Festo and MassRobotics to Create Innovations in Robotics and Automation Through New Partnership
Festo supports MassRobotics’ startup and technology community in its effort to develop the future of robotics.
Esslingen/Germany, April 23, 2020 — Festo has entered into a strategic partnership with MassRobotics, based in Boston, to further global market growth and innovation initiatives dedicated to the development of the next generation of robotics.
MassRobotics, the independent, nonprofit group serving as an innovation hub for robotics and smart connected devices, works to foster a collaborative space in which to inspire the next generation of robotics and automation innovators and builders. The organization’s unique “escalator” model allows startups to establish, grow, offer meaningful employment, and provide ongoing value for MassRobotics’ partner organizations.
MassRobotics also creates a supportive learning environment to engage youth and future engineers and entrepreneurs by offering Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workshops, competitions, and technical internships. MassRobotics supports the Ventilator Project, founded by entrepreneurs located at MassRobotics. The Ventilator Project aims to solve the ventilator shortage crisis with an innovative low-cost ventilator designed by members; the team is currently seeking FDA approval for the device.
“We are pleased to announce our partnership with MassRobotics,” said Alfons Riek, Vice President Technology and Innovation, Festo. “Combining Festo’s in-depth know-how in manufacturing applications and automation technology with the MassRobotics community will enable Festo to engage with robotics and automation startups. We will collaborate with entrepreneurs and academia alike in bringing innovative new automation and robotic concepts and solutions to market.”
“The Boston area, with its high density of robotic expertise, is very interesting for us and we expect many unique opportunities for our robotic development through the partnership with MassRobotics,” said Christian Tarragona, Vice President Festo Robotics.
Carlos Miranda, the CEO, Festo North America, added, “Festo and the MassRobotics community will explore the evolution of automated manufacturing solutions to autonomous ones. Through technology challenge engagements, members will co-develop and commercialize advanced products and systems.”
Festo is one of the world’s leading automation companies; in addition to technology, the company offers automation learning systems through its Didactic Division. It promotes public and private alliances that implement apprenticeship programs, investing heavily in research and development. The Bionic Learning Network, for example, creates novel solutions based on designs found in nature and emphasizes Festo partnerships with academia and technology businesses.
“MassRobotics and Festo share a vision to develop robotic solutions dedicated to the emerging needs of the manufacturing sector,” said Fady Saad, Co-founder and Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, MassRobotics. “Having an automation company with the expertise, resources, and leading-edge development capabilities of Festo will further the mission of MassRobotics and create excitement about our collaborative efforts.”
Festo at a glance
Festo, the world’s leading supplier of automation technology and technical education, is deploying its products and services to meet the challenges of digitization and smart production. Founded in 1925, the family-owned company based in Esslingen, Germany supports a wide range of needs for advanced solutions in factory and process automation. In Canada, Festo has been supporting Canadian industry for almost 50 years, continuously elevating the state of manufacturing in this country with innovative products, optimized motion control solutions and unrivalled support. Globally, some 300,000 customers put their trust in the company’s pneumatic and electric drive products and technology. In addition, Festo Didactic provides state-of-the-art training equipment and educational programs for industrial companies and educational institutions – about 56,000 customers worldwide. The Festo Group registered sales of €3.65 billion in the 2023 financial year and is represented worldwide at 250 locations with about 20,600 employees. About 7.7% of its annual turnover is invested in research and development.
