Australian robotics company FBR (ASX:FBR) has received a binding conditional purchase order from Louisiana-based dealer State Machinery C Equipment Sales for its Mantis welding robot, valued at $990,000.
The order, intended for barge fabrication at State Machinery's Mississippi River facility, is contingent on the completion of a Factory Acceptance Test at FBR’s Western Australia facility, where welding speed and quality will be independently verified.
Upon passing the test, payments will be staged, with $450,000 due post-test, another $450,000 on delivery, and the remaining $90,000 three months later.
FBR will also provide on-site installation and training. Delivery of the Mantis robot is expected in the second half of 2026.
FBR CEO Mark Pivac described the order as a strong endorsement of the Mantis prototype, while State Machinery President Ed Renton said the technology would enhance the company's US manufacturing capabilities.