Sawyer robots to demonstrate three different manufacturing tasks on the show floor

BOSTON, April 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rethink Robotics will showcase its high performance Sawyer robot at Hannover Messe 2016, providing the international audience an opportunity to see how smart, collaborative robots are changing the game in the global manufacturing marketplace.

Germany is a cornerstone market in Europe for Rethink Robotics' continued global expansion, as manufacturers continue to deploy Sawyer robots to deliver on the promise of Industrie 4.0. Demand for Sawyer has skyrocketed as manufacturers see the need for smart, collaborative robots that can adapt to real world variability, change applications quickly and perform tasks like people do.

Three Sawyer robots will be on hand for the Hannover Messe debut in Rethink's booth #D11 in Hall 17. Sawyer, known for its precision, speed and adaptability, will demonstrate a machine tending task using internal signals, a packaging task and an inspection task at the booth. Unlike other robots, Sawyer has compliant motion control, and can feel its way into precise and fragile fixtures, even if part position changes. This feature enables adaptive repeatability, which is a key differentiator for Rethink Robotics, and allows Sawyer to work precisely in many environments alongside humans.

"German manufacturers looking for flexible, easy-to-deploy automation solutions are increasingly turning to collaborative robots to improve efficiency and meet customer demand," said Jim Lawton, chief product and marketing officer, Rethink Robotics. "Sawyer will transform how German factories operate, providing smart, flexible automation that will increase uptime, enhance process quality, improve flexibility and drive results."

At Hannover Messe, Rethink Robotics will be joined by two German automation providers, HAHN Robotics and Friese Automation. In February, Rethink Robotics announced exclusive distribution partnerships with both HAHN Robotics and Friese Automation, two companies playing an integral role in driving Rethink's expansion in Germany while helping companies improve production processes and implement flexible and affordable automation.

For more information, please visit www.rethinkrobotics.com.

About Rethink Robotics

Rethink Robotics is transforming the way manufacturing gets done, with smart, collaborative robots able to automate the 90 percent of tasks that until now, have been beyond the reach of traditional automation. Its Baxter and Sawyer robots, powered by the Intera software platform, adapt to real-world variability, can change applications quickly and perform tasks like people do. The result: manufacturers of all shapes, sizes and industries get the fast-to-deploy, easy-to-use and versatile automation solution they need to increase flexibility, lower cost and accelerate innovation.

Based in Boston, the Rethink product suite is available in Asia, Europe and North America. The company is funded by Bezos Expeditions, CRV, Highland Capital Partners, Sigma Partners, DFJ, Two Sigma Ventures, GE Ventures and Goldman Sachs. For more information about Rethink Robotics, please visit www.rethinkrobotics.com and follow us on Twitter @RethinkRobotics.