MassRobotics, an independent, nonprofit organization and the world’s largest hub of robotics startups, and the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industry’s trade organization and part of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), have formed a strategic partnership. The goal of the partnership is to support and advance the innovations and technologies from robotics organizations to further grow national conversation and activity about the industry.

The partnership will provide MassRobotics and its residents and partners access to the A3 network of more than 1,100 automation-focused companies in the robotics, vision and motion control sectors across North America, as well as leading system integrators, distributors, and users of these technologies.

“We’ve formed this partnership to make the greatest use of MassRobotics’ resident companies, partners and industry influence, and combine it with RIA’s powerful network to connect to other players in the industry and ultimately bring robotics technology to market quicker,” says Jeff Burnstein, RIA president. “MassRobotics has experienced much success in serving as an innovation hub for robotics in the Boston area, across Massachusetts, and even globally. We’re excited to partner with this robotics cluster organization and share in its growth and impact in the region and throughout the world.”

MassRobotics‘ mission is to create and grow the next generation of robotics and smart connected device companies in Massachusetts. It provides entrepreneurs and innovators the facilities and resources they need to develop, prototype, test, challenge and nurture early ideas, bringing a breadth of technology and innovation together under one roof. MassRobotics was the strategic partner on the inaugural Robotics Summit & Showcase produced by The Robot Report and parent company WTWH Media.

“MassRobotics is always looking to establish value for its partners and residents, and to continue to drive successful robotics products and solutions to the market,” said Tom Ryden, executive director, MassRobotics. “RIA is a national advocate for the robotics industry, and this initiative to connect robotics groups around the country is exciting, forward-thinking, and necessary to ensure this fast-growing industry has the structures in place to thrive.”

Soft Robotics, Inc. is a Massachusetts-based startup that benefits from affiliation with both of RIA and MassRobotics. “Our company became an RIA member when we had only three employees,” said Carl Vause, CEO, Soft Robotics. “Membership brought immediate access to the industrial robotics market and professional network, an invaluable asset for a startup trying to break into this fast-growing market. We’re also proud to be part of the largest robotics cluster in the world, MassRobotics. This partnership will expand and accelerate the benefit these two organizations bring to their membership.”

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RIA plans to form partnerships with other robotics organizations throughout the United States, North America, and around the world. “We invite other regional robotics organizations to join us so that their affiliated robotics companies can work together to advance the future of the industry,” added Burnstein.