Contact us on +1 518 384 1000 or info@appliedrobotics.com

History

From specialty gripper to global brand.

Applied Robotics’ history dates back to 1983. With the help of some of the most important milestones in our company’s history, you can follow our growth from a small robotics manufacturer to the premier solutions provider we are today.

 

1983The First Tool Changer called XChangeApplied Robotics incorporates in Troy, NY, with a focus on the integration and design of robotic automation equipment.
The company’s first product, a specialty gripper, is designed using a T-square on a dining room table. Later this year, the company also receives a purchase order from Hughes Aircraft in El Segundo, CA for its second product, the XChange tool changer, while the product is still on the drafting board.
1984The company successfully closes business for a custom designed, turnkey tool pre-setting system for the drilling of composite airplane wings for McDonnell Douglas.
1986Responding to market changes, the company shifts its focus away from systems integration and toward product development.
The Omega product line is born to meet demand in the automotive spot welding market.
1989Applied Robotics_ The XC1Applied Robotics develops the smallest tool changer on the market, the XC1, which helps move the company into the electronics industry.
1990Anti-collision sensor_Sensore anticollisioneThe company introduces QuickSTOP pneumatic collision protection products – which are well received by customers looking for a better solution than the spring-loaded mechanical collision sensors of that time.
1991Applied Robotics receives the first major automotive spot welding order from the Ford Motor Company.
1993Applied Robotics opens its Southfield, MI offices to provide dedicated sales and support to a rapidly expanding automotive market.
1994Applied Robotics relocates to its current facility in Glenville, NY.
Additional machining capability is added to bring more component manufacturing in-house, enabling better control of costs and delivery schedules.
1997The company secures first major automotive tool changer program with Opel.
1998Applied Robotics gains ISO-9001; 1994 certification.
1999Mercedes Benz awards Applied Robotics a major automotive program in Brazil.
2000Effecto Group_Tecnomors LogoApplied Robotics establishes partnership with Italy-based Tecnomors.
2002The company introduces the Sigma line of tool changers, as well as gains ISO-9001; 2000 certification.
2003Applied Robotics launches solution package for lab automation market. Applied Robotics re-brands as a solutions directed provider.
2005Applied Robotics is awarded a major automotive contract, establishes a new high caliber Purchasing Department and begins LEAN manufacturing initiatives.
2006Applied Robotics pushes development on the product front with a new “smart” electro server gripper for robotic and other automated systems, and a new robust electro-mechanical bag gripper built for harsh environments.
The company also receives the 2005 “Excellence in Manufacturing Award” from DPC Instrument Systems Division (a subsidiary of Diagnostic Products Corporation – a Siemens Company) and has its contract with BMW renewed.
2007The company receives the 2006 “Excellence in Manufacturing Award” from DPC Instrument Systems Division (a subsidiary of Diagnostic Products Corporation – a Siemens Company).
2010The Small Business Commerce Association’s Award Honors the Achievements of Applied Robotics, Inc. with the 2010 Best of Business Award for the General Industry Machinery/Equipment Manufacturers category.
2011Applied Robotics, Inc. and Trafalgar, S.p.A., create a joint venture subsidary called Applied Robotics Europe. ARE, headquartered in San Maurizio d’Opaglio, Italy and owned equally by ARI and Trafalgar, was created to more effectively serve the European market and provide advanced robotic and automation solutions to various industrial sectors in Europe.
The company’s capabilities include pre and post sales product support and European based production.
Also, The Small Business Commerce Association’s Award honors the Achievements of Applied Robotics, Inc. with the 2011 Best of Business Award for the General Industry Machinery/Equipment Manufacturers category.
2012The company receives the 2012 Best of Schenectady and Best of Scotia Award in the General Industrial Machinery Manufacturers category by the US Commerce Association (USCA) and is selected as a 2012 “Top Business” recipient by DiversityBusiness.com. ARI Applied Robotics also receives an Honorable Mention in the PR Daily Digital PR & Social Media Awards 2012.
2013Applied Robotics introduces two new products; a new Communications Module and the Safety Control Module. The SmartComm TM  is the first of its kind in industrial communications as it supports many major industrial buses (DeviceNet, Ethernet IP, Profibus, CC-Link, Profinet, etc.) and is the only Communications Module to offer local/on board Diagnostics and the new Safety Control Module acts as a safety circuit within a Safety System.
2014Applied Robotics participated in Manufacturing Day & Week hosting several tours for the public including local schools and colleges.
Over 200 people came through the facility including Congressman, Paul Tonko.
2015Applied Robotics again participated in Manufacturing Day & Week with multiple tours for schools, the public and even hosted the Society for Industrial Archeology as part of their yearly convention.
Regional Sales Manager, Ed Miron also participated as a “Shark” for the Clean Tech Early College High School version of “Shark Tank” where the students presented their technical inventions.
2016Applied Robotics launches new website