Tech Dealmaker Awards

In June 2007, Waltham-based engineering solutions and technology developer Foster-Miller Inc. completed the purchase of Pittsburgh-based Automatika Inc., a maker of robots for both military and commercial use, and Applied Perception, a robot software maker. The companies were acquired for a total of $9.2 million. Both firms were founded by faculty and graduates of Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute and Business School in Pittsburgh.

Because of the reputation of Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute — giving rise to a nickname for the city “Roboburgh” — and the nature of the products Automatika is developing — smaller, light weight and quickly deployed — Foster-Miller saw an opportunity to enter the small robot sector.

Now head of Foster-Miller’s robotics division, Ed Godere, senior vice president of power systems technology, stated what was one of the most important aspects of making the deal a success.

“With any deal, you have to have chemistry and see synergy around the table. We all felt really good about moving forward with the process, and it made all the difference,” said Godere.

Automatika’s flagship product is Dragon Runner, a 14-pound urban warfare robot that was co-developed with Carnegie Mellon and funded by the U.S. Marine Corps. The robot can be tossed, literally, into hostile areas or buildings for remote reconnaissance and is small enough to fit in a soldier’s backpack. It is wireless and controlled by hand.

— Stephen Desantis is a freelance writer in Roxbury.

Category

Top Hardware M&A Deals Buy Side

The Deal

Foster-Miller Inc. bought Automatika Inc. for $9.2 million. Closed on Aug. 6, 2007.

Key Executives

William Ribich, CEO, Foster-Miller; Richard Noyes, CFO, Foster-Miller; Ed Godere, senior vice president of power systems technology, Foster-Miller; Steve Azarian, general counsel, Foster-Miller.

Deal advisers

Legal: Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP (Foster-Miller); McGuireWoods LLP (Automatika).

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