Can FBR’s Mantis Robot Pass Critical Test to Unlock US Market Opportunity?
FBR Limited has secured a binding conditional purchase order worth AUD 990,000 from a leading US heavy equipment dealer for its Mantis welding robot, marking a significant milestone during its prototyping phase.
- Binding conditional purchase order from State Machinery & Equipment Sales
- Contract valued at AUD 990,000 with staged payments
- Factory Acceptance Test in Western Australia required before finalisation
- Mantis robot to be deployed in barge manufacturing in Louisiana
- FBR to provide installation and training to US customer
FBR Secures Major US Order Amid Prototyping
Australian robotics innovator FBR Limited has taken a significant step forward by receiving a binding conditional purchase order from State Machinery & Equipment Sales, a prominent heavy equipment dealer based in Louisiana, USA. The order, valued at AUD 990,000, is for FBR's Mantis welding robot, a high deposition welding system designed for large-scale metal fabrication industries such as shipbuilding and mining.
The contract is contingent on the successful completion of a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) at FBR’s Western Australian facility. This test will evaluate the Mantis robot’s welding speed and quality against stringent criteria, including a weld travel speed exceeding 300mm per minute and compliance with AWS D1.1 welding standards. Passing this test will trigger the initial payment of AUD 450,000, with further payments scheduled upon delivery and three months post-delivery.
Strategic Deployment in US Manufacturing
State Machinery plans to deploy the Mantis robot in the manufacture of barges along the Mississippi River, aiming to enhance productivity and precision in their fabrication processes. The company’s president, Ed Renton, expressed enthusiasm about integrating FBR’s robotic technology, highlighting the potential to boost manufacturing capabilities in the US market.
FBR’s CEO, Mark Pivac, emphasised the significance of securing this order during the prototyping phase, reflecting strong market demand for the Mantis system. He also noted the robot’s expected welding speed to be over four times faster than current AWS pre-qualified speeds, underscoring the technological edge FBR aims to deliver.
Looking Ahead, Installation, Training, and Market Validation
As part of the agreement, FBR will provide installation and training services to State Machinery’s team in Louisiana, ensuring smooth integration and operational readiness. This collaboration not only validates FBR’s technology but also opens doors for further adoption in the US heavy fabrication sector.
While the delivery is anticipated in the second half of 2026, the conditional nature of the purchase order means that investors and industry watchers will be keenly observing the outcome of the FAT and subsequent performance metrics. Success here could accelerate FBR’s commercial rollout and bolster its position in a competitive robotics market.
Bottom Line?
FBR’s conditional US order signals growing confidence in its Mantis welding robot, setting the stage for broader market traction.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the Mantis robot meet or exceed the demanding welding speed and quality benchmarks in the Factory Acceptance Test?
- How quickly can FBR scale production if further orders materialise following this initial deployment?
- What impact will the US market entry have on FBR’s revenue and strategic partnerships over the next 12 months?
