Organizations Partner to Support and Advance Robotics Technology

The Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industrys trade organization, today announced that they have formed a strategic partnership with MassRobotics, an independent, non-profit organization and the worlds largest hub of robotics startups.

The purpose of this partnership is to support and advance the innovations and technologies from robotics organizations to further grow national conversation and activity about the industry. RIA is part of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). The partnership will provide MassRobotics and its residents and partners access to the A3 network of more than 1,100 automation-focused companies in the robotics, vision and motion control sectors across North America as well as leading system integrators, distributors, and users of these technologies.

"Weve formed this partnership to make the greatest use of MassRobotics resident companies, partners and industry influence, and combine it with RIAs powerful network to connect to other players in the industry and ultimately bring robotics technology to market quicker," said Jeff Burnstein, RIA president. "MassRobotics has experienced much success in serving as an innovation hub for robotics in the Boston area, across Massachusetts, and even globally. Were excited to partner with this robotics cluster organization and share in its growth and impact in the region and throughout the world."

MassRobotics mission is to create and grow the next generation of robotics and smart connected device companies in Massachusetts. It provides entrepreneurs and innovators the facilities and resources they need to develop, prototype, test, challenge and nurture early ideas, bringing a breadth of technology and innovation together under one roof.

"MassRobotics is always looking to establish value for its partners and residents, and to continue to drive successful robotics products and solutions to the market," said Tom Ryden, executive director, MassRobotics. "RIA is a national advocate for the robotics industry, and this initiative to connect robotics groups around the country is exciting, forward-thinking, and necessary to ensure this fast-growing industry has the structures in place to thrive."

Soft Robotics, Inc. is a Massachusetts-based startup that benefits from affiliation with both of RIA and MassRobotics. "Our company became an RIA member when we had only three employees," said Carl Vause, CEO, Soft Robotics. "Membership brought immediate access to the industrial robotics market and professional network, an invaluable asset for a startup trying to break into this fast-growing market. Were also proud to be part of the largest robotics cluster in the world, MassRobotics. This partnership will expand and accelerate the benefit these two organizations bring to their membership."

RIA plans to form partnerships with other robotics organizations throughout the United States, North America, and around the world. "We invite other regional robotics organizations to join us so that their affiliated robotics companies can work together to advance the future of the industry," added Burnstein.

More information on the Robotic Industries Association may be found at www.robotics.org.

About MassRobotics

MassRobotics is the result of the collective work of a group of engineers, rocket scientists and entrepreneurs with a shared vision to create a strong, vibrant robotics and IoT ecosystem in Massachusetts. MassRobotics' mission is to help create and scale the next generation of successful robotics and connected devices companies by providing entrepreneurs and innovative robotics/automation startups with the workspace and resources they need to develop, prototype, test and commercialize their products and solutions. See www.massrobotics.org for details.

About Robotic Industries Association (RIA)

Founded in 1974, RIA is a not-for-profit trade association driving innovation, growth, and safety in manufacturing and service industries through education, promotion, and advancement of robotics, related automation technologies, and companies delivering integrated solutions. RIA represents over 500 robot manufacturers, system integrators, component suppliers, end users, consulting firms, research groups, and educational institutions. The association hosts a number of educational events including the International Robot Safety Conference (October 9-11, 2018 in Detroit), the Collaborative Robots, Advanced Vision & AI Conference (October 24-25, 2018 in Santa Clara, CA), the Robotic Grinding & Finishing Conference (November 28-29, 2018 in St. Paul, MN), the A3 Business Forum (January 14-16, 2019 in Orlando) and the biennial Automate Show & Conference (April 8-11, 2019 in Chicago). RIA also provides quarterly robotics statistics and has a content-rich website, Robotics Online. For more details on RIA, visit www.robotics.org or call 734-994-6088.