Braintech Enters Agreement with Talk Engineering to Develop Vision Guided Robotics Solutions for Japanese Auto Manufacturers
Receives First Purchase Order for VGR System Deployment at Toyota Motor Corporation in Tsutsumi, Japan
NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C., Dec. 2 -- Braintech, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: BRHI) , a pioneer in 3D-Vision Guided Robotics (VGR) solutions for industrial automation processes, today announced that the Company has signed a non-exclusive developer's agreement with Talk Engineering Co., Ltd. ("Talk") to develop VGR solutions powered by Braintech's award winning eVisionFactory(TM) (eVF)(TM) technologies specifically for the auto manufacturing industry in Japan. Talk is a regional Japanese machine vision developer and integrator primarily serving Japanese automobile and foods manufacturers, and was introduced by Braintech to ABB Japan as a regional resource for developing TrueView(TM) solutions for the Japanese market.
Prior to consummating the Talk agreement, Braintech and its strategic marketing partner in the Far East, Marubeni Corp., mutually agreed to amend their original strategic partnership agreement, which now provides Marubeni with non-exclusive rights to Braintech's VGR solutions in the Pacific Rim. Both companies concur that Marubeni will be better positioned to promote VGR robotic systems as part of their product line-up after initial systems deployed by Talk generate an increased level of interest from the auto industry in that region of the world.
Mr. Masakazu Sasaki, President and CEO of Talk Engineering, stated, "We are delighted to partner with Braintech to help advance the manufacturing capabilities of Japanese automakers. We are convinced that by using VGR solutions powered by Braintech's eVF, Japanese manufacturers will realize multiple operational and cost efficiencies, not the least of which includes increased productivity, minimized system downtime and significant cost savings."
eVF is a component-based system, using open standards, built from the ground up specifically for robotic vision, and designed exclusively for building VGR solutions. It is a combination of advanced vision technology, systems engineering and Internet wireless support -- together producing a powerful environment for developing, optimizing and supporting industrial automation solutions.
In related news, the Company reported that Talk Engineering has issued Braintech its first purchase order for a VGR system deployment at Toyota Motor Corporation's award winning auto production plant located in Tsutsumi, Japan, where the automaker produces the Camry, ES 300 and Prius.
Braintech CEO Owen Jones added, "The Japanese have installed nearly three times as many robots as North America, and have shown early signs of enthusiasm about VGR. Now, with Talk being a qualified eVF developer, we can start creating awareness in the Japanese automotive industry about the value of VGR and eVF through live system demonstrations. I believe this is an essential step forward in gaining broader market acceptance in Japan."
About Talk Engineering Co., Ltd. (http://www.talk-eng.com/)
Established in Japan in 1985, Talk Engineering has emerged as one of Japan's leaders in research and development, manufacturing and distribution of high-end image processing devices and equipment, sensing devices and integration/control with FA systems. With particular expertise serving the auto and food manufacturing industries, Talk Engineering's major customers include Toyota Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, AISHIN AW, Panasonic, Sharp, Toyota Machinery, Toyota Tsusho, Mitsubishi Motors, Hyundai Electronics, Siriconware (Taiwan), Alfaech (US), Denso, Hino Motors, Ajinomoto and Suntory, among others.
About ABB (http://www.abb.com/)
ABB's Robotic, Automotive and Manufacturing group is a leading supplier of robots, robotic systems and automation systems to the automotive, manufacturing and consumer industries. With more than 120,000 robots installed worldwide and more than 5,000 employees, ABB is a global leader in flexible factory automation.
ABB is a global leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry consumers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 103,000 people. The Automation Technologies division employs about 56,000 and posted 2003 revenues of approximately $10 billion.
About Braintech, Inc. (http://www.braintech.com/)
Braintech's VGR technologies are revolutionizing manufacturing by giving industrial robots the "eyes" to handle and assemble parts with a high degree of consistent quality and productivity. Braintech's scientific capabilities, engineering expertise and commitment to support are embedded in the Company's VGR software product called "eVFTM" and is used to develop, operate and support VGR solutions. To date, Braintech's VGR solutions have been installed at Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Delphi, ZF Group, TI Automotive Group, Pullman Industries and Toyota Motors.
SC3D, eVF and eVisionFactory are registered trademarks of Braintech Canada, Inc.
TrueView and ABB are trademarks of ABB, Inc.
Statements in this document that are not purely historical are forward- looking statements and reflect the current views of management with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. It is important to note that the Company's actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include risks and uncertainties such as technical difficulties in developing the products; competition from other suppliers of similar products; pricing that may not be acceptable to potential markets; and many other known and unknown factors. Readers should also refer to the risk disclosures outlined in the Company's 10-KSB and 10-QSB Forms filed from time to time with the SEC.
For more information, please contact:
Braintech, Inc.
Jim Dara, VP Sales, GM North American Operations
248-219-9400 / jimdara@braintech.com
or
Tastu Okamoto, Vice President, Marketing/Business Relations - Asian Regions
604-988-6400 / tatsu@braintech.com
or
Elite Financial Communications Group
Stephanie Noiseux, EVP of Client Relations
407-585-1080 / brhi@efcg.net