How Will FBR’s New Mantis Robot Transform Heavy Fabrication Industries?
FBR Limited unveiled its new DST-enabled Mantis welding robot targeting heavy fabrication sectors while completing key milestones on its Hadrian bricklaying technology and securing a $22 million financing package.
- Launch of Mantis DST-enabled welding robot for mining, shipbuilding, fabrication
- Completion of Factory Acceptance Testing on newest Hadrian bricklaying robot
- Filed provisional patents for Mantis and new Firehawk steel ladle re-lining robot
- Secured $22 million financing package including $20 million share subscription facility
- Corporate restructuring with reduced key management personnel and board changes
FBR Expands Robotics Portfolio with Mantis Launch
Robotic technology company FBR Limited (ASX, FBR) has taken a significant step forward in its commercialisation strategy with the launch of Mantis™, a large-scale welding robot enabled by its proprietary Dynamic Stabilisation Technology® (DST®). Designed for industries where skilled labour shortages are impacting productivity, such as mining, shipbuilding, and heavy fabrication, Mantis™ leverages FBR’s existing intellectual property and aims to extend the company’s reach beyond construction.
Parts of Mantis™ have already been manufactured, and software integration with weld programming tools is underway to simulate its operations virtually. The company has also filed a provisional patent application to protect new technology embodied in Mantis™, adding to its extensive IP portfolio of over 400 rights.
Progress on Hadrian and New Industry Applications
Alongside Mantis™, FBR continued refining its Hadrian® bricklaying robot, achieving major improvements in laying accuracy, reliability, and operational usability. The latest Hadrian unit successfully completed Factory Acceptance Testing, building a test structure at a rate exceeding 285 blocks per hour, signaling readiness for commercial demonstrations.
FBR is also advancing a new DST application named Firehawk, targeting the re-lining of steel ladles in the steelmaking industry, a sector with substantial global demand. Firehawk is expected to be virtually launched soon, further diversifying FBR’s robotics applications.
Strengthening Financial Position and Corporate Streamlining
To support its growth ambitions, FBR secured a $22 million financing package during the quarter, including a $20 million share subscription facility with GEM Global Yield LLC SCS. The company has commenced drawdowns on this facility to bolster its working capital. Operating cash outflows reduced to $3.7 million from $4.5 million in the prior quarter, reflecting ongoing cost rationalisation efforts.
Corporate restructuring saw a reduction in key management personnel to CEO Mark Pivac and COO Kiel Chivers, with board changes including the retirement of two directors and the appointment of Glenn Cooper as a Non-Executive Director. These moves aim to streamline operations and focus resources on commercialisation.
Global Business Development and Market Outlook
FBR’s CEO Mark Pivac highlighted active business development efforts, including engagement with potential clients in the UAE, USA, and Australia. The company is exploring commercial models for Hadrian® in the US market and has generated strong interest in its Wall as a Service® offering amid Australia’s housing supply challenges.
With multiple product demonstrations planned and a pipeline of potential sales, FBR is positioning itself to capitalise on growing demand for automation in construction and heavy fabrication industries worldwide.
Bottom Line?
FBR’s strategic product launches and strengthened balance sheet set the stage for critical commercial milestones in the coming quarters.
Questions in the middle?
- When will Mantis™ enter full commercial production and secure initial customer contracts?
- How will FBR navigate regulatory and compliance requirements for US market entry with Hadrian®?
- What impact will ongoing financing drawdowns have on shareholder dilution and company valuation?
