The Massachusetts Robotics Revolution

Inspiring innovation, driving growth

and competitiveness in leading industries
 Acknowledgements
The Mass Technology Leadership Council is grateful for the leadership and support that Governor Deval Patrick has
provided to MassTLC’s Robotics Cluster and looks forward to working with him and our colleagues at The Innovation Institute
at the MassTech Collaborative to implement the key recommendations made in this report.
This report and cluster initiatives would not be possible without the commitment and engagement of many talented leaders
and volunteers in the Mass Technology Leadership Council’s Robotics Cluster. Cluster leaders include Co-chairs; Tom Ryden,
COO and Founder, vGo Communications and Steve Kelly, President of Myomo. A special thanks to Mark Smithers, VP
Business Development, Boston Engineering for his help with the robotics survey follow up.
The council would also like to acknowledge the support of Pat Larkin and Bob Kispert of the MassTech Collaborative;
Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP for their sponsorship of the Robotics Cluster; Kathleen Hagan of
Hagan and Co. for managing the research for the report; Robotics Trends for their support; and MIT Sloan Fellows, Abdallah
Hussein Khamis, Ricardo Victorero, Adil Utembayev, Mohd Ridzwan Nordin and Harvard Business School student, Samer
Abughannam, for sharing their Robotics Cluster Report completed for Dr. Michael Porter at the Harvard
Business School.
This report was funded by a grant from The Innovation Institute at the MassTech Collaborative.

Front Cover Sources (clockwise starting at upper left)

Waltham-based Boston Dynamics’ Big Dog robotic pack mule will accompany soldiers in terrain too rough for
conventional vehicles.
Baxter the robot developed by Boston-based Rethink Robotics will work alongside humans in industrial settings.
Waltham-based Boston Engineering’s GhostSwimmer AUV, initially developed as a joint effort with Olin College in Needham,
MA, mimics the motions of a tuna and is now being used for homeland security missions.
BiOM® Ankle System by Bedford-based iWalk helps people move with a natural gait at their chosen speed.
Contents
About the Mass Robotics Cluster......................................................................................................................... 1
Executive Summary....................................................................................................................................................... 1
The Robotics Industry................................................................................................................................................. 4
Defining the Robotics Industry.............................................................................................................................................. 4
Types of Robots and Applications........................................................................................................................................ 5
State of Robotics in Massachusetts..................................................................................................................... 6
Tradition of Innovation.......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Cluster Profile....................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Cluster Companies and Environment.................................................................................................................................... 8
Revolutionary Robotics Innovation...................................................................................................................... 9
Research and Development Powering the Robotics Revolution............................................................................................ 9
Educating the Innovators and Leaders of the Future........................................................................................................... 12
Disruptive Robotics Innovation Driving Change Across Many Industries......................................... 17
Competitive Advantages of Massachusetts Robotics Industry............................................................. 21
The Opportunity Tremendous Growth in the Global Marketplace...................................................... 23
Industrial Robot Market...................................................................................................................................................... 23
Professional and Personal Service Robot Market................................................................................................................ 24
Leading the Robotics Revolution......................................................................................................................... 26

“Investing in robotics is more than just money for research and

development; it is a vehicle to transform American lives and revitalize the
American economy. Indeed, we are at a critical juncture where we are seeing
robotics transition from the laboratory to generate new businesses, create
jobs and confront the important challenges facing our nation.”

Helen Greiner, President, National Robotics Technology Consortium

 About the Massachusetts
Robotics Cluster
The Massachusetts Robotics Cluster is a community of
interest within the Mass Technology Leadership Council,
Inc., (MassTLC), a nonprofit organization that accelerates
innovation in companies that develop and deploy technology
across industry sectors. MassTLC is the Commonwealth’s
leading high technology organization, which represents 500
companies in Massachusetts.
In 2005, MassTLC established the Robotics Cluster to
bring together companies, institutions, and individuals
engaged in robotics research, education, product design,
and commercialization. The mission of the Massachusetts
Waltham based Boston Engineering’s GhostSwimmer AUV, initially
Robotics Cluster is threefold: developed as a joint effort with Olin College in Needham, MA, mimics the
motions of a tuna and is now being used for homeland security missions.
■■to raise awareness nationally and globally about New
England’s exciting robotics industry; Massachusetts robotics industry; established that it is indeed
■■to attract thought leaders and resources to support the a very dynamic and high potential sector; and confirmed that
robotics industry; and Massachusetts is a global leader in robotics innovation.

■■to accelerate the growth of robotics by creating

opportunities for new and existing companies.
Executive Summary:
The robotics industry is growing rapidly in Massachusetts
The Robotics Revolution
and the New England region and accelerating the adoption The MassTLC Robotics Cluster has grown dramatically in
of “intelligent automation” across a broad range of recent years, covering a broad spectrum of robotics
industries, including health care, life sciences, factory and companies, from large leaders that are selling successfully to
lab automation, distribution and logistics, materials handling, consumer, industrial, and government markets to start-ups
marine underwater mapping and surveillance, defense, and early-stage companies that are launching exciting
transportation, consumer, education, and entertainment. next-generation robotics products and systems.

In February 2009, MassTLC, with the support of the Advanced robotics research and development (R&D) at
Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, published ten leading Massachusetts research institutions is fueling the
a comprehensive report on the robotics industry in industry’s rapid growth. A phenomenal talent pool of highly
Massachusetts, Achieving Global Leadership: A Roadmap for skilled engineers graduating from the Commonwealth’s many
Robotics in Massachusetts. This was the first-ever analysis world-class electrical, mechanical, and software engineering
of robotics in Massachusetts as a distinct and vibrant degree programs, including the country’s first-of-its-kind fully
industry cluster. This report defined the make-up of the integrated undergraduate degree program in robotics

Robotics Evolution
1400 B.C. Clepsydra 1495 da Vinci Knight 1801 Jacquard Loom
Babylonians develop the clepsydra, a clock Leonardo da Vinci designs a clockwork knight that French silk weaver and inventor Joseph Marie Jacquard
that measures time using the flow of water. will sit up, wave its arms, and move its head and jaw. invents an automated loom that is controlled by punch
It is considered one of the first “robotic” It’s not certain whether the robot was ever built, but cards. Within a decade it is being mass-produced, and
devices in history. the design may constitute the first humanoid robot. thousands are in use across Europe.

1500 B.C. 0 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900

322 B.C. Greek philosopher Aristotle writes: 1880s Vending Machines 1888 Vending Machines introduced in U.S.
“If every tool, when ordered, or even of its own accord, The first commercial coin operated The Thomas Adams Gum Company Introduced the
could do the work that befits it... then there would be no vending machine was introduced first vending machines to the United States. The
need either of apprentices for the master workers or of in London in the early 1880s and it machines were installed on the elevated subway
slaves for the lords.” dispensed post cards. platforms in New York City.
1
engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), keeps
the talent pipeline flowing.
Innovations in electronics, hardware, and components
(such as sensors, motion controls, and vision systems) have
enabled the development of entirely new kinds of specialized,
smart automated products with military, commercial, medical,
marine and consumer applications. Today, robots perform
hazardous military missions and automate manufacturing
and warehouse logistics; robotic-assisted devices perform
noninvasive surgery and assist in physical rehabilitation;
unmanned underwater vehicles are used for oceanographic
survey and defense applications; and personal service robots
make everyday life easier by mowing lawns and
vacuum cleaning.
Billerica, MA based Harvest Automation’s robots are designed to perform
Robotics technology is revolutionary and disruptive. material handling tasks in unstructured, outdoor environments such as
those typically found in commercial growing operations. The robots work
Robots are intelligent tools for increasing productivity, safely alongside humans and require minimal training to operate, while
creating high-value jobs for new applications, and enabling reducing production costs and improving productivity.
workers to make industries more globally competitive. Next-
robotics applications; and
generation robotics will be cheaper and easier to implement
■■skilled supporting and related industries.
and operate, and they will work with people rather than
substituting for people. In the three years since the first Massachusetts Robotics
As new robotics applications emerge, new market Report was released, there has been dramatic growth in
opportunities will have an impact in industries that are both robotics R&D and business development in
strategic to the long-term competitiveness of the Massachusetts Massachusetts. Recent industry research and the findings
and U.S. economy, such as healthcare and life sciences, of a 2012 MassTLC Robotics Cluster company survey
advanced manufacturing, defense and public safety, identify a number of factors for, and indicators of, this recent
distribution and logistics, and marine surveillance. surge in growth:
■■New Research: There are now more than 35 distinct
Massachusetts has the unique intellectual infrastructure,
talent pool, entrepreneurial environment, and track record of robotics R&D programs and research projects at ten
success to claim its rightful place as the “Robotics Capital of Massachusetts research institutions. (Eleven institutions
the World.” The Commonwealth’s competitive advantage in including Brown University’s collaborative work with
robotics is firmly grounded in its: Massachusetts research institutions.)
■■More Investment: Venture capital investment in robotics
■■critical mass of world-class universities;
start-ups in Massachusetts has increased from $17.6 million
■■cutting-edge robotics research and development;
in 2008 to $52.4 million in 2011 and over $60 million in the
■■highly skilled workforce; first three quarters of 2012.
■■innovative companies producing and utilizing

1913 Automated Assembly Lines 1941 Robotics Named and Predicted

Henry Ford installs the world’s first moving conveyor Science fiction writer, Isaac Asimov, first uses the word “robotics”
belt-based assembly line in his car factory. A Model to describe the technology of robots and predicts the rise of a
T can be assembled in 93 minutes. powerful robot industry.

