FANUC’s Innovative System of the Year Recipient – Don’t Fear the Robot, Thank It!

ARC Specialties, under the leadership of President Dan Allford, continues to make waves in the robotics and automation industry. They recently won of FANUC’s Innovative System of the Year Award, further strengthening their reputation as an industry leader. This remarkable project involved the integration of robots in offshore drilling operations, specifically in the assembly and disassembly of drill rig risers. Overcoming challenges such as varying light conditions and extreme torque requirements, ARC Specialties developed a groundbreaking robotic system that improved efficiency and safety.

A key aspect of ARC Specialties’ success lies in their collaborative approach and commitment to mentoring the next generation of engineers. With a history that spans back to 1983, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of automation and robotics, driving innovation in the field.

Excitement about future projects permeates the company, with a focus on developing new spring technologies and creating wear-resistant coatings for orthopedic implants. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, they aim to solve complex problems and enhance precision across various industries.

Dan Allford also addressed common misconceptions about robotics and automation. Rather than replacing humans, these advancements are designed to make jobs safer and more efficient. He emphasized the importance of rebuilding enthusiasm for the manufacturing industry, which is currently facing a massive labor shortage.

Dan leaves us with a powerful message: “Don’t fear the robot, thank it!” This encapsulates ARC Specialties’ commitment to embracing innovation, fostering collaboration with partners, and envisioning a future where humans and robots work harmoniously.

ARC Specialties remains at the forefront of integrating advanced robotic systems and continues to revolutionize industries by leveraging technology. With a steadfast dedication to shaping a brighter future, the company is paving the way for a new era of automation.

See FANUC’s video celebrating ARC’s achievement below. And to catch more videos and conversations with industry leaders, tune into Getting Smart!

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

Nightingales Summit: Empowering the Next Generation of Nigerian Nurses
Nightingales Summit: Empowering the Next Generation of Nigerian Nurses
April 2, 2026

In this episode of Care Anywhere, host Lea Sims sits down with Nigerian nurse entrepreneur and advocate Obafemi Arowosegbe to discuss leadership, mentorship, and the future of nursing in Africa. While still a nursing student, Obafemi founded the Nightingale Summit, a growing conference designed to empower nursing students and early-career nurses with leadership skills,…

Read More
Oncology
From Denial to Access: Rethinking Oncology Care Through AI, Clinical Trials, and Patient-Centered Innovation
April 1, 2026

The rapid expansion of precision medicine, biologics, and targeted cancer therapies is transforming oncology—but it’s also overwhelming a system not built to keep pace. In the U.S., cancer drugs now account for some of the highest-cost treatments in healthcare, and with that has come a surge in prior authorization requirements and denials. Studies suggest physicians…

Read More
Firefly
Pursuing the Impossible: The New Space Race with Firefly Aerospace Co-Founder Eric Salwan
April 1, 2026

Many companies set out to do something hard. Firefly Aerospace set out to do the impossible. After 10 years and several existential moments, Firefly did what no private company ever had: in 2025, it successfully landed on the Moon. Before Firefly, only countries had ever landed on the Moon—and it took extraordinary national effort…

Read More
internship
Tale of Two Interns: What AI Is Really Doing to Entry-Level Work
March 30, 2026

The narrative around early-career work has become increasingly pessimistic, with headlines pointing to a shrinking pool of entry-level roles, fewer internship opportunities, and AI accelerating both trends. But beneath that narrative, a different tension is emerging—one that’s less about the disappearance of opportunity and more about how it’s being reshaped. Students are using AI…

Read More