From specialty gripper to global brand.

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

1983 Applied Robotics incorporates in Troy, NY, with a focus on the integration and design of robotic automation equipment. The company's first product, a specialty gripper, is designed using a T-square on a dining room table. Later this year, the company also receives a purchase order from Hughes Aircraft in El Segundo, CA for its second product, the XChange tool changer, while the product is still on the drafting board.
1984 The company successfully closes business for a custom designed, turnkey tool pre-setting system for the drilling of composite airplane wings for McDonnell Douglas.
1986 Responding to market changes, the company shifts its focus away from systems integration and toward product development. The Omega product line is born to meet demand in the automotive spot welding market.
1988 Applied Robotics establishes a partnership with Japan-based Nitta Corporation.
1989 Applied Robotics develops the smallest tool changer on the market, the XC1, which helps move the company into the electronics industry.
1990 The company introduces QuickSTOP pneumatic collision protection products — which are well received by customers looking for a better solution than the spring-loaded mechanical collision sensors of that time.
1991 Applied Robotics receives the first major automotive spot welding order from the Ford Motor Company.
1993 Applied Robotics opens its Southfield, MI offices to provide dedicated sales and support to a rapidly expanding automotive market.
1994 Applied Robotics relocates to its current facility in Glenville, NY. Additional machining capability is added to bring more component manufacturing in-house, enabling better control of costs and delivery schedules.
1997 The company secures first major automotive tool changer program with Opel.
1998 Applied Robotics gains ISO-9001; 1994 certification.
1999 Mercedes Benz awards Applied Robotics a major automotive program in Brazil.
2000 Applied Robotics establishes partnership with Italy-based Tecnomors.
2002 The company introduces the Sigma line of tool changers, as well as gains ISO-9001; 2000 certification.
2003 Applied Robotics launches solution package for lab automation market. Collaborating with Albany-based marketing firm Media Logic, Applied Robotics  re-brands as a solutions directed provider.
2004 The company launches their updated identity and look with a new Web site.
2005 Applied Robotics is awarded amajor automotive contract, establishes a new high caliber Purchasing Department and begins LEAN manufacturing initiatives.
2006 Applied Robotics pushes development on the product front with a new robust solid state switch for the QuickSTOP product line, a new "smart" electro server gripper for robotic and other automated systems, and a new robust electro-mechanical bag gripper built for harsh environments. The company also receives the 2005 “Excellence in Manufacturing Award” from DPC Instrument Systems Division (a subsidiary of Diagnostic Products Corporation – a Siemens Company) and has its contract with BMW renewed.
 2007 The company receives the 2006 “Excellence in Manufacturing Award” from DPC Instrument Systems Division (a subsidiary of Diagnostic Products Corporation – a Siemens Company).
2008 Applied Robotics is awarded the 2008 North American Lab Automation Product Innovation of the Year Award (Frost & Sullivan).