1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950

1921 Capek’s Robota 1948 Modern Robotics Conceived 1948—49 Autonomous Machinery Launched
Czech playwright Karl Capek popularizes the term Norbert Wiener, a professor at M.I.T., publishes British robotics pioneer William Grey Walter
“robot” in a play called “R.U.R. (Rossums Universal his book, Cybernetics, which describes the creates autonomous machines called Elmer
Robot).” The word comes from the Czech robota, concept of communications and control in and Elsie that mimic lifelike behavior with very
which means drudgery or forced work. electronic, mechanical, and biological systems. simple circuitry
 ■■New Companies: Eighteen new start-up robotics smart robotics investments. (Combined total: $855 million).
companies have been launched since 2008 in MassTLC is proud to be a catalyst for the “robotics revolution”
Massachusetts with applications in education, defense, in Massachusetts. This updated report provides a current
medical/healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, materials profile of the robotics economy in Massachusetts and the
handling, logistics, and transportation. increasing role that “intelligent automation”1 is playing in the
■■New High Value Jobs: Employment has surged. Despite workplace, the factory, the lab, and the home.
a severe economic recession, there has been an increase We stand in awe of the cutting-edge work of the
of 1,050 new robotics jobs in New England in the past four Commonwealth’s many robotics researchers, engineers,
years—900 in Massachusetts alone. entrepreneurial and corporate leaders, investors, and
■■High Growth Rates: Average annual revenue growth supporting companies, and their critical contribution to the
rate in the robotics industry is currently an impressive 11% Massachusetts economy. MassTLC appreciates the time and
(based on data gathered from 2008 to 2011). valuable volunteer efforts that the leadership and members of
■■More Fresh Talent: New highly educated and trained
the Robotics Cluster contribute to our work. Their collective
robotics engineers have joined the workforce of the robotics intelligence, skill, imagination, and energy have helped to
economy, thanks to innovative undergraduate and graduate make the Cluster a key leader of the “robotics revolution” in
robotics degree programs at Massachusetts institutions like Massachusetts. We also thank the MassTech Collaborative
Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Olin College. for its ongoing support of the MassTLC Robotics Cluster, in
particular for its support for this updated report on the state
■■Significant Corporate Acquisitions: The high-valuation
of the industry.
sales of two leading robotics firms, Hydroid and Kiva
Systems, have confirmed the high return on investment for —Tom Hopcroft, CEO, Mass Technology
Leadership Council, December, 2012

Developed by QinetiQ North America in Waltham, MA, TALON robots can be configured for specific tasks including the disposal of Improvised
Explosive Devices (IEDs), reconnaissance, the identification of hazardous material, combat engineering support, and assistance to police units
engaged in SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) operations. Currently, 2,800 TALON robots are deployed around the world.

1959 Computer-Assisted Manufacturing – 1962 First Industrial Robotic Arm

the MIT Robot Ashtray The first digitally operated programmable robotic arm —
1954 Universal Automation
The Servomechanisms Laboratory at MIT the Unimate mechanical arm — is developed by George
Connecticut industrial robotics pioneer
demonstrates computer-assisted manufacturing. A Devol and commercialized by his colleague, Joseph
George Devol files a patent for the first
robotic milling machine creates a commemorative F. Engelberger. It is designed to complete repetitive or
programmable robot and coins the
ashtray for each attendee. dangerous tasks on a General Motors assembly line.
term “universal automaton.”

1955 1957 1959 1961 1963 1965

1959 Birth of Artificial Intelligence 1961 First Mechanical Hand 1963 Artificial Robotic Arm Prosthesis
John McCarthy and Marvin Minsky start the Heinrich Ernst develops the MH-1, The first artificial robotic arm to be controlled by a
Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at MIT. a computer - operated mechanical computer, The Rancho Arm, was designed as a
hand at MIT. tool for the handicapped and its six joints gave it
the flexibility of a human arm.

3
1
For the purposes of this report the terms “robotics” and “intelligent automation” are used interchangeably
The Robotics Industry
Defining the Robotics Industry

A Transformative Technology Driving the capability to sense its environment and sometimes make
decisions based on sensing.
Change in Many Industries
“Robotics is the science and technology of designing, Rapid advances in technology have facilitated the
development of more useful, economical, and agile robots
making, and applying robots, including technology from
and robotic-assisted devices in a wide range of industries.
many contributing fields. A robot is a mechanical or virtual
For example, advances in laser sensing, computer vision,
artificial agent. It is usually an electrical mechanical system
and autonomous navigation enable robots to quickly sense
which, by its appearance or movements conveys, a sense
that it has intent or agency of its own. ” and react to environments. New software tools make it easier
to integrate systems using different kinds of hardware. Also,
—Encyclopedia of Science, McGraw-Hill decreases in the cost of processing power enable roboticists
There are as many different working definitions of “robotics” to build networks of wireless robots that can work together
as there are applications…from “automation with motion” as a team.
to “computers that move” (Michael Kuperstein, founder of “Robotics” is both a distinct industrial sector and an
Symbus). There are “stationary robots” enabling technology for many industries.
for factory and laboratory automation, “Robotics” is both Twenty-first century robotics provides
and a new class of “mobile robots” for a technology toolkit for the integration
transportation, distribution, and military a distinct industrial of advanced software, hardware,
uses. There are also “sub-sea robots”
for underwater surveillance and “medical sector and an electronics, and mechanical systems
in exciting new ways, creating new
robots” for robotic-assisted surgery,
rehabilitation, and home healthcare.
enabling technology products, processes, and systems
that bring intelligent automation into
Robotic systems essentially involve the for many industries. the clinical setting, the factory, the
integration of electrical and mechanical laboratory, the warehouse, the battlefield,
systems and hardware and software the underwater environment, the retail
engineering to create a machine that can take independent setting, the classroom, the office, and the home.
action with multiple degrees of motion and control, as well as

1966 First Mobile Robot

The Artificial Intelligence Center at the Stanford Research Center 1978 Brooks Automation founded in Massachusetts
begins development of Shakey, the first mobile robot. It is endowed Brooks Automation develops first industrial robot for
with a limited ability to see and model its environment. semiconductor manufacturing.

1965 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978

1969 Robots in Space 1973 Computer-Controlled Industrial Robot 1976 Robotic Space Probes
NASA successfully uses the latest in The first commercially available minicomputer- Robot arms are used on the Viking 1 and
computing, robotic and space technology controlled industrial robot is developed by Richard 2 space probes with microcomputers
to land Neil Armstrong on the moon. Hohn for Cincinnati Milacron Corporation. incorporated into their design.
 Robotics Value Proposition
Demographic trends globally reflect aging populations
that will require more services with fewer people to provide
them. Service robots have the potential to meet this social
need. Also, global competition is driving demand for cost-
effective, less labor-intensive technologies and business
processes. Robotics is keeping the U.S. industry competitive
through the development of “intelligent automation” of many
manufacturing processes. Moreover, advanced robotics
technology has created new products that provide precision
and safety for specialized applications such as robotic-
A precision five-axis edge grip robot from Brooks Automation,
assisted surgery or field operations in difficult-to-access or
Chelmsford, MA, transfers 300-mm semiconductor wafers from one
dangerous locations such as underwater, on battlefields, or in processing cell to the next.
hazardous terrain.

Types of Robots and Applications

Industrial Robots
Stationary robots automate for a range of industries,
including: automotive, chemical, food, machinery,
pharmaceutical, manufacturing, heavy industry,
semiconductor fabrication, and materials handling.

Service Robots
Mobile robots function autonomously or semi-
autonomously, performing tasks in a variety of settings:
■■Professional Use (Business/Government)
Defense, public safety/security, inspection systems,
underwater systems, medical, distribution/logistics,
materials handling, and facilities maintenance
■■Personal Use (Consumer/Home)
Toys, home use (vacuums, lawnmowers, security), home
The CorPath® 200 System provides procedure control from an health assistance, and assistive or rehabilitative devices.
interventional cockpit, allowing for robotic-assisted placement of
coronary guidewires and stent/balloon catheters.
Components
Elements of robotics systems include: sensors, actuators,
controllers, vision systems, human-machine interface,
software/hardware design/development, and systems integration.
1983 Reconnaissance Robots Deployed
The Remote Reconnaissance Vehicle became the first vehicle to enter the
basement of Three Mile Island after a nuclear meltdown in March 1979.
This vehicle worked for four years to survey and clean the resulting waste.

1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990

1981 Zymark Founded in 1986 First Educational Robots 1989 Robot Takes First Steps
Massachusetts LEGO and the MIT Media Lab collaborate to A walking robot named Genghis is unveiled by
The first lab automation company in bring the first LEGO-based educational robotics the Mobile Robots Group at MIT. It becomes
the world developed by products to market. known for the way it walks, popularly referred
Massachusetts entrepreneurs. to as the “Genghis gait”.

5
 State of Robotics in Massachusetts
A Tradition of Innovation Massachusetts Robotics Cluster
Massachusetts companies have been leaders in robotics Profile: Building on a Tradition of
for decades, pioneering numerous commercially Innovation and Growth
successful products:
“The Robotics Cluster’s exciting growth is a contemporary
■■First laboratory automation company in the world manifestation of Massachusetts’ and New England’s
■■First to develop and continued leader in ground robots to legendary Yankee Ingenuity. The investment community is
support U.S. troops starting to recognize and understand this innovation and the

■■First behavior-based robots

huge business potential of emerging robotics companies. ­ ”
—Tom Hopcroft, CEO, MassTLC
■■First patient self-service robots in hospitals

■■Leader in healthcare for intelligent prosthetics

MassTLC Robotics Growth Index
■■Leader in industrial robots for semiconductor
2008 2011 % Increase
manufacturing
Sales $1.3 B $1.9 B 45
■■Leader in home-use robots such as vacuum
cleaners, floor washers, and physical therapy Employment 2,300 3,200 39
Private Investment $17.7 M $52.4 M 200
■■Leader in professional service robots for use in
Dollars
distribution/logistics, inventory management, and
Private Investment 3 8 167
materials handling
Deals
■■Leader in underwater robotics for oceanographic Exits $80 M $775 M (2012) 869
survey, defense, and security
Note: Data based on 2012 survey. The 2008 revenue reported in 2012 survey surpasses data
reported in 2008 and published in our 2009 report.

1997 Mars Rover Robot

The Pathfinder Mission lands on Mars. Its robotic 1999 Robot Dog with Talent 2004 NASA’s Mars Exploration Program
rover, Sojourner, rolls down a ramp and onto Martian Sony releases the first version of AIBO, a Twin Robot Geologists, Mars Exploration
soil in early July. It continues to broadcast data from robotic dog with the ability to learn, entertain, Rovers, land on Mars as part of a long-term
the Martian surface until September. and communicate with its owner. effort of robotic exploration of the red planet.

