Ground Control Robotics has developed SCUTTLE—a centipede-like robot designed to reliably navigate complex, cluttered, and confined environments, solving the dull, dirty, and dangerous challenges in pest control.
Pest infestations often occur in hard-to-reach areas like attics and crawl spaces, making inspections hazardous, inefficient, or impossible for technicians.
Ground Control Robotics is building robotic solutions to transform pest control with its flagship product: SCUTTLE (Slithering Centipede-like Undulatory Terra-dynamic Tactical Legged Explorer)—a multi-legged robot that confidently navigates cluttered and confined spaces.
Key Capabilities
- Modular Design
Equipped with interchangeable attachments including cameras, sprayers, grippers, noisemakers, thermal imagers, blacklights, and moisture sensors. - Rugged Performance
Traverses insulation and loose wires without entanglement, enabling remote operation in dusty, cramped, or hot environments. - Portability & Efficiency
Lightweight at just 6 pounds, easily stowed in a backpack or truck, reducing technician risk and insurance liability. - Future Autonomy
Developing autonomous monitoring to enable multitasking or “set-and-forget” deployment, minimizing follow-up visits.
By empowering technicians with safer, more efficient tools, Ground Control Robotics is positioned to capture significant value in the pest control industry while expanding into broader robotics applications.
Leadership Team
- Dan Goldman – CEO
Georgia Tech professor and robotics pioneer directing strategy and company growth. - Daniel Soto – CTO
Leads product development and innovation in multi-legged locomotion. - Luis Valdes – Chief People Officer
Manages recruitment, culture, and team development. - Erik Teder
Oversees marketing, brand strategy, and robotics quality control. - Lonnie Wishom
Leads customer relations and strategic planning, incorporating user feedback into design. - Alec Cook – Director of Operations
Physics PhD coordinating engineering and business activities. - Matt Nagy – Strategy and Business Development Advisor
Guides go-to-market execution and industry partnerships.
Supported by an accomplished advisory board with leaders from the U.S. Army, Bayer Crop Science, Princeton, Caltech, UC Irvine, plus legal counsel at Nelson Mullins and accounting at Gina Scott & Associates.
Ground Control Robotics is targeting the pest control industry as its beachhead market, starting with independent contractors and local companies in the Southeast.
Commercial Strategy
- Pricing Model
SCUTTLE units produced at ~$2,500, sold at $5,000 each. - Recurring Revenue
Annual software subscription at $750 including 24/7 support and updates. - Market Validation
Demonstrated at major conferences (North Georgia Pest Control Association and PestWorld 2025), generating strong interest and a pipeline of over 20 companies/contractors expressing purchase intent. - Next Steps
Pursuing pilot programs to refine product based on technician feedback, targeting market launch in early 2027.
This focused approach leverages authentic demand from technicians seeking safer, more efficient tools.
Primary revenue will come from direct sales of SCUTTLE robots combined with recurring software subscriptions.
- Hardware Sales
One-time revenue from robot units sold to pest control companies and independent contractors. - Software Licensing
Annual subscription providing control software, technical support, and ongoing updates.
This dual-stream model creates immediate revenue upon launch while building predictable, high-margin recurring income as the installed base grows.
Investment Ask
Ground Control Robotics is seeking $2.5 million to fund product development, team expansion, and production through Q1 2027 market launch.
Use of Funds
- Engineering Team
Enhance functionality and harden SCUTTLE for real-world robustness. - Software Development
Build intuitive control interface requiring minimal technician training. - Business Development
Hire professionals to deepen customer relationships and align product with market needs. - Manufacturing
Purchase materials/equipment for in-house production and establish large-scale manufacturing pipeline.
This capital will accelerate commercialization, validate product-market fit through pilots, and position Ground Control Robotics for rapid adoption in the pest control sector.
The SCUTTLE platform is at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6—prototypes demonstrated in relevant environments including attics, confined spaces, and challenging outdoor terrains.
Current Performance Highlights
- Mobility
Overcomes obstacles up to 5× its height, self-rights after flips, and uses specialized gait to avoid wire entanglement. - Durability
IP34 rating—protected from particulates and water splashes. - Operation
90-minute continuous runtime; real-time video via mounted camera; remote control up to 1 mile line-of-sight (radio or Wi-Fi). - Physical Specs
Weighs 6 pounds; dimensions 36" × 8" × 4".
These proven capabilities position SCUTTLE for near-term commercialization with ongoing enhancements in autonomy and modularity.
Ground Control Robotics has secured $525,000 in early funding:
| Source | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| NSF STTR Grant | $275,000 | Non-dilutive |
| Friends & Family | $250,000 | SAFE notes |
