Fascination with artificial intelligence and machine learning is no new trend. Men and women forged of iron or bronze have been part of lore and literature for centuries, eventually translating to the famous robots and androids seen on screen over the last century. Today, the fascination with life-like technology continues with must-watch entertainment like Star Wars and Westworld. Though we haven’t quite developed the likes of C-3PO, Bender or Dolores, there are plenty of companies currently implementing robotics into everyday activities and business operations. Check out these 6 robotics companies building the future around Chicago.
Founded: N/A
Location: Bartlett
What they do: Chicago Automation provides robotics, packaging solutions and automation systems. Their robotic systems are successfully implemented in many fields for purposes like palletizing, conveyor tracking, metal bending, injection mold tending, welding and assembling. With a medley of available applications, the team at Chicago Automation helps their customers solve challenges through robotics.
Founded: 2015
Location: Goose Island
What they do: Corvus Robotics makes autonomous aerial robots that perform more efficient warehouse inventory. The company offers manual and self-flying drones that work quickly and reduce safety risks that come with employees manually taking inventory. Working faster and more accurately, the drones require no change in infrastructure, warehouse pre-mapping or specific packaging barcodes.
Founded: 1962
Location: Willowbrook
What they do: HCM Systems works with clients to develop customized robotic solutions for palletizing systems. Its beginnings in single line conveyors, the company has integrated robotic applications into their material handling systems. HCM is now one of the region’s leaders in system design, sales and service.
Founded: 2015
Location: River West
What they do: Intelligent Flying Machines is a data analytics company with robotics at its core. The company uses autonomous flying robots to automate and enhance warehouse processes. With motion accuracy down to the centimeter, IFM’s technology boosts productivity and enables a more efficient workplace.
Founded: 2016
Location: Lake Bluff
What they do: Robothink provides proprietary robotics kits and STEM products for children. The kits teach a hands-on approach to designing, coding and building a variety of robots with gears, sensors, controllers, motors and more. They offer over a hundred models ranging in all sizes, functions and levels of difficulty so a student will never build the same model twice.
Founded: 1998
Location: The Loop
What they do: Robotic Systems Integration provides solutions to enterprises in the robotics and industrial automation fields. Working with clients around the world, RSI specializes in designing and integrating automation solutions to simplify applications and common tasks. From high-speed packing and sorting to motion control for robotic surgical systems, RSI has provided solutions to make robotics applicable to many fields.