1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005

1998 Robots Become the “It” Toy 2002 First Vacuum Cleaner Robot 2003 Robot Helicopter
A fuzzy, batlike robot called Furby becomes the must- The Roomba robotic vacuum from the Seiko Epsom releases the smallest known
have toy of the holiday season. The $30 toys seemingly iRobot is released. The frisbee-shaped robot, standing 7cm high and weighing just 10
“evolve” over time, first speaking in gibberish but soon device has sold over 3 million units to grams. The robot helicopter is intended to
developing the use of preprogrammed English phrases. date, making it the most commercially be used as a “flying camera” during
More than 27 million of the toys sell in a 12-month period. successful domestic robot in history. natural disasters.
 The Massachusetts Robotics cluster is a vibrant eco-system
of well-established robotics companies and young start-
ups. There have been 18 new robotics start-ups created in
Massachusetts since 2008. These new robotics ventures
include spin-offs of successful Massachusetts robotics
companies, such as iRobot, spin-outs from Massachusetts
and New England research institutions, as well as some
“robotics gurus in the garage” bringing technology
innovations to market from other parts of the U.S. The Pioneer 3-AT, developed by Adept MobileRobots located in southern
or the world. New Hampshire, is an all-purpose outdoor base, used for research and
prototyping applications.
Made up of close to 100 robotics companies and
10 research institutions (with over 35 different research educational robotics. The industry is experiencing another
programs), the Massachusetts robotics cluster represents period of rapid growth. The MassTLC survey of the leading
all segments of the robotics sector including: component robotics companies in Massachusetts confirmed company
suppliers; manufacturers; developers of cutting-edge growth rates that ranged from 4% to 2900% over the past
robotics systems for defense, marine, health care/assistive three years, with an overall industry growth rate of 45% (rates
technology; industrial and lab automation; consumer; and based on sales revenue).

Massachusetts Robotics Cluster Diversity

n Agriculture
n Consumer
n Education
n Entertainment
n Enterprise
n Industrial (Factory/Facility Automation, Lab Automation, Distribution/Logistics)
n Medical Healthcare (Medical/Surgical, Rehabilitation, Assistive Devices,
Healthcare Services)
n Marine
n Military/Defense
n Public Safety
n Transportation

Data from 2012 MassTLC Robotics survey of companies. Companies were able
to select more than one sector in which their technology is applied.

2006 Humanoid Robot for 2009 Acquisition of Hydroid

Battlefield Extraction 2009–2012 Private and Hydroid, developer of autonomous 2012 Acquisition of Kiva Systems
Vecna launches “The Bear” the most Corporate Investment in underwater vehicles and located in Kiva Systems, developer
powerful humanoid robot in the Robotics Increases Rapidly Massachusetts is acquired by Norwegian of automated warehouse
world. It is used in military conflicts $57 million in private investment marine electronics maker Kongsberg distribution systems and based
in the Middle East to locate, lift and in early stage Massachusetts Maritime AS, a division of Kongsberg in Massachusetts, is acquired by
extract people from harm’s way. robotics companies Gruppen AS, for $80 million. Amazon for $700 million.

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2012

2007 WPI Launches Degree 2008­–2012 Rapid Robotics 2012 Braingate2 establishes human brain robot interaction
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Venture Formation. Dr. Leigh Hochberg (MGH/Harvard Medical School), Dr. John Donoghue
starts the first integrated robotics Eighteen new robotics companies (Brown University), and the Veterans Administration develop a
programs in the U.S. launched in or moved to Massachusetts transformative device connecting a patient’s brain motor-cortex directly
to a robotic-assisted artificial limb. A paralyzed woman works a robotic
arm with her thoughts to help herself to a cup of coffee.
7
 the Massachusetts economy, which is growing at 3%.
MassTLC Robotics Company
Survey Highlights MassTLC surveyed robotics companies across New
England and found that the cluster is still populated with
■■ Sales exceed $1.9 Billion young companies; close to 40 companies have been in
■■ Over 3,200 people employed in Massachusetts existence for 10 years or less. The impact of these young
companies on the Massachusetts robotics cluster is
■■ 60% of companies are less than 10 years old
staggering with their annual revenue growth rate of 93%
■■ Over $200 million invested in robotics over the past 5 years between 2008 and 2011 and a projected growth of 96%
■■ 80% of respondents expect continued growth into 2013 between 2011 and 2012, these young Massachusetts
companies now make up 8% of the total robotics revenue,
■■ 18 government grants awarded since 2008
up from 3% in 2008.
■■ Annual revenue growth between 2008 and 2011 is 11%
The investment community has also taken greater
interest in robotics, investing $209 million in Massachusetts
Cluster Companies and Environment robotics over the last 5 years. Private investment in the
first three quarters of 2012 has already surpassed 2011
The Massachusetts robotics cluster continues to thrive and
by $8 million. The success of publicly traded iRobot has
grow with 11 new companies started since 2009 (18 new
led to a new generation of start-ups by iRobot alumni
companies since the 2008 MassTLC robotics survey). The
(Harvest Automation, Rethink Robotics, CyPhy, and vGo
New England hub of innovation for the robotics industry has
Communications), fueling the demand and development
commercialized robotic technologies for applications ranging
for robotics talent, as well as, the dynamism of the
from agriculture and transportation to prosthetics and
robotics ecosystem.
manufacturing. While the core group of robotics companies
in Massachusetts consists of close to 100 companies, the With the acquisition of Kiva Systems by Amazon for $775M,
broader robotics ecosystem consists of over 200 companies, another wave of young robotics companies could be on
manufacturers, suppliers, design and engineering service the way. Kiva Systems alumni starting successful robotics
firms, educational institutions, and research labs with companies here, along with the growing iRobot alumni
involvement directly or indirectly in robotics. start-ups in Massachussetts could possibly create a cycle of
innovation for robotics in New England, not yet seen anywhere
All data in this report, unless noted, is from the 2012
else in the world.
MassTLC survey of leading robotics companies in New
England. With a 50% response rate, the data provides a When local robotics CEOs were asked why their companies
reliable insight into the growth of the industry since 2008. were located in Massachusetts, they overwhelmingly
The respondents represented different robotics applications answered that access to local research, the deep talent roots
and varying company sizes. in mechanical and software engineering, and hardware and
manufacturing resources were not replicable anywhere else.
Today there are more than 3,200 people employed in the
When faced with the decision to move their companies,
Massachusetts robotics industry and annual sales exceed
several indicated that they could not leave the infrastructure
$1.9 billion. These figures do not include $1.5 billion in sales
and talent pool here in Massachusetts.
of New England–based companies, such as ABB systems
in Connecticut, and companies in New Hampshire and Massachusetts Private Investment in Robotics
Rhode Island, such as Segway, Adept Mobile Robots, vGo
Communications, and Valde Systems, that are part of the
extended Massachusetts robotics economy.
From 2008 to 2011 the overall growth rate in revenue
of robotics companies in Massachusetts is 45%, which
includes maturing companies. This growth is particularly
remarkable as it occurred during a national and global
recession of historic severity. Rapid rise of robotics
represents spectacular growth when compared with the
national economy, which is now growing at a 2% rate and Data from 2012 MassTLC Robotics survey. Massachusetts companies only are included in this chart.
 Revolutionary Robotics Innovation
Research and Development: Powering the Massachusetts
Robotics Revolution
Massachusetts is an internationally recognized robotics These diverse R&D programs provide the intellectual
center because it “has it all” for research and talent—from engine for robotics innovation and supply a highly skilled
advanced research on next-generation robotics, to applied talent pool for the rapidly growing Massachusetts and
programs and specialized undergraduate and graduate regional robotics economy.
degree programs educating the best and the brightest Massachusetts has become a robotics hub for the world
robotics engineers to be industry innovators and leaders in not only because of its world class robotics R&D, but
the 21st century. also because it is home to cutting-edge robotics product
Massachusetts is home to a unique concentration of development expertise and has an entrepreneurial track
academic centers of excellence in robotics education, record of bringing state-of-the-art robotics products
research, and technology commercialization. Ten of the successfully to market.
Commonwealth’s leading educational research institutions
offer thirty-five distinct and exciting world-class research Game-Changing Printable Robots
programs covering all aspects of robotics and “intelligent for Rapid Design and Manufacture of
automation.” Brown University, just over the Massachusetts Customized Goods
border in Providence, RI, has a collaborative relationship with Printable Programmable Machines Enable Anyone to
Massachusetts institutions, contributing to the overall Manufacture a Customized Robot
R&D ecosystem.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is leading
In addition, there are innovative robotics research programs an ambitious $10 million National Science Foundation
at leading institutions throughout the six New England states, initiative to reinvent how robots are designed and produced.
including: Brown University, Yale University, Dartmouth The “printable robots” project will democratize access to
College, and the Universities of Vermont, New Hampshire, robotics by developing technology enabling the average
Maine, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

Recent work in the Distributed Robotics Laboratory at MIT, Cambridge, MA, in collaboration with Harvard Microrobotics Laboratory, proposes a new
method to systematize the development of 3-D robots using inexpensive, fast, and convenient planar fabrication processes. This new paradigm is called
“printable robots.” This 6-legged tick-like printable robot could be used to check a basement for gas leaks or to play with a cat.
9
 High-Risk Research for Transformative
Breakthroughs in Healthcare, Energy,
and Manufacturing
Harvard University’s Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired
Engineering, established in 2009, bases its robotics research
on nature’s design principles to develop bio-inspired
materials and devices that will transform medicine and create
a more sustainable world. http://wyss.harvard.edu
By emulating nature’s principles for self-organizing and
self-regulating, Wyss Institute researchers are developing
Researchers at the Harvard Wyss Institute, Cambridge, MA, have built a
innovative robotics solutions for healthcare, energy,
flexible robot that can crawl, adjust its gait, and squeeze
under obstacles. architecture, and manufacturing. These technologies are
translated into commercial products and therapies through
user to design, customize, and print a specialized robot in a collaborations with clinical investigators, corporate alliances,
matter of hours. and start-up companies.
It currently takes years to design, program, and produce a Initial target applications include:
functioning robot, and it is an extremely expensive process,
■■Bio-inspired robots for construction
involving hardware and software design, machine learning
and sustainability
and vision, and advanced programming techniques. MIT’s
research aims to automate the process of producing ■■ Robots that build bridges and structures autonomously
functional 3-D robotic-enabled devices, allowing individual ■■ Swarms of flying insect robots to assist dwindling
users to design and build functional robots from materials bee populations
as easily accessible as a sheet of paper. A printable robot ■■Bio-inspired robots for inspection and search
might be made to play with a pet or to fetch small things for ■■ Conformable robots for inspection of narrow tubes and
someone whose knee is in a cast and has limited mobility. pipes for medical and industrial applications
Printable robot technology could also be used to rapidly ■■ Autonomous micro-robots for clinical diagnosis
design and prototype custom tooling for small and repair
volume manufacturing. ■■ Distributed robots for search and rescue
How will this work? First, an individual will identify a ■■ Highly agile autonomous robots for
household problem that needs assistance, then he or she will environmental monitoring
go to a local printing store to select a blueprint from a library
of robotic designs and customize an easy-to-use robotic
device that can solve the problem. Within 24 hours, the robot
will be printed, assembled, fully programmed, and ready
for action.

