|
CHICAGO and MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rand McNally today announced the launch of a new multi-brand capability for Toyota Halo, developed in partnership with Toyota Motor Corporation Australia (TMCA). The capability was launched on January 20, 2026, and enables Toyota fleet customers in Australia to manage mixed fleets, including non-Toyota vehicles, within a single Toyota Halo portal using Rand McNally's GX6 device.
Toyota Halo is Toyota's fleet management platform, sold exclusively by Toyota to its fleet customers as a Toyota-branded, white-label solution powered by Rand McNally technology. The platform helps fleet operators monitor, manage, and optimize their vehicles through a centralized portal designed to support real-world fleet operations.
With the introduction of the new multi-brand capability, Toyota Halo can now support non-Toyota light vehicles and light commercial vehicles alongside Toyota vehicles in the same system. This includes vehicle types such as sedans, SUVs, and Utility vehicles, provided they are compatible with the GX6 device. At this stage, the multi-brand capability is limited to light vehicles and light commercial vehicles.
The enhancement is enabled by Rand McNally's GX6 device, an in-vehicle telematics unit that captures and transmits vehicle data into the Toyota Halo platform. GX6 is the only approved device for enabling multi-brand functionality within Toyota Halo and has been approved for use by TMCA.
"This launch reflects how fleet customers actually operate," said Adam Ricketts, General Manager APAC & MENA for Rand McNally. "Most fleets operate a mix of vehicle brands, and this capability allows Toyota Halo customers to manage those vehicles together in one system, without the complexity of multiple platforms."
The new capability unlocks additional opportunities among mixed-fleet customers by extending Toyota Halo beyond Toyota-only fleets while maintaining a consistent, Toyota-branded fleet management experience. It also represents an expansion of the partnership between Rand McNally and Toyota Motor Corporation Australia, extending the functionality and commercial reach of Toyota Halo within the Australian market.
The multi-brand capability is available now to eligible Toyota Halo customers in Australia using the GX6 device.
About Rand McNally
Rand McNally is a leading provider of navigation, mapping, and fleet management solutions, delivering technology platforms that help fleets operate more efficiently, safely, and intelligently.
About Toyota Halo
Toyota Halo is a Toyota-branded fleet management solution offered by Toyota Motor Corporation Australia that enables fleet customers to monitor, manage, and optimize their vehicles through a single, integrated platform.
Photo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2904159/Rand_McNallys_GX6_in_vehicle_telematics_unit.jpg?p=medium600
Logo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2505345/Rand_McNally_Logo.jpg?p=medium600
CHICAGO and MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rand McNally today announced the launch of a new multi-brand capability for Toyota Halo, developed in partnership with Toyota Motor Corporation Australia (TMCA). The capability was launched on January 20, 2026, and enables Toyota fleet customers in Australia to manage mixed fleets, including non-Toyota vehicles, within a single Toyota Halo portal using Rand McNally's GX6 device.
Toyota Halo is Toyota's fleet management platform, sold exclusively by Toyota to its fleet customers as a Toyota-branded, white-label solution powered by Rand McNally technology. The platform helps fleet operators monitor, manage, and optimize their vehicles through a centralized portal designed to support real-world fleet operations.
With the introduction of the new multi-brand capability, Toyota Halo can now support non-Toyota light vehicles and light commercial vehicles alongside Toyota vehicles in the same system. This includes vehicle types such as sedans, SUVs, and Utility vehicles, provided they are compatible with the GX6 device. At this stage, the multi-brand capability is limited to light vehicles and light commercial vehicles.
The enhancement is enabled by Rand McNally's GX6 device, an in-vehicle telematics unit that captures and transmits vehicle data into the Toyota Halo platform. GX6 is the only approved device for enabling multi-brand functionality within Toyota Halo and has been approved for use by TMCA.
"This launch reflects how fleet customers actually operate," said Adam Ricketts, General Manager APAC & MENA for Rand McNally. "Most fleets operate a mix of vehicle brands, and this capability allows Toyota Halo customers to manage those vehicles together in one system, without the complexity of multiple platforms."
The new capability unlocks additional opportunities among mixed-fleet customers by extending Toyota Halo beyond Toyota-only fleets while maintaining a consistent, Toyota-branded fleet management experience. It also represents an expansion of the partnership between Rand McNally and Toyota Motor Corporation Australia, extending the functionality and commercial reach of Toyota Halo within the Australian market.
