RoboBusiness: 2011 Sponsors

iRobot designs and builds robots that make a difference. The company’s home robots help people find smarter ways to clean, and its government and industrial robots protect those in harm’s way. iRobot’s consumer and military robots feature iRobot Aware® robot intelligence systems, proprietary technology incorporating advanced concepts in navigation, mobility, manipulation and artificial intelligence.

Platinum Sponsor

VEX Robotics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Innovation First International, is a leading provider of educational robotics products to middle schools, high schools and colleges around the world.

Platinum Sponsor

Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land - those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world's dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure. Since 1837, John Deere has delivered innovative products of superior quality built on a tradition of integrity. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at www.JohnDeere.com.

Platinum Sponsor

Aethon is a leader in healthcare Supply Chain Logistics and Workflow Solutions, providing innovative solutions that improve efficiencies, increase asset utilization, and ensure regulatory compliance. Aethon’s core technology platform is a proprietary autonomous mobile robot, the TUG, which is the only full function commercially available robot in the world. It is currently used in over 120 hospitals in the USA.

Gold Sponsor

With more than 375 intellectual property lawyers, Finnegan is one of the largest IP law firms in the world. From offices in Washington, DC; Atlanta, Georgia; Cambridge, Massachusetts; Palo Alto, California; Reston, Virginia; Brussels, Belgium; Shanghai, China; Taipei, Taiwan; and Tokyo, Japan, the firm practices all aspects of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law, including counseling, prosecution, licensing, and litigation. Finnegan also represents clients on IP issues related to international trade, portfolio management, the Internet, e-commerce, government contracts, antitrust, and unfair competition. For additional information on the firm, please visit www.finnegan.com.

Silver Sponsor

Freescale is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial and networking markets. The privately held company is based in Austin, Texas, with global design, research and development, manufacturing and sales operations. Freescale delivers embedded controller, processor, sensor and analog solutions that meet the environmental, longevity and energy-efficiency requirements of industrial applications. These devices support more intelligent, connected and cost-effective robotic solutions for markets such as medical, factory automation, aerospace and defense, industrial transportation, personal service and entertainment.

Silver Sponsor

Adept Technology, Inc. is a global, leading provider of intelligent robotics systems and services that enable customers to achieve precision, speed, quality, productivity, traceability and mobility in their assembly, handling, packaging, testing and logistics operations. Through the acquisition of MobileRobots, the company also provides autonomous mobile bases and AGVs powered by Motivity, with millions of miles of autonomous deliveries under industrial conditions.

Registration Sponsor

ADVANCED Motion Controls® (AMC) designs, manufactures and supplies the highest performance servo drives available. Offering both market driven products and OEM specified solutions, AMC provides brushed and brushless motor drive technology for everything from general servo automation to specific robotics control. DigiFlex® Performance(tm) is featured for centralized and distributed controlled network systems.

Autonomous Solutions Inc. (ASI) is the world's leading OEM partner for the development of robotic vehicles. Hundreds of unmanned vehicles are running 24/7 using ASI algorithms, electronics, and hardware in applications like Mining, Material Handling, Agriculture, Industrial Cleaning, and Construction. Software capabilities include Multi-vehicle Collaboration, 3D World Building, GPS-denied Navigation, Dynamic Obstacle Avoidance, Planning Optimization, and intuitive User Interfaces.

Headquartered in Kirkland, Washington, CoroWare is a solutions integrator with expertise in the design and development of mobile robots that have been deployed to researchers and educators across Europe, Asia, Latin America and North America.

Elmo Motion Control is a multinational corporation with more than 20 years’ experience in the motion control arena. We have developed a single motion control solution that is applicable to any servo application, based on our network motion controllers and extensive range of servo drives. Our digital servo drives have been implemented in many robotic applications, both in clean room production facilities and, at the other extreme, in rugged and unpredictable battlefield scenarios. In all cases our servo control solutions are prized for their compactness, precision and reliability. We invite you to join us at RoboBusiness where we will be showcasing our latest motion control solutions.

Energid provides advanced robotics and 3D vision systems for the medical, energy, defense, space, transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing markets. Energid's Actin and Selectin software drive sensor-guided manipulation, autonomous grasping and straightforward control of complex robotics for commercial systems deployed worldwide. With funding from NASA, the Air Force, the National Science Foundation and the Army, Energid has developed a compelling suite of IP in robotic control, dexterous manipulation, real-time simulation, and 3D vision.

For 30 years Infranor, an industrial automation specialist and technology leader, has been creating value for its customers by providing exact motion control solutions utilizing standard and custom components and motion integration services. Feature products: FP series of slotless brushless servo motors (high efficiency, speed, torque, power, and ZERO cogging); PAC series easy commissioning servo drives (EtherCAT, CANopen, and indexing). Infranor also specializes in pancake style, explosion proof, radiation hardened and kit motors.