“ This research envisions a whole new way of thinking

about the design and manufacturing of robots, and could
have a profound impact on society,” says Dr. Daniela
Rus, Director of the MIT Computer Science and Artificial
Intelligence Lab (CSAIL). “We believe that it has the potential
to transform manufacturing and to democratize access
to robots. ”
This robot fly, developed at Harvard’s Wyss Institute for Biologically
Inspired Engineering, Cambridge, MA, is capable of lift off and made
using layered micro-machined composite structures. With a tiny
carbon-fiber body and wings made of thin plastic sheets, this robot was
inspired by the way real insects move.
 Artist rendering of the new UMass Lowell NERVE Center. The center will provide robotics companies and research institutions with a National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) designed test course for year-round validation of robots and robotic systems. Collaborators include UMass Amherst and
Tufts University. Worcester Polytechnic Institute and local robotics companies such as iRobot, QinetiQ, Black-I Robotics are likely to use the NERVE Center.

■■Robots that adapt and respond to changes conduct robotics research, which will allow robot systems
in environment under development to be tested more easily, quickly, and
■■Self-balancing walkways and building structures
economically than they can be today.
■■Adaptive and responsive furniture The NERVE Center will increase knowledge about robotics
■■Deformable robots that conform, sense and locomote in by developing metrics and standards for validating and
complex terrains measuring progress in the field while allowing for convenient
testing of robotic systems. The ability to rapidly cycle
Scientists at the Wyss Institute are developing entirely new through prototyping, testing, and iterative improvements will
types of robotic devices, such as tiny autonomous flying significantly speed up the process of translating robotics
machines, literally shaped like houseflies, that could pollinate technology from the laboratory into real-world applications.
crops while the causes of bee colony collapse are identified The facility will be used for the study and evaluation of
and solved. The Bio inspired Robotics team is also studying robot systems in a number of areas, including:
social insects for what they can teach about programming
■■autonomous systems
cooperation and adaptation among individual robots and
how global self-repair and adaptation can be achieved ■■small unmanned ground vehicles for military use, urban
through simple local behaviors. search and rescue, and HAZMAT
■■assistive technologies
UMass Lowell Launches New England’s
■■mobile manipulation
First Robotics Testing Facility
■■human-robot interaction
In 2012, the highly successful Robotics Lab at the
University of Massachusetts Lowell established a state-
of-the-art testing facility, the New England Robotics
Validation and Experimentation (NERVE) Center,
http://nerve.uml.edu. NERVE will facilitate development of
robotic systems by both corporations and universities in
Massachusetts and the New England region.
UMass Lowell is collaborating with the National Institute
of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S. Army
on the development of New England’s first comprehensive
Developed by WPI undergraduate students, Prometheus is an
robot testing site. The NERVE Center is within an hour’s
unmanned ground vehicle in Worcester, MA. The project goal is to
drive of over 50 robotics companies and 10 universities that secure an entry in the annual Intelligent Ground Vehicle
Challenge (IGVC).
11
Educating the Innovators and ■■Tree-Climbing Robots to Detect Invasive Insects

Leaders of the Future ■■A Rehabilitative Robotic Glove and a Human

Hand Prosthesis
Massachusetts higher education institutions offer dozens
■■Robots to Improve Communications Skills of
of advanced degree and certificate programs in electrical,
Autistic Children
mechanical, and software engineering that supply the
robotics talent pool. Two recent examples of highly innovative
and focused robotics higher education programs are:
Olin College
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Olin College educates highly skilled robotics engineers
In 2007, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) launched through an innovative field-based undergraduate curriculum.
the nation’s first fully integrated Bachelor of Science degree Seniors work in multi-disciplinary teams of five to seven
program in Robotics Engineering, which has already students on challenging, full-year robotics engineering
graduated over 50 students. In 2009, WPI established an projects for partnering corporate sponsors.
MS in Robotics Engineering and a PhD program in Robotics Since its launch in 2005, Olin’s Scope Program has
in 2010. Currently, 242 WPI undergraduates are majoring or deployed teams of engineering talent to more than 50
minoring in robotics and 32 graduate students are enrolled in companies, developing and expanding on a range of
WPI’s Master’s and PhD programs in robotics. disciplines from creating robotics vehicles for the Army to
http://robotics.wpi.edu improving medical devices for Boston Scientific Corporation.
WPI students create robotic solutions to real world Olin’s robotics group is currently working in the areas of
problems such as developing: unmanned ground, surface, and autonomous vehicles.
■■Search and Rescue Robots http://scope.olin.edu

■■A Machine Tool Robotics Part Manipulator

MIT, Cambridge, MA, in partnership with Olin College, Needham, MA,

and Draper Laboratory, Cambridge, MA, competed in the 2007 DARPA
Grand Challenge, a competition for cars and trucks that run without
human help.
 New England Robotics R&D Eco-System

13
Massachusetts R&D Programs Harvard University
Robotics Lab, Division of Engineering and
Boston University Applied Sciences
Hybrid & Networked Systems
■■The Harvard Division of Engineering Robotics Lab focuses
■■Current application areas is networked mobile robotics. on micro-robotics, analog computation, choreography of
http://robotics.bu.edu dynamical systems, control of quantum systems, pattern
Intelligent Mechatronics Lab generation, and robotic system identification.
www.harvard.edu.
■■The Intelligent Mechatronics Lab specializes in
medical robotics, structural dynamics, and mobile robot Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering
communications. http://www.bu.edu/iml/ ■■Wyss Institute’s research includes developing robotic tools

Neuromorphics Lab for rehabilitation and surgical assistance as well as other

innovative medical devices. Inspiration for these devices
■■The Neuromorphics Lab studies biological intelligence
comes from studying human biomechanics and collaboration
and embeds the derived fundamental principles into bio-
with practicing physicians. http://wyss.harvard.edu
inspired computers and robots. Ongoing projects include
formal approaches to planning and control of robot motion MIT
and interactive approaches for robot navigation and control.
Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
www.nl.bu.edu
Laboratory (CSAIL)
Andersson Lab
■■CSAIL’s research focus includes: modular and self-
■■Autonomous control of robots evolving in complex, real- reconfiguring robots, distributed algorithms and systems
world settings and subject to such disturbances. Ongoing of self-organizing robots, networks of robots and sensors
projects include formal approaches to planning and control for first-responders, mobile sensor networks, animals and
of robot motion and interactive approaches for robot robots, cooperative underwater robotics, desktop robotics,
navigation and control. http://robotics.bu.edu and forming, moving, and navigating sparse 2D and
BioRobotics Research Group 3D structures.
http://groups.csail.mit.edu/drl/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
■■The BioRobotics Research Group (BRG) specializes
in medical robot and instrument design, development of Newman Lab for Biomechanics
imaging techniques for surgical guidance, modeling of ■■Part of the Mechanical Engineering department, the
tool-tissue interaction, and tele-operation/automation of Newman Lab focuses on physical therapy devices.
instrument motion. www.bu.edu/biorobotics http://newmanlab.mit.edu
Human Adaptation Lab
MIT Media Lab
■■Sargent College studies robotic exoskeletons for use
Personal Robots Group
in human gait rehabilitation. http://www.bu.edu/sargent/
research/research-labs/human-adaptation-lab/ ■■Media Lab’s personal robotics research is on socially
engaging robots and interactive technologies that provide
Brandeis University people with long-term social and emotional support in order
Computer Science Laboratory to live healthier lives, connect with others, and learn better.
www.media.mit.edu/research/groups/personal-robots
■■The Dynamical & Evolutionary Machine Organization
(DEMO) Lab is focused on machine learning: solving the Mechatronics Group
problem of open-ended evolution in artificial media like ■■The Mechatronics Group research program seeks to
software and hardware. Long-term basic research on self- advance technologies that accelerate the merging of body
creating robots couples the co-evolution of bodies and and machine, including device architectures that resemble
brains to commercial off-the-shelf automated fabrication the body’s musculoskeletal design, actuator technologies
and is known as the GOLEM project. that behave like muscle, and control methodologies that
http://demo.cs.brandeis.edu exploit principles of biological movement.
www.media.mit.edu/research/groups/biomechatronics
 MIT Sea Grant AUV Lab Advanced Technologies Lab
■■MIT Sea Grant AUV Lab is dedicated to the development ■■Tufts also focuses on: mobile robot navigation, endoscopic
and application of autonomous underwater vehicles. MIT surgery, and educational robots. Tufts Center for Engineering
Sea Grant’s AUV Lab is a leading developer of advanced Educational Outreach works with teachers and schools
unmanned marine robots. http://auvlab.mit.edu around the world in bringing robotics into the classroom as
a way to teach math, science, and engineering.
Northeastern University ceeo.tufts.edu/WorkshopsKids/kidsworkshops.html
Marine Science Center Biomimetic Underwater
Robot Program University of Massachusetts-Lowell
■■The N.U. Marine Science Center employs biomimetic Robotics Lab
approaches to confer the adaptive capabilities of marine ■■The Lab focuses on human-robot interaction including:
animal models to engineered devices. These devices interface design, robot autonomy, and computer vision.
include: sensors, actuators, adaptive logic systems, and Applications include: assistive technology, search and
electronic nervous systems. rescue. www.robotics.cs.uml.edu
http://www.neurotechnology.neu.edu/ NERVE Testing Center
Biomedical Mechatronics Lab (BML) Department of ■■New England Robotics Validation and Experimentation will
Mechanical & Industrial Engineering service other research programs and companies developing
■■The Biomedical Mechatronics Laboratory (BML) studies robotic systems in New England. http://nerve.uml.edu/
the design, fabrication, control, and testing of novel robotic
and mechatronic systems for rehabilitation and medical University of Massachusetts-Amherst
applications. http://www.robots.neu.edu/ Laboratory for Perceptual Robotics
■■UMass-Amherst lab studies computational systems
Olin College of Engineering that solve sensory and motor problems. Experimental
■■Olin educates future leaders in robotics through an platforms include sensor networks, mobile manipulators,
innovative engineering education that bridges science and and integrated bimanual humanoids. http://www robotics.
technology, enterprise, and society. Olin’s robotics group is cs.umass.edu/
currently working in the areas of unmanned ground, surface,
and air vehicles. http://scope.olin.edu University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
■■UMass Dartmouth engineering research includes the
Tufts University study of advanced controls for robotics.
Neuromechanics and Biomimetic Devices Laboratory http://www.umassd.edu/engineering/mne/research/
■■The Neuromechanics Lab focuses on “biomimetic
soft-bodied robots” and incorporates biomaterials,
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
neuromechanical controllers, and compliant microelectronics. WPI is the first U.S. educational institution to design and
http://ase.tufts.edu/bdl/news.asp implement a fully integrated undergraduate robotics degree
program. http://robotics.wpi.edu/.
Human Robot Interaction Lab
■■WPI labs work on: intelligent vehicles, interventional
■■Researchers in the Human Robot Interaction Laboratory
medicine, mobile manufacturing (for repair in accessible
study affective control and evolution interactions between
locations), robot learning, human-robot interaction, and
affect and cognition; cognitive robotics for human-
advanced manufacturing.
robot interaction; embodied situated natural language
http://sites.google.com/site/padirlab/
interactions; multi-scale agent-based and cognitive
http://aimlab.wpi.edu/
modeling; and architecture development environments for
http://ram.wpi.edu/people/ssnestinger/
complex robots. http://hrilab.cs.tufts.edu/
http://web..wpiedu/~rail/
http://www.wpi.edu/academics/ece/cairn/index.html
http://web.cs.wpi.edu/~rich/hri/

