Robotics Community Honour Robin Felder for Leadership skills

Global Cell Solutions announces that Robin A. Felder, PhD, the company’s Chairman and Cofounder,  has received the 2009 Engelberger Robotics Award for Leadership, the highest recognition given by the Robotics Industries Association (RIA). Felder is a Professor at the University of Virginia and an entrepreneur. The award was presented last month at the association’s 40th International Symposium on Robotics in Barcelona Spain, and is named after Joseph F. Engelberger, a world-renowned pioneer and leader in industrial robotics.

As a Professor of Pathology and former Director of the Medical Automation Research Center at the University of Virginia, Felder has received more than $30 million in grants for his research and development group. He has published more than 260 research papers, has been awarded eight patents and has presented more than 140 lectures in fifteen countries. Felder received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the College of William and Mary, a PhD in biochemistry from Georgetown University and a post doctorate at the National Institutes of Health.

“Our recipient was instrumental in applying robotics to laboratory automation, one of the most successful non-industrial markets for our technology. Thanks to his [Robin Felder’s] pioneering efforts, thousands of lab robots are being used throughout the world today,” stated Don Vincent, the past President of the International Federation for Robotics, an affiliate of the RIA.

Felder has also received many Small Technology Transfer Research grants to commercialize robotic innovations. Global Cell Solutions was founded in part on Felder’s technology. He has recently incorporated robotics technology into stem cell production for drug discovery and regenerative medicine. “The application of robotics to standardise and streamline cell production will be essential for the success of any regenerative medicine-based company in the near future,” explained Felder.

“The life science and medical community has benefited tremendously from Felder’s expertise in robotics and automation and this award is well-deserved,” said Uday Gupta, President and CEO of Global Cell Solutions. “There is little doubt his efforts have positively impacted modern drug discovery and medicine.”

Founded in 1974, RIA represents some 275 member companies including leading robot manufacturers, system integrators, component suppliers, end users, consulting firms, research organisations and universities. For more information visit www.robotics.org