SW North America, CNC Machines and Automation
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This Ribbon Cutting Was a “Sworded” Affair

Motoman Robotics celebrated the grand opening of its newly completed headquarters in Miamisburg with a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by one its dual-arm robots—wielding a traditional samurai sword no less!

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The Motoman Robotics Division of Yaskawa America opened its new facility in Miamisburg, Ohio (just south of Dayton) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by one of the firm’s dual-arm robots. In honor of the parent company based in Japan and the many Yaskawa dignitaries in attendance, the robot used a traditional samurai sword to cut the ribbon in one sweeping motion. The ceremony was repeated with an oversized scissors, too, to show the company’s strong commitment to the U.S. market, as well. Using the robot was especially appropriate because groundbreaking for this new facility in August, 2010 featured another dual-armed robot that showed off its agility by wielding a shovel to turn the first dirt in the construction process.
 
The new building will serve as the company’s headquarters and main manufacturing facility for its North and South American operations.The new facility combines the former West Carrollton, Ohio headquarters, along with a manufacturing plant and a warehouse that were located in Troy, Ohio. The 305,000-square-foot building includes 220,000 square feet of manufacturing floor and demo area; offers eight training classrooms and lab; and will house as many as 285 employees. The company says it has increased its employment in the Dayton area by approximately 15 percent this year.
 
“This move has reunited the company’s core engineering, manufacturing and management teams. It provides one, central location of our customers to visit and co-develop automation solutions for their advanced manufacturing needs,” says Steve Barhorst, president and COO of the division.
 
To see the robot in action with the sword, watch the video below.
 

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