15
 http://www.me.wpi.edu/research/CAMLab/ Dartmouth College
http://users.wpi.edu/~etorresj/ www.cs.dartmouth.edu/devin/
■■Mechanics of locomotion and manipulation—robot
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
interface with the physical world.
■■Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
University of Maine
http://asl.whoi.edu/home/home.html
http://engineering.umaine.edu/department-research/
research-features/operation-robot/
The Massachusetts robotics ecosystem also benefits
■■Biomechanical Compliant Hand Project — prosthetic
greatly from the research of leading independent nonprofit
robot hand and rehabilitation devices.
laboratories such as MITRE (www.mitre.org), Draper Labs
(www.draper.com), and MIT Lincoln Labs (www.ll.mit.edu), which University of Connecticut http://www.engr.uconn.edu/alarm/
focus on engineering innovation in a range of advanced ■■Biomedical engineering laboratory.
technologies including robotics.
■■Advanced lab for automation, robotics and
manufacturing-control logic for dynamic systems.
New England Robotics Research
University of New Hampshire http://www.ece.unh.edu/
Brown University www.braingate2.org and www.brown-
■■Bionics Lab-applied robotics.
robotics.org
■■Robotics and vibration control.
■■Brown collaborates with Massachusetts General Hospital
and the Veterans Administration as part of The BrainGate University of Rhode Island http://mcise.uri.edu/datseris/
initiative, which is focused on developing neurotechnologies robotics/index.htm
to restore the communication, mobility, and independence ■■Center for Automation and Robotics Research — expert
of people with neurologic disease, injury, or limb loss. systems, neural nets and software development for effective
Yale University www.robotics.research.yale.edu design of novel mechanical devices.

■■GRAB Lab: Grasping and Manipulation, Rehabilitation University of Vermont www.cs.uvm.edu

Robotics, and Biomechanics Human-Machine Interface Lab ■■Incremental behavior integration for evolutionary robotics.
Social Robotics Lab.
Naval Undersea Warfare Center
■■Autonomous Underwater Vehicles http://www.navsea.
navy.mil/nuwc/newport/default.aspx

The uBot-5, developed at the UMass Amherst Lab for

Perceptual Robotics, is a small and lightweight research
platform for mobile manipulation. It was designed to be an
economical robot that is highly capable, durable, and safe
to operate. It is well suited for environments designed
for humans.
 Disruptive Robotics Innovation:
Driving Change in Many Industries
Tools for Tomorrow: Robots Robotics in healthcare is reducing costs and improving
patient outcomes along the continuum of care — from
Working Side by Side with Workers robotic-assisted surgery to intelligent automation in the
of the Future hospital and in the “healthy home.” Intelligent prosthetic and
Massachusetts is an internationally recognized test- rehabilitation devices are dramatically improving the quality of
bed for the world in robotics product innovation. The life for patients with disabilities and physical injuries.
Commonwealth’s robotics industry develops and Massachusetts benefits greatly from its installed base of
successfully sells a dazzling array of world-class teaching hospitals and
products for a variety of industries “The Age of Robots is biomedical research institutes where
that are strategic to the future of the healthcare innovation is both a driver
Massachusetts economy. The robots upon us—extending and a beneficiary of advances in
of the future will be intelligent tools
for increasing productivity, creating
independent living at robotics technology. Collaborative
relationships between and among
high-value jobs for new applications, home will ultimately turn the robotics research community, the
and enabling workers to make entrepreneurial community, and local
industries more globally competitive. out to be the ‘killer app’ healthcare leaders are accelerating
“Intelligent automation” is disruptive the adoption of cutting-edge
to many industries and offers exciting for robots.” robotics innovation in the
competitive advantages to healthcare marketplace.
new adopters. Colin Angle, Co-Founder
and CEO, iRobot
Massachusetts’ robotics innovators
are already proving that the robots of the future will be
different. Not only will next-generation robotics be cheaper Applications:
and easier to implement and operate, but they will work with ■■Robotic-assisted surgical devices for image-guided and
people rather than substituting for people. Robots will work non-invasive surgery
side by side with people as co-workers in the office, co- ■■Rehabilitation in the hospital and in the home (e.g.,
producers in the factory, and household helpers in the home. intelligent prosthesis, smart rehabilitation devices, etc.)

Healthcare, Medical, and Assistive Devices ■■Hospital automation (e.g., patient transport, patient self-

“The ‘Age of Robots’ is upon us—extending independent service, couriers, pharmacy, etc.)
■■Patient-centered medical home (e.g., remote monitoring,
living at home will ultimately turn out to be the ‘killer app’ for
robots.” - Colin Angle, Co-Founder and CEO, iRobot medication management, etc.)

Healthcare and medical robotics is in its early days, but ■■Assistive devices/ADA innovations in the smart home and
already has shown great promise in addressing major in the healthy workplace
healthcare challenges facing the U.S. healthcare
delivery system.

17
 Robotics is creating smarter tools for factory workers
that result in greater efficiency, labor savings, and higher
productivity and create high-value skilled jobs.
Massachusetts has a rich tradition in both stationary
industrial robots for factory and lab automation and, more
recently, in mobile service robots for warehouse, logistics,
and materials handling automation.
The world’s first lab automation company, Zymark,
was launched in Massachusetts in 1981. Advanced lab
automation has supported the rapid growth of the dynamic
Life Sciences industry in Massachusetts and New England.

Nashua, NH based VGo for Remote Students has opened up academic Local entrepreneurs are exploiting opportunities for
and social environments to other disabled and immune-deficient disruptive change in supply chain management with exciting
students as well. There are no longer boundaries between them and the
world that was previously inaccessible. robotics solutions for warehouse automation, logistics and
materials handling in a range of industries including food,
retail and agriculture.
Manufacturing and Lab Automation
Distribution and Logistics,
Materials Handling
“Robots will change how we think about manufacturing.
They will have intelligence and awareness. They will be
teachable, safe, and affordable. They will make us productive
in ways we never imagined.
Robots will reinvigorate industry and inject new life into the
economy. Making businesses more competitive. Keeping
jobs from moving overseas. Demonstrating the power of
”
American ingenuity. - Rodney Brooks, Co-Founder,
Symbotic, based in Wilmington, MA, offers warehouse automation with
iRobot; Founder, Rethink Robotics (formerly the ability to sort, store, and distribute materials with high degrees of
Heartland Robotics) speed, accuracy, and customization. Their autonomous, mobile robot—
the Matrix Rover™—can travel freely throughout the storage structure
accessing any product, in any location, and at any time at a very high
throughput rate delivering product in sequence to build stable, store-
friendly pallets.

Applications:
■■High-precision semi-conductor manufacturing automation

■■Lab compound, liquid and biological sample handling,

measurement, and storage
■■ Factory assembly, fabrication, and production

■■ Warehouse automation: pick and place for logistics and

distribution Inspection, packaging, and materials handling

The Twister II Microplate Handler developed by Caliper Life Sciences, Defense, Security, and Surveillance
in Hopkinton, MA, is a high capacity plate stacker and bench top lab
automation robotics system. Over 1,000 Twister II units have been The defense industry is a vital sector in the Massachusetts
shipped, making it an industry standard robotic plate mover for life economy. Massachusetts currently ranks fifth nationally in
science automation.
Department of Defense contract awards. Nine of the top ten
 products sold to defense agencies are related to technology Marine
and research. Massachusetts excels in the kind of highly
Massachusetts is a global leader in Marine Sciences and
specialized research and technology-related products and
Technology for a range of applications including: education
services that are expected to be an important focus of
and research, geological mapping, intelligence, and
defense spending in the future.2
surveillance. The vibrant Marine Robotics sector is supported
Use of autonomous and semi-autonomous robots for by the world-class undersea research at the Woods Hole
defense applications has grown dramatically around the Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) in Falmouth, Massachusetts,
world in recent years as governments deploy them in and the MIT Center for Ocean Engineering.
battlefield situations to take the place of, or assist, soldiers.
Defense robots include: unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs),
unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and autonomous
underwater vehicles (AUVs).
The key drivers for the robotics market in defense, security,
and surveillance include: the strong desire to prevent or
reduce military casualties in the field of operations; changes
in the tactics of warfare requiring new reconnaissance,
combat and task equipment, and tools; the need to reduce
military spending; and developments in the fields of materials
science, computer programming, and sensing technology
that help create more advanced robots.3 The Bluefin 12-S, shown here being launched in Quincy, MA, is a highly
modular, flexible, autonomous underwater vehicle used for a variety of
Applications: shallow-water applications such as search and salvage, oceanography,
scientific research, mine countermeasures, and more.
■■Aerial and underwater surveillance

■■Hazardous military missions (searching caves and

WHOI is a lead institution in a national $300 million National
neutralizing IEDs)
Science Foundation (NSF) Ocean Observatories Initiative
■■Transport of materials, supplies, and wounded soldiers (OOI). The OOI initiative will provide 25–30 years of sustained
■■Battlefield medicine (remote-medic, robotic-assisted ocean measurements to study climate variability, ocean
monitoring and treatment) circulation and ecosystem dynamics, air-sea exchange,
seafloor processes, and plate-scale geodynamics. Robotics
■■Automated Weapon Systems—unmanned aerial vehicles
technologies developed in collaboration with WHOI will play a
and unmanned ground vehicles; unmanned underwater
vital part in the national Ocean Observatories Initiative.
vehicles for intelligence gathering
The leading global players in autonomous underwater
■■Public safety—fire and police search, seizure and
vehicles (AUVs) for scientific, commercial, and defense
rescue operations
applications are all Massachusetts companies. Teledyne
Public Safety and Municipal Services Benthos, Bluefin Robotics, Hydroid, Oceanserver, and
iRobot, among others, continue to grow as AUVs are being
Service robots also have proved to be of high value
increasingly used for underwater exploration, mapping,
in domestic public safety and security applications.
and surveillance.
Municipalities are increasingly using robots to support fire,
emergency, police, and public safety personnel in dangerous
situations and conditions. For decades, Massachusetts
robots have been deployed to respond to world events
including search and rescue operations after 9-11, evaluating
oil plumes in the Gulf of Mexico, and most recently sending
robots to Japan to assist in moving rubble as well as
surveillance after the tsunami hit and Fukishima nuclear
power plant disaster.

