It’s no secret that the folks at ATI are quite enthusiastic about robots. Any color, size, payload, we absolutely LOVE to explore new ways to make robots more flexible and productive. We don’t make robots, but we have to be experts in order to provide the best robotic solutions. Get to know our team and learn a bit more about the WHY behind ATI’s love for robots…starting with ATI founder and President, Robert Little.
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Interviewer: So Bob, tell us about your first experience with robots?
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RL: When I was looking for my first engineering position in 1984, I visited Kodak for a job. When they gave me a tour of their facility in Rochester Hills, NY, we walked by their robot lab. I immediately stopped and asked if I could be considered for a position in robotics. They stated no. They gave me an offer to design film machines, but after seeing what robots can do, I couldn’t accept the design job. I continued the search and ultimately accepted a position at Lord Corporation in their robotics program. My job was to design six-axis force/torque sensors for robots. It fascinated me to see robots change their program as they adjusted to forces from our sensor in real time. This technology is a huge inspiration for me and driving force behind ATI's continued development of Force/Torque sensor technology.
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Interviewer: Can you share something you love about working in such a fast paced industry?
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RL: Robots have the ability to be programmed to fit any application. With the right accessories and integration, they can accomplish almost any task which makes for a large variety of jobs. Every day I learn of a new application that is being developed and it is exciting!
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Interviewer: What is the most exciting thing you anticipate for the future of robotics?
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RL: On their own, robots are just machines that repeat a program. Equipped with force sensors robots can perceive, anticipate, and respond to the environment and make decisions. The need for robots to have programming that adapts to the application grows more critical every day. At first this was complicated and difficult. As time goes on, technology has advanced and offers new value to users. Robots are becoming easier to setup and use, more affordable to integrate and better equipped to solve complex manufacturing projects. With robots, we can give manufacturers the power to create product and make life better. And robots go beyond manufacturing—e.g. they are used in space missions and surgery. The future of robotics is only limited to our imagination.
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There you have it, folks! The passion for robotics and automation burns bright in the entire ATI team. Keep an eye out for future newsletter to learn more about WHY #weloverobots.
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Contact us to request more information on all our robotic end-effector products and services.
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Connect with Robert Little on LinkedIn!
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