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Foster-Miller has extensive experience in all aspects of mobile and fixed robotics engineering and technology including hardware, controls, sensors, communications, software, industrial automation, and systems integration. Robots can be characterized by the type of operation they perform: Autonomous, where the robot operates without operator input or direction, usually mobile. Remotely operated, where the device is controlled by an operator in another location. Automated in which the robot repeats programmed operation, typically in a fixed position.
We have developed machinery and products in all of these robotic categories for clients in diverse areas such as military, law enforcement, utilities, industrial, process plants and construction. Applications for our robotics engineering and technology services range from laboratory automation to bomb squad operations. These robots have saved lives, reduced labor costs on critical production lines, and have enabled workers to perform critical operations while in hostile and hazardous environments. Read more about our TALON robots. Many routine process operations can be performed more economically by machinery than by humans. However, custom-designed equipment usually must be developed to address these opportunities. Foster-Miller has been designing and building customized industrial automation robotics equipment in a cost-effective way to meet the needs of our clients to expand production or reduce cost for almost 50 years. Competitive marketplace forces and the desire to save/reduce labor costs drive the design criteria for factory automation. Our military robots are typically based on mobile platforms that are remotely operated from an Operator Control Unit that can be either stationary or wearable. These robots perform dangerous missions including explosive ordnance disposal, reconnaissance, interdiction and security operations. Other military robots have performed inspection of shipboard nuclear power systems, minefield clearing and heavy construction in hostile or dangerous environments. All are intended to keep the individual soldier/user out of harm's way. Electric and gas utilities encounter numerous maintenance operations in plant/facility areas that are either difficult or dangerous to workers. Robots have been developed to assist maintenance crews to complete these assignments without putting themselves in danger or having to implement extremely expensive alternative techniques to complete the same task as the robot. The design criteria for utility robots are divided between technical improvements and cost reduction.
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