New York Robotics (NYR) has officially launched with Stock Drive Products/Sterling Instrument (SDP/SI) named as a founding partner, highlighting the growing importance of advanced manufacturing in New York’s expanding robotics economy. Announced on January 29, 2026, the launch positions NYR as a central force in unifying the region’s robotics ecosystem and accelerating the transition from innovation to scalable production.
Building a Global Robotics Hub
The launch reflects the rapid expansion of the Tri-State robotics ecosystem, which now includes more than 160 robotics startups, nearly 100 of which are based in New York City. This growth places the region alongside established global robotics hubs such as Boston, Silicon Valley, and Munich. New York Robotics aims to integrate software innovation, artificial intelligence, and embodied intelligence with the physical manufacturing capabilities required to bring robotics products to market.
SDP/SI’s Role as a Founding Partner
As a global leader in precision gears and mechanical components, SDP/SI brings critical hardware expertise to NYR’s network. The partnership enables robotics startups to access precision components, engineering support, and reliable supply chains, helping bridge the historical gap between software-driven innovation and physical manufacturing.
“Robotics only succeeds when innovation meets manufacturability,” said Robert Kufner, President and CEO of Designatronics. “Partnering with New York Robotics ensures startups can design, build, and scale real machines in the New York region.”
Strengthening Innovation, Investment, and Collaboration
The announcement coincides with NYR’s sponsorship of AlleyCorp’s inaugural Deep Tech NY conference, reinforcing New York’s emergence as a convergence point for robotics innovation, investment, enterprise adoption, and advanced manufacturing. Over the past two years, NYR has built one of the most comprehensive robotics networks in the United States, engaging more than 450 startups globally alongside corporations, investors, academic institutions, government organizations, and industry partners.
Addressing Gaps in the Robotics Landscape
Founded in January 2024, New York Robotics was established to address long-standing fragmentation within the region’s robotics community. While New York offers world-class talent, capital, and customers, collaboration between software innovation and physical manufacturing has historically been limited. Founding partners like SDP/SI are central to closing this gap and enabling startups to move efficiently from prototype to production.
“Our goal is to make New York a leading global hub for robotics,” said Jacob Hennessey-Rubin, Founding Board Member and Executive Director of New York Robotics. “Founding partners like SDP/SI bring the physical-world expertise that turns breakthrough ideas into deployable systems.”
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