In late 2006, a major Boston-based robot manufacturer was looking to grow by purchasing capable small businesses. Drawn by Carnegie Mellon’s strength in robotics, the potential buyer scouted several Pittsburgh-area companies.
Among them were two companies with Carnegie Mellon roots. Applied Perception (API) is headed by Todd Jochem (CS’96), former system scientist at the Robotics Institute, and Automatika, which is led by Chief Executive Officer Noellette Conway (TPR’93). Conway’s husband, Hagen Schempf, a senior systems scientist at the Robotics Institute, is Automatika’s cofounder, chair, and chief scientist.
Automatika creates small robots for the military and the oil and gas industry; its Dragon Runner reconnaissance robot is in use by the U.S. Marines. API develops software that brings intelligence to robots; its work includes developing a system for transporting wounded soldiers to hospitals. The companies are acquainted but have had almost no business connection.
The Boston buyer, Foster-Miller, began separate, parallel negotiations with the two spin-offs. Within six months, the deals were done: Each company sold for seven figures. Both companies predict that Foster-Miller’s resources and stature will bring faster growth and a surer route to market for their products. API will become the main software source for Foster-Miller robots, and Automatika’s small robots will fill a gap in the product line. The new alumni millionaires offer identical advice for those who hope to follow their paths: Scary though it might be, jump in full-time—a new company needs a 24/7 commitment.