The multi-brand capability is available now to eligible Toyota Halo customers in Australia using the GX6 device.
About Rand McNally
Rand McNally is a leading provider of navigation, mapping, and fleet management solutions, delivering technology platforms that help fleets operate more efficiently, safely, and intelligently.
About Toyota Halo
Toyota Halo is a Toyota-branded fleet management solution offered by Toyota Motor Corporation Australia that enables fleet customers to monitor, manage, and optimize their vehicles through a single, integrated platform.
Photo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2904159/Rand_McNallys_GX6_in_vehicle_telematics_unit.jpg?p=medium600
Logo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2505345/Rand_McNally_Logo.jpg?p=medium600
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Rand McNally Expands Toyota Halo with New Multi-Brand Fleet Capability in Australia
|
Announced alongside M Series Smart Assist Module launch on Kickstarter
NEW YORK, April 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Yarbo, a company focused on intelligent yard robotics, today announced the Yarbo Open Platform, a long-term initiative currently under development and planned for release in early 2027. Designed to expand Yarbo's modular yard robot system across both software and hardware, the platform is intended to support deeper customization, broader smart home connectivity, and new forms of user and developer-driven functionality over time. The announcement coincides with the launch of the Smart Assist Module (SAM) for the M Series on Kickstarter.
The Open Platform is not available today. Instead, it reflects Yarbo's roadmap for how its ecosystem may evolve over time, including a three-layer software architecture built around an Open API, SDK, and no-code Automation Editor, as well as a hardware expansion framework designed to support future user-built and developer-built modules.
A Structured Approach to Software Integration and Automation
The Yarbo Open Platform is structured to accommodate different levels of technical expertise, from everyday users to experienced developers. It is designed to provide multiple entry points into the Yarbo ecosystem, enabling both software-driven automation and hardware-level expansion.
On the software side, the platform consists of three layers:
- Yarbo Open API — intended to enable connectivity between Yarbo devices and external platforms, allowing them to participate in broader home automation scenarios.
- Yarbo SDK — a set of development tools, including code libraries and documentation, designed for developers building custom features or integrations.
- Yarbo Automation Editor — a visual, drag-and-drop interface within the Yarbo app that allows users to create automation workflows without writing code.
Together, these components are intended to make automation accessible to a wide range of users, while also supporting more advanced development use cases.
The platform is also designed to support compatibility with widely used smart home ecosystems, including Home Assistant, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa, enabling users to incorporate Yarbo into existing connected home setups.
Extending Capability Through Hardware
In addition to software capabilities, the Open Platform introduces a hardware expansion approach designed to extend Yarbo's functionality beyond its existing modules.
At the center of this is CoreBridge, a standardized hardware interface currently in development that is intended to provide access to Yarbo's mechanical mounting points, power system, and data connections. It is designed to support third-party development and user-built extensions, allowing new types of functionality beyond pre-defined modules.
One example of this extensibility is an electromagnet-based module, which can be attached via CoreBridge to enable Yarbo to latch onto and move objects such as garbage bins. In a potential use scenario, this could enable automated movement of a bin to the curb on collection day and its return afterward.
This combination of software and hardware openness reflects an effort to expand the role of outdoor robotics beyond fixed-function devices.
Smart Assist Module Launch on Kickstarter
Alongside the Open Platform announcement, Yarbo is launching the Smart Assist Module (SAM) for the M Series on Kickstarter.
The module introduces two primary features designed to expand how users interact with their yard robot in everyday use:
- Follow Me Mode — enabling Yarbo to move alongside the user while carrying tools or materials, reducing the need for manual transport during yard work.
- Patrol Mode — allowing Yarbo to move along customizable routes around the property, with features such as remote live view, app-based alerts, and optional audio notifications via its built-in speaker, providing an added layer of awareness and convenience for users managing outdoor spaces.
The Smart Assist Module is positioned as part of Yarbo's broader effort to extend the practical use cases of its modular system.
Looking Ahead
The Yarbo Open Platform is planned for release in early 2027 and is being developed to support both the Y Series and M Series. By introducing a framework that combines software integration, developer tools, and hardware extensibility, Yarbo aims to enable a broader range of applications while allowing users to define how the system evolves over time.
Further details will be shared as development progresses.
