraulics?

Traditional hydraulic systems use pressurized fluid to move heavy machinery, but they come with several drawbacks:

• They can leak fluid, creating messes and environmental hazards
• They require regular maintenance
• They consume significant power or fuel
• They can suffer from "drift," where positions slowly change over time

According to Rise Robotics, their Beltdraulic system solves these problems:

• It's completely electric with zero emissions
• It uses 65-90% less power or fuel
• It eliminates hydraulic drift for more precise control
• It has fewer parts that need maintenance
• It moves three times faster than traditional hydraulics

The system works by using electric motors to wind and unwind specially designed belts inside what look like hydraulic cylinders from the outside.

Beyond Breaking Records

Rise Robotics isn't just building the Superjammer to break records. They see their technology revolutionizing industries that rely on heavy machinery.

Their system is designed to be compatible with AI systems, making it suitable for autonomous vehicles and equipment. The company also claims the Beltdraulic drive is durable enough to last the entire lifetime of whatever machine it's installed in.

With fewer maintenance requirements, better energy efficiency, and more precise control, Rise believes their technology could transform construction, mining, agriculture, and other industries that depend on powerful lifting machinery.

"This isn't just about setting a world record," said the Rise spokesperson. "It's about showing the world that there's a better way to move heavy things."