Rethink Robotics has recently announced an exclusive distribution deal for its Sawyer and Baxter collaborative robots (cobots).
Hunan Cothink Robotics Technology Company will have Rethink’s sole distribution rights across China, following an earlier agreement from Feb, 2016 to distribute in specific regions of the country. Cothink was formed earlier in 2016, as a separate division designed to bring Rethink's robots to the Chinese market and help Chinese manufacturers build smarter factories. They are also partly responsible for distributing Rethink Robotics' Baxter robot worldwide.
"The demand for Rethink Robotics' Sawyer and Baxter in China is rapidly rising as manufacturers demand affordable, flexible automation to drive forward smart manufacturing initiatives," said Mr. Yang Xin Ming, chairman of Hunan Cothink.
"Chinese manufacturers are leading the charge in smart manufacturing and are implementing new technologies to great success. Sawyer and Baxter's ability to adapt to factory variability and operate more like humans do is revolutionizing the factory floor for the better."
Rethink Robotics Sawyer. (Image courtesy of Rethink Robotics.)
China is a massive market for manufacturing, as noted by other American companies such as Boeing and MassRobotics. Considering this, Rethink Robotics’ expansion into this lucrative sector may come as little surprise.
"The demand for our robots in China has exceeded our expectations as manufacturers have quickly realized the benefits of affordable, flexible robots that drive productivity," said Scott Eckert, president and CEO, Rethink Robotics.
"Hunan Cothink has been a world class partner over the past year and this exclusive agreement will enable manufacturers in China to deploy Baxter and Sawyer more effectively and efficiently."
This deal comes hot on the heels of Rethink’s recent push into South Korea, as growth in the East Asian manufacturing markets becomes prime real estate for cobots.
Smarter, advanced robots may lead the way into the connected Industry 4.0 and cobots may find themselves on the front lines of the new industrial revolution. It’s a good thing Baxter and Sawyer both have a friendly face.
For more information, check out the Rethink Robotics website and see how cobots will fit into the future of manufacturing.