About Yarbo
Yarbo is defining a new category of outdoor robotics with its Modular Yard Robot. Known for its automated snow blower robots, Yarbo introduced a modular system designed for year-round use. Powered by a single intelligent core unit, the system supports interchangeable modules for mowing, leaf blowing, snow clearing, and more—creating a more efficient approach to outdoor maintenance for homeowners.
Announced alongside M Series Smart Assist Module launch on Kickstarter
NEW YORK, April 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Yarbo, a company focused on intelligent yard robotics, today announced the Yarbo Open Platform, a long-term initiative currently under development and planned for release in early 2027. Designed to expand Yarbo's modular yard robot system across both software and hardware, the platform is intended to support deeper customization, broader smart home connectivity, and new forms of user and developer-driven functionality over time. The announcement coincides with the launch of the Smart Assist Module (SAM) for the M Series on Kickstarter.
The Open Platform is not available today. Instead, it reflects Yarbo's roadmap for how its ecosystem may evolve over time, including a three-layer software architecture built around an Open API, SDK, and no-code Automation Editor, as well as a hardware expansion framework designed to support future user-built and developer-built modules.
A Structured Approach to Software Integration and Automation
The Yarbo Open Platform is structured to accommodate different levels of technical expertise, from everyday users to experienced developers. It is designed to provide multiple entry points into the Yarbo ecosystem, enabling both software-driven automation and hardware-level expansion.
On the software side, the platform consists of three layers:
- Yarbo Open API — intended to enable connectivity between Yarbo devices and external platforms, allowing them to participate in broader home automation scenarios.
- Yarbo SDK — a set of development tools, including code libraries and documentation, designed for developers building custom features or integrations.
- Yarbo Automation Editor — a visual, drag-and-drop interface within the Yarbo app that allows users to create automation workflows without writing code.
Together, these components are intended to make automation accessible to a wide range of users, while also supporting more advanced development use cases.
The platform is also designed to support compatibility with widely used smart home ecosystems, including Home Assistant, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa, enabling users to incorporate Yarbo into existing connected home setups.
Extending Capability Through Hardware
In addition to software capabilities, the Open Platform introduces a hardware expansion approach designed to extend Yarbo's functionality beyond its existing modules.
At the center of this is CoreBridge, a standardized hardware interface currently in development that is intended to provide access to Yarbo's mechanical mounting points, power system, and data connections. It is designed to support third-party development and user-built extensions, allowing new types of functionality beyond pre-defined modules.
One example of this extensibility is an electromagnet-based module, which can be attached via CoreBridge to enable Yarbo to latch onto and move objects such as garbage bins. In a potential use scenario, this could enable automated movement of a bin to the curb on collection day and its return afterward.
This combination of software and hardware openness reflects an effort to expand the role of outdoor robotics beyond fixed-function devices.
Smart Assist Module Launch on Kickstarter
Alongside the Open Platform announcement, Yarbo is launching the Smart Assist Module (SAM) for the M Series on Kickstarter.
The module introduces two primary features designed to expand how users interact with their yard robot in everyday use:
- Follow Me Mode — enabling Yarbo to move alongside the user while carrying tools or materials, reducing the need for manual transport during yard work.
- Patrol Mode — allowing Yarbo to move along customizable routes around the property, with features such as remote live view, app-based alerts, and optional audio notifications via its built-in speaker, providing an added layer of awareness and convenience for users managing outdoor spaces.
The Smart Assist Module is positioned as part of Yarbo's broader effort to extend the practical use cases of its modular system.
Looking Ahead
The Yarbo Open Platform is planned for release in early 2027 and is being developed to support both the Y Series and M Series. By introducing a framework that combines software integration, developer tools, and hardware extensibility, Yarbo aims to enable a broader range of applications while allowing users to define how the system evolves over time.
Further details will be shared as development progresses.
About Yarbo
Yarbo is defining a new category of outdoor robotics with its Modular Yard Robot. Known for its automated snow blower robots, Yarbo introduced a modular system designed for year-round use. Powered by a single intelligent core unit, the system supports interchangeable modules for mowing, leaf blowing, snow clearing, and more—creating a more efficient approach to outdoor maintenance for homeowners.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Yarbo Introduces Open Platform Strategy, Opening Its Robotics System to Developers and Smart Home Ecosystems
Yarbo Introduces Open Platform Strategy, Opening Its Robotics System to Developers and Smart Home Ecosystems
