ATS Automation Tooling Systems acquires technology license
for innovative robotics
TSX: ATA
CAMBRIDGE, ON, Nov. 11 /CNW/ - ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. today
announced it has acquired a perpetual technology license from, and a small
equity stake in, Innovative Robotics Systems Inc., ("IRSI") a privately held,
California-based specialty robot supplier, primarily to the semiconductor
industry.
The license provides ATS with the right to manufacture, modify and
integrate IRSI's IR800 series robotics technology within ATS automated
solutions. The IR800 robot was originally developed by IRSI for use in ultra-
clean environments, such as semiconductor wafer handling. It is ideally suited
for use in Equipment Front End Modules (EFEMs), a growing semiconductor market
segment, where manufacturers are embracing larger, 300 mm wafer sizes, are
incorporating new thin film processes and must meet complex wafer handling
challenges.
In addition to pursing opportunities in the EFEM market, ATS intends to
further enhance and use the IR800 robot series technology to develop new
automation applications for other industry sectors such as healthcare,
biomedical and pharmaceutical. These are emerging markets for industrial
automation which require specialty robots capable of operating in sterile and
other barriered environments.
In conjunction with the license, ATS has also acquired a 3% equity stake
in Innovative Robotics Systems Inc. and has been granted the exclusive
manufacturing and supply contract for IRSI's IR800 robot family.
"We've worked with Innovative Robotics for a number of months now, both
building their robots and developing prototype EFEM products, and are
impressed with their capabilities," said Klaus Woerner, ATS President and
Chief Executive Officer. "They are a leader in their market segment and are on
the cutting edge of clean semiconductor robot technology. This transaction
solidifies our relationship and gives ATS another capability that we can
maximize for additional value in semiconductor and healthcare markets. In
fact, we're already well along in developing unique technology that it is
totally suitable to medical applications such as aseptic environments, a
market that we believe offers excellent long-term growth potential for
automated solutions."
Total cash consideration to be paid by ATS over the next year for the
license and equity stake will be US $1 million, including US $400,000 for
prepaid royalties against future ATS sales of IR800 series robots. Royalties
will accrue on each robot that ATS integrates into an ATS automated solution
based on the IRSI IR800 robot proprietary technology.
"From a cost perspective, this agreement is not material to ATS, but from
a capabilities perspective, it is," said Mr. Woerner. "It gives us full and
immediate access to an important technology and products at attractive pricing
and provides us with another competitive advantage as the automation industry
leader in some very important markets."
Said Jeff Winters, IRSI President and CEO: "We are very pleased to have
completed the strategic agreements and are excited with the opportunity to
work with ATS on new projects and market applications. This agreement also
enables us to leverage ATS global manufacturing resources to enable IRSI to
meet the potentially high volume requirements of major semiconductor equipment
OEMs worldwide."
About Innovative Robotics Systems
Innovative Robotics Systems Inc. (www.innovativerobotics.com) is a San
Jose, CA, based specialty robot developer and supplier, primarily for use in
handling semiconductor wafers. The company's IR820 series SCARA robots combine
innovative mechanical design with user friendly, proprietary blended motion
control software resulting in the newest generation of low-cost material
handling robots. The blended motion control allows for a 20-30% improvement in
through-put on any given application. Four independently driven axis provide
adaptability and flexibility not possible with 3-axis, R-Theta robot designs.
A linear track is not required to use the IR820 with multiple 300mm Front
Loaders in standard EFEM configurations. The IR820 robot is field proven to
operate at or below ISO Class 1 capability for use in Semiconductor Equipment
applications where cleanliness, reliability, and high through-put are
demanded.
About ATS
ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. (www.atsautomation.com) is the
industry's leading designer and producer of turn-key automated manufacturing
and test systems, which are used primarily by multinational corporations
operating in a variety of industries including: automotive,
computer/electronics, healthcare, and consumer products. The Company also
makes precision components and sub-assemblies using its own custom-built
manufacturing systems, process knowledge and automation technology. ATS is
also an emerging leader in the rapidly growing market for solar energy cells
and modules. ATS employs approximately 3,500 people at 25 facilities in
Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia-Pacific. The Company's shares are
traded on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ATA.
Certain forward looking statements are made in this news release,
including statements regarding possible future business. Investors are
cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of ATS's
products, technologies, customer requirements and other risks detailed from
time to time in ATS's periodic reports filed with Canadian regulatory
authorities.
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For further information: Ron Jutras, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, (519) 653 6500