InterSense is a market leader in precision motion technology. Its patented Hybrid Technology tracks motion with an unmatched combination of real-time positioning, tracking and alignment capabilities, bringing higher speed and quality to visual simulation, enhanced vision and navigation applications.InterSense will be exhibiting it’s miniature inertial measurement unit – the NavChip. The NavChip is the ideal solution for unmanned systems requiring miniature, low-power, high-performance MEMS IMU for use with GPS/INS integration, platform stabilization, aiming and alignment.

IXXAT is a resource for data communication products and services for manufacturers of robots and components used in robots. With a 24-year history of providing high performance data communication solutions in the field of Controller Area Network (CAN), CANopen and Industrial Ethernet technology, IXXAT has become a leading supplier of protocol software, hardware components, diagnostic tools and service tools. IXXAT offers solutions from embedded processor firmware to the system level and even the service level.

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is a government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Originally established in 1958 to promote Japanese exports abroad, JETRO's core focus in the 21st century has shifted toward promoting foreign direct investment into Japan and helping small to medium size Japanese firms maximize their global export potential. Our six U.S. branches are located in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.

Founded in 1977, Jetta is a leading ODM/OEM in the consumer products industry including electronics, robotics, toys, infant and juvenile products, home appliances, tools and more. With our commitment to integrity, excellence and synergy, Jetta is a recoginzed ODM/OEM specialist. Since Jetta provided both ODM and OEM services to Ugobe during the development and production of PLEO, the opportunity to purchase the PLEO brand was an easy decision. Subsequently, Jetta established Innvo Labs as a new division to market the new PLEOrb and other future similar products. All of us at Jetta are committed to the continued development of autonomous interactive life forms and are pleased to have Innvo Labs as part of our portfolio.

Maxon Precision Motors Inc. manufactures small, high-quality, DC brush and brushless motors. These advanced motors range in size from 0.2” to 3.5” (6 mm to 90 mm) and from 0.3 to 500 watts. Maxon also offers a complete line of control electronics, as well as spur and planetary gearheads, encoders, and tachometers to complement these motors. Applications include medical & laboratory equipment, aerospace & defense, robotics & automation, semiconductor, test and measurement, assembly and manufacturing.

Based in Florida, MICROMO represents FAULHABER technologies in the Americas. A member of the FAULHABER Group, MICROMO is a leader in design customization and rotary and linear micro motion solutions. MICROMO specializes in brushed, brushless, stepper, thin-profile DC, piezoelectric and linear motors and encoders for diverse market applications.

MicroStrain is a leading manufacturer of inertial measurement systems, micro‐displacement transducers, wireless sensing networks, and energy harvesting technologies. MicroStrain’s sensing systems are used in a wide variety of applications including advanced automotive controls, testing new designs, controlling critical processes, navigating unmanned vehicles, and monitoring the health of structures and machines. Recognized as an innovator in the sensors industry, MicroStrain has received nine Best of Sensors Expo Gold awards for its new products.

octoScope, Inc. is a Boston area supplier of wireless test solutions and services. Our octoBox test solution is used for controlled over the air production and development testing of radios, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 2G/3G/LTE and GPS radios. Our resourceful and experienced team of engineers has worked together since the early 80s at prominent test equipment companies including Teradyne, Agilent and Azimuth Systems. We develop and test wireless products for the robotics industry.

OLogic is an embedded systems research and development company with a focus on robotic applications, and bringing robotic technologies to life in non-robotic product domains. Through cutting edge OEM technologies, and service, OLogic brings client products to market quicker and at lower cost than in-house development. OLogic is currently working with clients across a wide-spectrum of application domains such as, consumer electronics, toys, medical products, defense, and education.

SICK is a leading supplier of sensing automation worldwide to the mobile robotics community. Whether your application involves safeguarding the area in the mobile robot's pathway or assisting with navigation down hallways, aisles, or anywhere in your manufacturing plant, SICK has the right product to reliably avoid collisions with objects and persons. With the customer as our focus and innovation as our guide, SICK is equipped to deliver superior products to the robotics industry.

Silicon Valley-based SRI International, a nonprofit research and development organization, performs sponsored R&D for governments, businesses, and foundations. SRI brings its innovations to the marketplace through technology licensing, new products, and spin-off ventures. Commemorating its 65th anniversary in 2011, SRI is known for world-changing innovations in computing, health and pharmaceuticals, chemistry and materials, sensing, energy, education, national defense, and more.

Tiger Electronics is a leading electronic and electro-mechanical manufacturer's representative, which focuses on supporting the manufacturing needs of robotics companies. Tiger is representing MRG, Manufacturer's Resource Group, a robotics cable assembly manufacturer and GSM, Granite State Manufacturing, a robotics metal fabrication and assembly house. Our manufacturers supply design and manufacturing services for robotics customers globally.

WPI: First in Robotics Engineering The robotics revolution is underway, and a new breed of engineers is needed to face the challenges that this exciting field represents. WPI, the leader in project-based education, continues its pioneering tradition by developing the nation's first Bachelor's degree program in Robotics Engineering. In addition, WPI also offers the Master's and Ph.D. in Robotics Engineering, with research in sensing, control,manipulation, learning, interaction, and medicine.