19
2
Donahue Institute, Defense Industry in Mass, 2010
3
ABI Research
Consumer Related and Supporting Industries
Massachusetts is well positioned to take advantage of the The Massachusetts robotics industry draws on a robust
explosive growth expected in personal robotics (personal array of local supporting industries that contribute to the
robots, home robots, educational robots, smart toys and sector’s rapid growth including:
hobby robots), having already developed commercially ■■Machine Vision
successful consumer robotics for home use.
■■Computer Software

■■Artificial Intelligence

■■Electronics & Hardware/Manufacturing & Services

■■Design and Systems Engineering Services

■■Component suppliers (sensors, actuators, controllers,

vision systems, interface)
■■Precision Manufacturing

The Roomba 780 is one of the popular autonomous cleaning

devices from Bedford, Massachusetts-based iRobot. The
Roomba celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2012.
 The Competitive Advantage of the
Robotics Industry in Massachusetts
“Paradoxically, the enduring tremendous track record in product
“
Boston (Robotics Cluster)
development and commercialization.
ranks first, having started in the competitive advantages in a
A 2012 Harvard University student
early 1960s, followed by Pittsburgh
global economy lie increasingly study on the competitiveness of the
and then Silicon Valley. Boston has
in local things—knowledge, Massachusetts Robotics Cluster,
the most robotics companies in
conducted under the direction
the cluster, numbering more than
relationships, motivation that of Harvard Business School
80, greater than the two other
”
clusters combined - Harvard distant rivals cannot match.” Professor Michael Porter, credited
the “unique industry-academia-
University student report on the
Professor Michael Porter, federal government collaboration”
Massachusetts Robotics Cluster Harvard Business School 4
as a critical success factor of the
(May 2012)
Massachusetts Robotics Cluster.
The U.S leadership in robotics is supported by exciting
The Harvard University study was based on Professor
robotics R&D at many leading U. S. research institutions
Porter’s “Framework for Institutions for Collaboration in
including: Stanford, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, Georgia
Cluster Environment” and cited favorable factor conditions as
Institute of Technology, and others. However, Massachusetts
a key competitive advantage of the Massachusetts Robotics
is unique in the U.S., and in the world, with its intense
Cluster relative to competing clusters in the U.S.
concentration of world class R&D programs and its

21 Figure modified from Harvard University student report on the Massachusetts Robotics Cluster (May 2012)
4
Clusters and the New Economics of Competition
The Competitive Advantage of the Massachusetts Robotics Cluster

Context for Firm Strategy

& Rivalry
■■National and international competition
■■Diverse industry base across multiple
applications and segments
■■Growing rivalry between players in segments
■■Population Demographics

Factor (Input) Conditions Demand Conditions

■■Highly skilled work force ■■Military
■■R&D infrastructure ■■Laboratory
■■Available capital ■■Marine
■■Consumer
■■Health Care
■■Distribution
■■Manufacturing

Related & Supporting

Industries
■■Computer Software ■■Component Suppliers
(sensors, actuators,
■■Artificial Intelligence
controllers, vision
■■Machine Vision systems, interface)
■■Electronics & Hardware/ ■■Higher Education
Manufacturing & Services
■■Precision Manufacturing
■■Design and Systems
■■Data Storage
Engineering Services
■■Energy Storage

Note: Table based on Harvard Business School Professor Michael Porter’s “Framework for Competition in the Cluster Environment.”
 The Opportunity: Tremendous Growth
in the Global Marketplace
The global market for robotics products, components, dramatically last year (2011) in unit sales by 47% with 38%
and systems is growing rapidly as technological advances growth in sales dollar value.6
make robotics a cost-effective alternative to labor-intensive In the North American market, orders for industrial robotic
systems. Robotics as a platform technology for a wide range systems rebounded in 2011 after a slump in sales in 2009–
of vertical industry applications is driving growth through 2010 due to the global economic downturn. Unit sales rose
disruptive innovations that create markets for 47% in 2011 and dollar value of sales grew 38%. A total of
new applications. 19,337 robots valued at $1.17 billion were sold to companies
in North America.7
Industrial Robots Market This significant growth was driven in large measure by
“
Manufacturing will still need people, if not so many in the demand for advanced robotics systems from the automotive,
factory itself. All these automated machines require someone packaging, food, and chemical sectors. These sectors are
to service them and tell them what to do. Some machine cyclical, so demand can fluctuate with economic conditions.
operators will become machine minders, which often calls for
According to the Robotics Industry Association, key drivers
”
a broader range of skills - The Economist 5
for the strong rebound in industrial robotics sales in 2011
The global market for industrial robots (stationary robots were revitalized due to demand in the auto sector and the
used in factory automation and assembly lines) is currently decision by many U.S. manufacturing companies to keep
$17.5 billion (including software, peripherals, and systems), manufacturing at home by automating, and in some cases,
according to the International Federation of Robotics. even bringing back manufacturing that had previously been
Industrial robotics is the largest segment of the robotics located overseas.
industry, growing globally at 4.2% a year.
Demand is expected to continue to grow as new robotics
In North America, sales of industrial robotics grew technologies and applications emerge and as the electronics,

ABB robots IRB 6400 on spotwelding line at car factory. ABB’s Corporate Research Center is located in Windsor, CT.

6
The Economist. Manufacturing and Innovation, 4/21/12
23 6
Robotics Industry Association
7
Robotics Industry Association
automotive, and life sciences industries continue to invest in (UAVs), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and unmanned
automation. There are 213,000 robots now at work in U.S. underwater vehicles (UUVs) and have in common the
factories and laboratories, placing the United States second purpose of substituting for, or assisting, humans in
only to Japan in overall robot use. More than one million battlefield situations.
industrial robots are installed worldwide, 40% of them According to a new study by ABI Research, “Defense
in Japan.8 Robots: UAVs, UGVs, UUVs, and Task
The rebound in the U.S. and global Robots for Military Applications,” the
market for industrial robots is good news
Analysts predict an global market for military robotics will
for Massachusetts’ leading industrial
explosive growth in grow from $5.8 billion in 2010 to more
market suppliers including: Caliper-Perkin than $8 billion in 2016.11
Elmer, Brooks Automation, Teradyne, service robots. The In the U.S. market, despite a short-term
Thermo Fisher, and GE Fanuc. trend toward limiting military spending,
total global service the Defense Department’s long-term
Professional and
Personal Service robotics market appetite for robotic solutions for the
battlefield, for military operations, and
Robots Market is expected to be for care of the soldier and the veteran is
strong. A rebound is expected after 2014
The global market for service robots is
currently estimated to be $9.1 billion, a
worth $21 billion by when several new U.S. defense programs
of record begin using unmanned ground
more than fourfold increase since 2004.
2014.10 systems for more than just counter-
The global market for service robots has
explosive device operations.
been growing rapidly at an average annual rate of:
The U.S. Congress has mandated that by the year 2015,
■■17.5% for professional use
one-third of ground combat vehicles will be unmanned,
■■11.5% for personal use and the Department of Defense (DOD) is now developing
■■19% for health care, assistive technology9 a multitude of unmanned systems that it intends to rapidly
deploy in the field. Meanwhile, thousands of robotics
While the overall service robot market grew by 4% in 2010,
researchers worldwide are making impressive gains in
analysts predict an explosive growth in service robots. The
networking robots and boosting the sophistication and
total global service robotics market is expected to be worth
autonomy of these systems. This projection does not include
$21 billion by 2014.10 Massachusetts is uniquely positioned
to take the lead in the global market for professional and
service robots with its successful track record of bringing to
market innovative service robots for many leading industries.

Professional Service Robots

The total number of professional service robots sold in
2010 rose by 4% compared to 2009 to 13,741 units. The
value of sales increased by 15% to $3.2 billion. Seventy-five
percent of the total unit sales of professional service robots in
2010 were defense or field robots.

