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

medicine
The Art of Recovery: Where Music and Medicine Meet in Patient Care
May 14, 2026

Healthcare today can feel overwhelming—not just for patients, but for the teams caring for them. After a major illness or injury, recovery isn’t handled by one doctor alone; it often involves a whole network of specialists, from physical therapists to nurses to social workers, all trying to help someone regain their independence and quality…

Read More
infant health
From Monitoring to Knowing: How Owlet Is Redefining Infant Health at Retail
May 14, 2026

Baby monitors have long promised parents the ability to see and hear their child from another room. But as connected health devices become more normalized in everyday life, from smartwatches to sleep trackers, parents are beginning to expect more than visibility. They want insight. For Owlet, that shift matters because its wearable monitors track…

Read More
User-generated content
The New Rules of Discoverability: How User-Generated Content Is Reshaping Search, Trust, and Brand Visibility
May 12, 2026

User-generated content (UGC) is moving from marketing side dish to main course as large language models change how people discover brands, products, creators, and ideas. Customer reviews, forum posts, videos, and community conversations increasingly carry more influence than polished brand copy because they feel more specific, lived-in, and trustworthy. As AI systems learn from…

Read More
specialty care
A Physician Entrepreneur’s Playbook for Fixing America’s Specialty Care Gap
May 11, 2026

The U.S. healthcare system is facing a quiet but accelerating crisis: a widening gap between where specialists are needed and where they actually practice. In urology alone, there are roughly 1,100 open positions but only about 400 new specialists trained each year—a mismatch that’s only getting worse. As physician burnout rises and more clinicians…

Read More