Innova Holdings Reports That the Final Universal Robot Controller for the Multiple Unit Order Has Shipped
The First URC Workcells Have Been Released to Production
May 1, 2006 12:09:00 PM
FORT MYERS, FL -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 05/01/06 -- Innova Holdings, Inc. (OTC BB: IVHG), a robotics and automation technology company with patented software and hardware systems-based solutions for the military, service, personal and industrial robotic markets, announced that its subsidiary, Robotic Workspace Technologies, Inc. (RWT(TM)) has shipped the final Universal Robot Controller(TM) (URC(TM)) for the multiple unit order announced last year. The first URC workcells were released to production.
"The shipment of the last URC means that we have fulfilled this contract," said Robert Ballard, vice president of operations of Robotic Workspace Technologies.
The URC, covered by three "pioneer patents" issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, is the world's first open architecture PC controller designed specifically for industrial robots and other automated devices. It replaces the original OEM robot controller to provide the state-of-the-art in open PC automation control to support the integration of multiple devices like end-of-arm tooling, parts feeders, sensors and other automated equipment. It can also serve as a higher-level supervisory control. It can be connected to the customer's enterprise network for tracking cell production and monitoring system performance. The URC is programmed using RobotScript? programming language, which was also developed by RWT. RobotScript is a derivative of Microsoft's Visual Basic and provides an industry-standard programming environment.
"There are more than 125,000 industrial robots in production in the United States with solid mechanical arms that are candidates for the URC upgrades," Ballard said. "The URC also represents upgrade opportunities for savings on capital equipment costs and greater efficiencies in the manufacturing work environment."
The URC operates a variety of ABB, Fanuc, Cincinnati Milacron, Kawasaki, and Yaskawa Motoman robots used in North America at Fortune 100 companies such as Bayer, Johnson Controls, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Oak Ridge National Laboratories and Tier 1 automotive manufacturing plants. Most customers of the URC placed subsequent orders.
Additionally, the embedded software and hardware forms the core foundation of the controller planned for use in the NASA Hubble space telescope repair project with Goddard Space Flight Center. Also, the controller is planned for the applications we see for the military and Homeland Security markets.
"We believe the addition of the RWT controller technology will create a significant advantage and enhanced functionality for the Mesa Robotics, Inc. full line of unmanned ground vehicles -- ACER, Matilda and Marv, which is planned as part of the Memorandum of Understanding announced last week with Mesa," said Walter K. Weisel, Chairman and CEO of Innova Holdings.
About Innova Holdings, Inc.
Innova Holdings, Inc. (OTC BB: IVHG), Fort Myers, Florida, builds shareholder value by developing and acquiring technology-differentiated solutions with extraordinary potential for profitable and sustainable growth. Innova is chartered to continue expanding its growing suite of technologies through acquisitions and organic growth.
About Robotic Workspace Technologies, Inc.
Robotic Workspace Technologies (RWT), Fort Myers, Florida, is a subsidiary of Innova Holdings, Inc. and a leading provider of open architecture, patent-protected, PC controls, software, and related products that improve the performance, applicability, and productivity of robots and other automated equipment. RWT holds three pioneer utility patents issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and patents pending pertaining to the interface of a general use computer and the mobility of robots, regardless of specific applications. Its technology has been applied in industries ranging from agriculture to automotive, to medical and R&D. RWT is recognized internationally for its pioneering contributions to the robotics industry. Its founder, Mr. Walter Weisel, has been a driving force in the robot industry for the past 33 years, and is a recipient of the prestigious Joseph F. Engelberger Award recognizing his contributions to the advancement of robotics and automation.
About Innova Robotics, Inc.
Innova Robotics, Inc., Fort Myers, Florida, is a subsidiary of Innova Holdings, Inc., founded specifically to enable development of technologies, applications, and emerging markets in military, space, undersea exploration, and homeland security. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Innova Holdings, Inc., Innova Robotics will leverage the patented products, technology, and robotics expertise of RWT, as well as strategic relationships with system integrators and third-party developers to earn a leadership position in this emerging industry.
RWT(TM), Universal Robot Controller(TM), URC(TM) RobotScript? and TeachPoint File Creator(TM) are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Innova Holdings, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
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