Defense Robots
Between 50 and 80 countries either already utilize defense
Packbot, developed by Bedford, MA-based iRobot, provided the first
robotic systems, or are a process of building or acquiring
images inside the disabled reactors, approximately one week after the
the technology to incorporate them into their military earthquake/tsunami. Their primary role was to go where humans could not,
get visual data, measure temperature and radiation/oxygen levels inside the
programs. These robots include unmanned aerial vehicles
Fukishima nuclear reactor, and assist with clean up of radioactive debris and
dust. Packbots have also been deployed at Ground Zero after 9/11 and in
8
Robotics Industry Association
9
e-Marketer and International Federation of Robotics Iraq and Afgahanistan.
10
International Federation of Robotics
11
ABI Research
 unmanned air or underwater vehicles which are also growing automation for the home
in use by the military.12 will enable successful
In developed countries, military spending is often “aging in place” and
recession-proof. Short-term economic conditions are reduce the burden on
unlikely to impact long-term defense robot spending greatly, healthcare systems.
especially because the most expensive robot systems
Personal Service
are far less expensive than equivalent manned systems.
While robots improve efficiency, accuracy, and operational
Robots
performance in the military, the primary reason their use has Approximately 2.2 million
increased is their ability to reduce injury and death in service robots for personal
combat situations. and domestic use were Vecna Technologies, Cambridge,
sold globally in 2010—35% created the QC Bot as a hospital
Medical Robots courier, tele-presence and patient
more than in 2009. The value self-service robot.
Sales of robotics for medical applications increased in of sales increased by 39%
2010 by 14% compared to 2009.13 to U.S. $538 million. Projections for the period 2011–2014
anticipate that 87,500 new service robots for professional
The market for surgical robotics alone is projected to reach
use will be installed.15
$14 billion in 2014.14
So far, service robots for personal and domestic use are
In recent years, a steady increase in the use of medical
mainly used for household tasks, such as vacuum cleaning
robots in the hospital setting confirms the tremendous
and lawn mowing, or for entertainment and leisure, including
potential of medical robotics to assist surgeons with image-
toy robots, hobby systems, education, and research.
guided, minimally invasive surgery; provide patient transport
and nurse assistance; improve medical education through While the market for consumer robots is currently smaller
the use of simulators; and reduce the costs of patient care. than the market for industrial robots, sales of service robots
Also, service robots for remote presence and patient self- are projected to overtake industrial robotics in the next few
service are enabling the delivery of more healthcare support years. Personal robotics is the area of robotics with the
and services in the home. strongest predicted growth. According to ABI Research, the
global market for service-consumer robots is expected to be
The global demographic trend of aging populations
worth $15 billion by 2015.
requiring more care from fewer people is driving demand
for adoption of smarter technology in healthcare services. The Japanese Robot Association has predicted that the
Service robots to assist the elderly and provide intelligent personal robot industry will achieve annual sales of $50 billion
by 2025. This explosive growth will be
driven by demographics and the needs of
Global robot market outlook
aging populations, which will require more
services with fewer people to provide
them. Projections for the period of 2011
to 2014 predict that about 14.4 million
units of service robots for personal use
will be sold.
The growing global market for service
robots represents a gigantic commercial
opportunity for Massachusetts innovators
who are already leading the robotics
race for the design, development, and
adoption of service robots.

Source Ministry of Knowledge & Economy – South Korea, Jan. 2011

12
IEEE Spectrum Autonomous Robots in the Fog of War (August 2011)
13
International Federation of Robotics
25 14
Wintergreen Research
15
International Federation of Robotics
Leading the Robotics Revolution
Robotics is becoming as ubiquitous a platform technology service robots is a sign of the quickening pace of innovation
as computing is today and will transform industry and in the design and development of service robots in
everyday life. the Commonwealth.
Massachusetts leads the world in robotics education, Key early adopters in Massachusetts have demonstrated
R&D, product development, and product sales. Leveraging a propensity to innovate, making those industries ideal
the competitive strengths of the Commonwealth’s unique collaborators (e.g., defense trend toward new warfare
intellectual resources and talent pool, robotics has already technology; healthcare reform and demographics demanding
created dozens of new companies, hundreds of new jobs, technology solutions for healthcare delivery; advanced
many new applications, and increased productivity in leading manufacturing seeking revitalization through automation;
industries including healthcare, life sciences, advanced etc.). The Massachusetts Robotics Cluster is now entering
manufacturing, defense, and marine science. No other new an inflection point of even more rapid robotics adoption and
platform technology impacts so many critical industries. industry growth.
Massachusetts is leading in the development of innovative Although the U.S. holds the lead in robotics, other
service robots. The global market for professional and countries are making huge investments in robotics
personal service robots is experiencing explosive growth and technology. It is imperative that Massachusetts protect and
projected to be worth $21 billion by 201416 and a whopping strengthen its leadership position in robotics not only to grow
$50 billion by 2025.17 As a world leader in the design and the Commonwealth’s economy but also to help maintain U.S.
development of professional and personal service robots, competitiveness as a global leader in robotics development
Massachusetts is ideally positioned to dominate the global and adoption.
market for service robots. The fact that the majority of the
robotic start-ups launched in Massachusetts since 2008 are Faster Forward: Accelerating Robotics
Growth in Massachusetts
Massachusetts can accelerate the growth of the
robotics industry in the Commonwealth and protect its
global competitive advantage. The future of robotics in
Massachusetts depends on promoting the industry and
strengthening key critical success factors, including:
The Vitality of the Intellectual Infrastructure
■■Attracting new and varied R&D investment.

■■Fostering more collaboration among universities

and between universities and industry both within the
Commonwealth and throughout the New England region.
The Vibrancy of the Talent Pool
Artaic’s versatile robotic system assists the production of custom mosaic ■■Attracting and retaining robotics entrepreneurs, investors,
projects at speeds once deemed impossible.
workers, and established companies to Massachusetts.
16
International Federation of Robotics
17
Japanese Robot Association
 ■■Developing and growing robotics talent and existing ■■Facilitating robotics adoption by industry innovators
businesses in Massachusetts. by establishing new links between key customers and
■■Assessing the skills gap along the entire hierarchy of talent applications that leverage local strengths in healthcare, life
requirements of the robotics industry and its supporting sciences, manufacturing, defense, and marine
industries, from basic level and “middle skills” to higher skills technology, etc.
in electrical, mechanical, and software engineering. ■■Promoting robotics adoption within the public sector

The Supply of “Smart Money” for Robotics in Massachusetts.

Investment and Mentoring for Entrepreneurs The Cohesiveness and Commitment of the
■■Facilitating business development and financing for start- Robotics Community
up and young robotics firms through new and existing state ■■Promoting dynamic connections and collaboration within
entities and programs. the diverse Massachusetts robotics community, as well as
■■Educating the investment community about the potential externally with regional, national, and international robotics
return on robotics investments. associations, researchers, innovators, and centers
of excellence.
■■Supporting networking and mentoring of new and existing
■■Connecting robotics talent and ideas with industries
robotics entrepreneurs and executives.
across the full spectrum of potential applications, especially
The Dynamic Cycle of Commercialization
those with high potential for growth in the Massachusetts
■■Exploiting robotics R&D by supporting and regional economy.
increased technology commercialization and new
product development.

The GEARS-SMP is a research quality Surface Mobility Platform designed for university, college, and high school programs engaged in real-world
robotic research. This research robot was developed using mobile platform technology and created by GEARS Educational Systems for a client-
authored NSF grant.

27
MassTLC’s Role in the Convening and Connecting robotics entrepreneurs,
investors, inventors, researchers, and stakeholders for
Robotics Revolution
idea sharing and discussion of both technological and
MassTLC is proud to be a catalyst for growth of the business challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
Massachusetts robotics sector. The Council has been MassTLC plays a key role in helping entrepreneurs grow their
working with the Robotics Cluster leadership since 2005 and businesses through unique mentoring opportunities with
continues to accelerate growth by: people who can them get where they are going faster.
Raising Awareness of robotics potential with local Tracking the Cluster’s Growth through publication
stakeholders, educators, government officials, investors, the of the first industry analyses of its kind, the Achieving
business community, and the general public; promoting and Global Leadership Robotics Report (2009), and the new
celebrating the Massachusetts Robotics Cluster regionally, Robotics Growth Index (2012). Advocating for policies and
nationally, and internationally. interventions to support the sector’s continued growth.
Creating Community by establishing productive We are proud of the exciting progress the robotics industry
links for the Robotics Cluster and its members within the has made in recent years and pleased to play a unique role in
Commonwealth’s diverse robotics community as well as with keeping Massachusetts at the forefront by leveraging our role
the investment community, the entrepreneurial community, as an organization that spans the many technologies and
academia, government leaders, international delegations, industries impacted by the robotics revolution
adjacent industries, and robotics thought leaders. in Massachusetts.
 Sources development office in Cambridge, MA has been part of the
Global Hawk (shown here in flight) team since 1995.
Access Science Encyclopedia of Science and Technology
Page 20 Header
Online from McGraw Hill
Myomo based in Cambridge, MA is an MIT spin-out that
ABI Research: Defense Robots: UAVs, UGVs, UUVs and has developed the mPower 1000, a powered arm brace
Task Robots for Military Applications that is intended to increase arm movement for individuals
Donahue Institute University of Massachusetts, Defense affected by brain injuries such as a stroke.
Industry in Massachusetts 2010 Page 22 Header
Clusters and the New Economics of Competition North Reading-based Kiva Systems, recently acquired
by Amazon, is a mobile robotic fulfillment system for
The Economist. Manufacturing and Innovation, 2012
eCommerce and other order processing operations.
E-Marketer
Page 25 Header
From Internet to Robotics: A Roadmap for U.S. Robotics,
Computing Research Association & Computing Cambridge based Jaybridge Robotics has partnered with
Community Consortium, 2009 Kinze Manufacturing on the first autonomous grain
cart system.
International Federation of Robotics: World Robotics
Industrial Robots 2011, World Robotics Service Back Cover
Robots 2011 Quincy-based Bluefin Robotics launches an autonomous
underwater vehicle in the Boston Harbor.
IEEE Spectrum Autonomous Robots in the Fog of War,
2011
MIT Sloan School Robotics Cluster Report, 2012
Mass Technology Leadership Council
Process Engineering, ARC Advisory Group (London)
Robotic Business, Robotics Trends (EH Publishing)
Robotic Industries Association, Robotics Online and
Industry Statistics
Wintergreen Research Market Forecasts 2008-2014

Header Picture References

Page 4 Header
Cambridge-based Energid’s Actin robotic control software
was developed to make the most of complex robotic
hardware. The Cyton arm shown here uses Actin to enable
a wide application of robotics.
Page 6 Header
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick visits Bluefin
Robotics in Quincy, MA to recognize their positive
economic impact on the area.
Page 9 Header
ORYX 2.0 was designed by Worcester Polytechnic Institute
students for operation on rough terrain to facilitate space
related research and Earth exploration missions.
Page 17 Header
Aurora Flight Sciences with their research and

