Highlights

  • FBR has completed factory acceptance testing (FAT) on its first Mantis™ welding robot, making the purchase order unconditional.
  • Independent inspector InSpec NDT found the test welds met AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2025 criteria.
  • The sales contract has been varied to Industrial Robotics LLC, with FBR to receive a A$198,000 deposit.
  • The unit will remain in Perth for the rest of CY26 for a paid pilot program and customer demonstrations.

FBR Limited (ASX:FBR) has announced that its first Mantis™ welding robot has passed factory acceptance testing, supported by non-destructive testing (NDT) certification. Completion of FAT makes the purchase order for the unit unconditional.

Factory Acceptance Testing Completed

Third-party inspector InSpec NDT Pty Ltd found that the test welds met the visual, surface, volumetric and magnetic particle criteria of the AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2025 structural welding standard.

During testing, the robot demonstrated automated twin-wire welding, fast travel speeds and consistent weld deposition. Mantis has an 8-metre reach and integrates FBR's Dynamic Stabilisation Technology® motion compensation. CEO Mark Pivac said Mantis "works as intended."

Contract Variation and Deposit

The sales contract with State Machinery & Equipment Sales has been varied, with the contract now held by Industrial Robotics LLC, a company founded by State Machinery's owner. FBR will receive a A$198,000 deposit.

Industrial Robotics was appointed as a non-exclusive distributor for the US and Canada in July 2026.

Pilot Program and Next Steps

Rather than shipping the unit immediately, FBR will keep it in Perth for the rest of CY26 for a paid pilot program and demonstrations. The company said shipping and customs clearance would cause about eight weeks of downtime. The pilot aims to produce customer test pieces for major industrial partners.

After the pilot, the unit will be shipped to State Machinery's US Facility for commissioning and integration. A second Mantis unit is being built, and FBR plans demonstrations with Tier 1 mining, shipbuilding and heavy fabrication groups this quarter. Pivac said the pilot is intended to speed up sales in Australia, Korea, the USA and other regions.

Key Takeaways

  • FBR's first Mantis robot has passed factory acceptance testing with independent NDT certification.
  • The purchase order is now unconditional, with Industrial Robotics LLC as the contracting party.
  • A paid pilot program in Perth will run for the rest of CY26.
  • A second Mantis unit is under construction as FBR targets wider sales.