Motoman has a long proven record of delivering innovative robotic solutions worldwide. Motoman offers highly dexterous single and dual arm robots, high-bandwidth control, sensor integration, teleoperation and motion planning capabilities. With our partners, Motoman provides advanced solutions by integrating the best industrial robot technology with cutting edge research and development.

Yost Engineering's Technology Division delivers innovative, high-performance Attitude and Heading Reference Systems and servo controllers. The high-precision YEI 3-Space Sensor provides a low-cost, small-size AHRS, with exceptional accuracy, error compensation, and a dynamic sensor confidence algorithm to ensure optimal accuracy and reliability under a wide range of operating conditions. YEI ServoCenter controllers allow RC servo motors to be precisely timed, controlled and coordinated for use in the most demanding robotics and animatronics applications.

Event Partner

Circuit Cellar magazine provides need-to-know information to professionals and academics working with embedded systems and programs. Its mission is to help each reader become a multidisciplinary engineer who can confidently bring innovative, cutting-edge engineering ideas to bear on any number of relevant technologies every day of the year.

Event Partner

Elektor magazine aims at inspiring people to master electronics at any personal level by presenting construction projects and spotting developments in electronics and information technology. Analog & Digital, Computers & Software, Microcontrollers & Embedded and Test & Measurement are just some fields of interest covered extensively every month. Elektor is available in more than 50 countries.

Event Partner

The biweekly IEEE Spectrum Robotics Newsletter delivers the latest advances in robotics, automation, control systems and related areas through news and analysis, interviews with leading roboticists, and featured events, webinars, and contests. Join the conversation on IEEE Spectrum’s Roboitcs channel - http://spectrum.ieee.org/robotics and award-winning blog, Automaton - http://spectrum.ieee.org/blog/robotics/robotics-software/automaton.

Event Partner

The Mass Technology Leadership Council, Inc. is the only business association that addresses the critical leadership issues of innovative technology and technology-enabled companies. Drawing on the rich legacies of Massachusetts Network Communications Council, the Massachusetts Software Council, and the New England Business and Technology Association, Inc., the organization is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and promoting the success of companies that develop and deploy technology across industry sectors. The Mass Technology Leadership Council conducts educational programs, hosts industry events, facilitates networking, sponsors research, advocates in favor of technology policies that promote innovation, entrepreneurship and competition, and recognizes industry-leading companies and people.

Event Partner

The Object Management Group® (OMG®) is an international, open membership, not-for-profit computer industry standards consortium. OMG Task Forces develop enterprise integration standards for a wide range of technologies and an even wider range of industries. OMG’s modeling standards include the Unified Modeling Language™ (UML®) and Model Driven Architecture® (MDA®).

Event Partner

Robot makes the exciting world of robotics more accessible than ever to robot hobbyists, entry-level enthusiasts and mainstream consumers who are curious about the latest developments on the new frontiers in robotics. Robot’s editorial mix includes up-to-date, detailed reviews and reporting on the proliferating supply of kits and accessories that enable enthusiasts to build robots on their own as well as detailed coverage of the latest ready-to-run robots. Updates on robots used in exploration, rescue, research, Hollywood and in consumer products of all types are also important features. Additionally, Robot tells you who is winning and how in the expanding world of academic robot competitions. Robot is published quarterly by Maplegate Media Group in Ridgefield, CT and is available at newsstands, bookstores and hobby shops as well as by subscription. Maplegate Media Group is also the publisher of leading radio control hobby magazines, Fly RC, RC Heli Pilot and RC Driver.

Event Partner

Robotic Magazine provides relevant and useful information on robotics. It is also one of the most visited websites about robots. It covers all relevant fields such as domestic and industrial robots, events, research, toys, defense robotics, humanoid robots, robot reviews, hobby robots and more.

Event Partner

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is the world’s largest non-profit organization presenting the unmanned systems and robotics community. The association serves more than 7,000 individuals from 2,100 organizations in 55 allied countries. Members from industry, government and academia turn to AUVSI for information, networking, advocacy and business development opportunities.

Event Partner

Everyone you need to MEET. Everything you need to KNOW. Everything you need to GROW. Whether you are looking for technical solutions in your current industry or want to diversify your business, SME has the manufacturing connections to help. From virtual and local member networks to our industry-leading events, professional development and publications, we provide the right forums to help our members stay informed of the latest manufacturing technologies, trends and news.

Produced By

Robotics Trends is the first integrated media firm serving the personal, service, mobile and industrial robotics through: Publishing, producing Robotics Trends (www.roboticstrends.com), focused on business and technology of the robotics marketplace; Events, producing the RoboBusiness (www.robobusiness.com) and RoboDevelopment (www.RoboDevelopment.com) Conference and Expositions; and the Robotics Summit Virtual Event Series; and Research, serving the strategic consulting needs of emerging technologies companies.