29
Appendix A – Alphabetical List CyPhy Works
Dangel Robotics & Machinery
of Massachusetts Companies Deep Sea Systems International
and Institutions Digilab Genomic Solutions
Acon
Dinkum Software
Advanced Control Systems Corporation
Dolan-Jenner Industries
Airventions
Draka Cableteq USA
Aldebaran
Draper Labs
AndrosRobotics
DS SolidWorks Corporation
AOA Xinetics Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
Electra Studios
Applied Systems Engineering
Electromechanica
Aptima Inc
Elm Electrical
Aquabotix Technology Corporation
Energid Technologies
Argo Medical Technologies
Eutechnics Incoroprated
Artaic Innovative Mosaic
Falmouth Scientific
Aurora Flight Systems
Fiberoptic Components LLC
Autogen
FTR Systems
Automated Medical Instruments
Gears Educational Systems LLC
Autonomous Exploration
Geartronics Industries Inc
Aware
Gibson Engineering
Axis New England
Gleason Research
Barrett Technology
Goddard Technologies
Battelle Memorial Institute
GTC Falcon
BBN Technologies
Harmonic Drive Technologies
Berkshire Group LTD
Harvard Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Bioscale
Harvard Robotics Lab
Bitflow
Harvard Wyss Institute
Black-I Robotics
Harvest Automation
Bluefin Robotics
Heartlander Surgical
BlueShift Technologies
HighRes Biosolutions
Boston Dynamics
Hitec Corporation
Boston Engineering
Hocoma
Boston University
Holoverse Group
Braingate2
Hstar Technologies
Brandeis University
Hydroid
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
IBM
Brooks Automation
Iconics
Caliper Life Sciences
Immersive Design
Charles River Analytics
Innovent Technologies LLC
CoAutomation
Interactive Motion Technologies
Cognex
Intersense
Corindus Vascular Robotics
intuVision
Cortical Physiology Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital
Invensys Operations Management
Custom Systems and Controls
iRobot Corporation
 iWalk Ranger Automation Systems
J+H Machine Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems
Jaybridge Robotics Red Hat
Kaztek Systems Rethink Robotics (formerly Heartland Robotics)
Kiva Systems Robitech
Lockheed Martin Sippican Robonica
Manta Product Development RPU Technology
Manufacturing Resource Group RT Engineering Corporation
Mass Automation Corporation Schott North America
Medrobotics (formerly CardioRobotics) Scientific Systems Company
Mekinesis Seegrid Corporation
Mercury Computer Systems Sensable Technologies
MicroE Systems Smart Robots
Microsoft Corporation Sotax
Middlesex General Industries Symbotic LLC
MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab Teledyne Benthos
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Teledyne Webb Research Corporation
MIT Media Lab Teradyne
MITRE Corporation Textron Systems
Mohawk Cable Thermo Fisher Scientific
More Industries TIAX LLC
Myomo Titian Software
Nascent Technology Corporation TR Aeronautics LLC
Neurala Tufts University
Neuron Robotics Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems
Newport Corporation UMass Amherst
NortekUSA UMass Lowell
Northeastern University Vaccon Company
Oceanserver Technology Vecna Technologies
Olin College of Engineering Viking Systems
Opco Laboratory Vishwa Robotics and Automation LLC
Optimum Technologies WAY-2C
Oracle Engineering Whitney Systems
Orchid Technologies Engineering & Consulting WobbleWorks LLC
Performance Motion Devices Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Persimmon Technologies Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Polymer Corporation
PowerHydrant
Precision Flow Technologies
Protonex Technology Corporation
QinetiQ North America (formerly Foster-Miller)
Quiet Logistics
Quvium Asthma Signals
RailPod
31
Appendix B – Robotics GTC Falcon Incorporated (Plymouth)
Harmonic Drive Technologies (Peabody)
Companies and Institutions Hitec Corporation (Littleton)
by Application Holoverse Group (Yarmouth Port)

Academic Institutions IBM (Waltham)

Boston University (Boston) Iconics (Foxborough)

Brandeis University (Waltham) Innovent Technologies LLC (Peabody)

Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston) Intersense (Billerica)

Cortical Physiology Lab at Massachusetts General intuVision (Woburn)

Hospital (Boston) Invensys Operations Management (Foxboro)
Harvard Electrical Engineering & Computer J+H Machine (Amesbury)
Science (Cambridge)
Kaztek Systems (Acton)
Harvard Robotics Lab (Cambridge)
Manta Product Development (Cambridge)
Harvard Wyss Institute (Cambridge)
Manufacturing Resource Group (Norwood)
MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
Mekinesis (Arlington)
Lab (Cambridge)
Mercury Computer Systems (Chelmsford)
MIT Lincoln Laboratory (Lexington)
MicroE Systems (Bedford)
MIT Media Lab (Cambridge)
Microsoft Corporation (Cambridge)
Northeastern University (Boston)
Mohawk Cable (Leominster)
Olin College of Engineering (Needham)
Nascent Technology Corporation (Lexington)
Tufts University (Medford)
Neuron Robotics (Somerville)
UMass Amherst (Amherst)
NortekUSA (Boston)
UMass Lowell (Lowell)
Opco Laboratory Incorporated (Fitchburg)
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (Woods Hole)
Optimum Technologies (Southbridge)
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester)
Oracle Engineering Incorporated (Sudbury)
Components Orchid Technologies Engineering & Consulting (Maynard)
Acon Incorporated (South Easton) Performance Motion Devices Incorporated (Boxborough)
Advanced Control Systems Corporation (Pembroke) Polymer Corporation (Rockland)
AOA Xinetics Northrop Grumman Aerospace Protonex Technology Corporation (Southborough)
Systems (Cambridge) Robitech Incorporated (Ipswich)
Applied Systems Engineering Incorporated (Sandwich) RPU Technology (Needham)
Aware Incorporated (Bedford) Schott North America (Southbridge)
Axis New England (Danvers) Scientific Systems Company (Woburn)
Boston Engineering (Waltham) Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems (Braintree)
CoAutomation (Westborough) Viking Systems (Westborough)
Cognex (Natick) WAY-2C (Arlington)
Dolan-Jenner Industries Incorporated (Boxborough)
Draka Cableteq USA (North Dighton) Consumer
DS SolidWorks Corporation (Waltham) Airventions (Boston)
Falmouth Scientific (Cataumet) Aldebaran (Boston)
Fiberoptic Components LLC (Sterling) Aptima (Woburn)
Geartronics Industries (North Billerica) Aquabotix Technology Corporation (Fall River)
Gleason Research (Concord) Electra Studios
Goddard Technologies (Beverly) Electromechanica (Mattapoisett)
 FTR Systems (Wakefield) iRobot Corporation (Bedford)
Gears Educational Systems LLC (Hanover) iWalk (Cambridge)
Harvest Automation (Billerica) Medrobotics (Raynham)
Interactive Motion Technologies (Watertown) Myomo (Cambridge)
iRobot Corporation (Bedford) Quvium (Woburn)
PowerHydrant (Westwood) Sensable Technologies (Wilmington)
Robonica (Boston) Vecna Technologies (Cambridge)
Smart Robots (Dalton) Vishwa Robotics and Automation LLC (Brighton)
WobbleWorks LLC (Newton)

Lab Automation
Factory Automation / Distribution Autogen (Holliston)
Artaic Innovative Mosaic (Boston) Bioscale Incorporated (Lexington)
Barrett Technology (Cambridge) BlueShift Technologies (Andover)
Berkshire Group LTD (Westfield) Caliper Life Sciences (Hopkinton)
Brooks Automation (Chelmsford) Digilab Genomic Solutions (Holliston)
Custom Systems and Controls (Framingham) HighRes Biosolutions (Woburn)
Dangel Robotics & Machinery (Bedford) Middlesex General Industries (Woburn)
Elm Electrical (Westfield) Persimmon Technologies (Wakefield)
Eutechnics (Acton) Sotax (Hopkinton)
Gibson Engineering (Norwood) Teradyne Incorporated (North Reading)
Kiva Systems (North Reading) Thermo Fisher Scientific (Waltham)
Mass Automation Corporation (Bourne) Vaccon Company (Medway)
Newport Corporation (North Billerica)
Precision Flow Technologies (Shrewsbury)
Quiet Logistics (Andover)
Military / Public Safety (Ground,
Ranger Automation Systems (Shrewsbury)
Marine, Aerospace Robots)
Aquabotix Technology (Fall River)
Rethink Robotics (Boston)
iRobot Corporation (Bedford)
RT Engineering Corporation (Franklin)
Aurora Flight Systems (Cambridge)
Seegrid Corporation (Lowell)
Autonomous Exploration (Andover)
Symbotic LLC (Wilmington)
Black-I Robotics (Tyngsboro)
Vishwa Robotics and Automation LLC (Brighton)
Bluefin Robotics (Quincy)
Whitney Systems (Chelmsford)
Boston Dynamics (Waltham)
Healthcare / Medical / Assistive Technology
Boston Engineering (Waltham)
AndrosRobotics (Boston)
CyPhy Works (Danvers)
Argo Medical Technologies (Boston)
Deep Sea Systems International (Falmouth)
Automated Medical Instruments (Needham)
Draper Labs (Cambridge)
Barrett Technology (Cambridge)
Hydroid (Pocasset)
Braingate2 (Boston)
Lockheed Martin Sippican (Marion)
Corindus Vascular Robotics (Natick)
MITRE Corporation (Bedford)
Heartlander Surgical (Westwood)
More Industries
Hocoma (Norwell)
Oceanserver Technology (Fall River)
Hstar Technologies (Cambridge)
QinetiQ North America (Waltham)
Interactive Motion Technologies (Watertown)

33
 RailPod (Hull)
Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (Waltham)
Teledyne Benthos (North Falmouth)
Teledyne Webb Research (East Falmouth)
Textron Systems (Wilmington)
TIAX LLC (Lexington)
TR Aeronautics LLC (Boston)
Vecna Technologies (Cambridge)

Robotics Software
BBN Technologies (Cambridge)
Bitflow (Woburn)
Charles River Analytics (Cambridge)
Dinkum Software (Falmouth)
Energid Technologies (Cambridge)
Immersive Design (Acton)
IBM (Waltham)
Jaybridge Robotics (Cambridge)
Kaztek Systems (Acton)
Microsoft (Cambridge)
Neurala (Boston)
Neuron Robotics (Somerville)
Red Hat (Westford)
Titian Software (Westborough)
35
 “Imagine being present at the birth of a new industry. It is an industry based on
groundbreaking new technologies, wherein a handful of well-established corporations
sell highly specialized devices for business use and a fast-growing number of start-up
companies produce innovative toys, gadgets for hobbyists, and other interesting niche
products…… (like the computer industry) …trends are now starting to converge and
I can envision a future in which robotics devices will become a nearly ubiquitous part
of our day-to-day lives. Technologies such as distributed computing, voice and visual
recognition, and wireless broadband connectively will open the door to a new generation
of autonomous devices that enable computers to perform tasks in the physical world on
our behalf. We may be on the verge of a new era, when the PC will get up off the desktop
and allow us to see, hear, touch, and manipulate objects in places where we are not
physically present.”
Bill Gates
20 Mall Road, Suite 151 n Burlington, MA 01803 n Phone: (781) 993-9000 n www.masstlc.org