FBR Limited announced on October 8, 2026 that it has completed Factory Acceptance Testing, or FAT, for its first Mantis welding robot, making the associated purchase order unconditional. Independent nondestructive testing also confirmed full compliance with AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2025 structural welding requirements. Rather than shipping the machine immediately, FBR will retain it in Perth, Western Australia, for a paid pilot program until January 2027 before delivery to Industrial Robotics LLC in the United States.
FAT and Independent Certification
Mantis successfully satisfied all FAT parameters, demonstrating automated twin wire welding, rapid travel speeds, and consistent weld deposition across its 8-meter reach. The test program also validated the robot's integrated Dynamic Stabilisation Technology, or DST, motion compensation. InSpec NDT Pty Ltd conducted independent nondestructive testing and confirmed that the welds met visual, surface, volumetric, and magnetic particle acceptance criteria under AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2025.
Commercial Contract and Pilot Program
FBR has varied its sales contract with State Machinery and Equipment Sales so the first Mantis unit remains in Perth for the remainder of 2026. The contract is now held by Industrial Robotics LLC, which was founded by the owner of State Machinery and has served as non-exclusive distributor of Mantis in the United States and Canada since July 2026. Industrial Robotics paid a US$198,000 deposit, representing 20% of the purchase price, and will bring prospective American clients to Perth to observe the robot in operation.
Strategic Rationale for Local Demonstrations
FBR has scheduled demonstrations with Tier 1 mining, shipbuilding, and heavy fabrication groups during the current quarter. Major industrial companies have supplied test piece details so the Mantis can trial real-world geometries and demonstrate cycle time savings and weld quality. Keeping the machine operational locally allows FBR and its distribution partners to secure customer commitments and expand the forward order pipeline.
Technology and Market Applications
Mantis is a high deposition welding robot designed for large-scale metal fabrication industries including mining, shipbuilding, and defense manufacturing. It is part of FBR's proprietary Dynamic Stabilisation Technology portfolio, which also includes the Hadrian bricklaying robot and the Firehawk autonomous refractory lining robot. These systems are intended to perform outdoor and industrial work in a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable manner.
Leadership Commentary
FBR Chief Executive Officer Mark Pivac said the successful Factory Acceptance Testing and independent certification prove that Mantis is a code compliant automated welding solution for heavy industrial fabrication. He noted that shipping the only operational unit immediately would take it offline for about two months during a period of very high inbound commercial interest. Pivac added that the pilot program is designed to speed up sales processes in Australia, Korea, the United States, and other global regions.
Pipeline and Next Steps
A second Mantis unit is already being built, which supports the company's broader production and sales ambitions. After the pilot program, the first unit will be shipped to the United States for site commissioning and integration at State Machinery's Mississippi River facility. FBR expects that proving machine capability across multiple client applications will help convert prospective customers into firm orders.
The completed Factory Acceptance Testing and independent certification mark an important commercial milestone for FBR and its Mantis welding robot. By retaining the machine locally for paid customer demonstrations, FBR intends to maximize sales momentum and build a stronger forward order book. The upcoming pilot program and the construction of a second unit position the company to scale deployments across industrial fabrication markets.