At Formic, we’ve spent years working directly with manufacturers navigating ongoing industry challenges: a tight labor market and turnover, ergonomic strain leading to absences and workers' comp, and the pressure to deliver on time and in full and meet changing customer demands.
Even if manufacturers recognize that automation is a capacity multiplier, there are traditional blockers: limited capital, internal expertise constraints, and pressure to keep production moving.
One thing is clear: the barrier isn’t interest or technology. It’s access. Many manufacturers want automation, but there are common barriers:
- High upfront costs
- Uncertainty around flexibility
- Limited internal expertise
That’s why Formic’s mission has always been to democratize the adoption of automation by eliminating traditional barriers through our Full Service Automation model. No capital required, fixed monthly rates, fully supported, and flexible as business needs change.
From Conversations to Coalition
Over the past several months, we’ve been engaged in conversations on Capitol Hill about the future of U.S. manufacturing and robotics. The message we heard consistently was clear: the industry needs to organize itself.
Robotics companies across the U.S. are working toward similar goals (making automation more accessible, practical, and scalable), but often in parallel rather than together.
In response, Formic brought together a group of like-minded robotics and technology leaders to help establish Robots for America (RFA), a national coalition focused on accelerating automation adoption across the country.
The Mission of Robots for America
Over the past several months, momentum around robotics and industrial policy has been building. Leaders across the ecosystem (robotics companies, manufacturers, and policymakers) are increasingly aligned on one thing: The U.S. needs to move faster on automation.
RFA was built to make that happen: driving robotics adoption to secure America’s industrial future.
Backed by other robotics leaders like Machina Labs, Gray Matter Robotics, Chef Robotics, Standard Bots, AMP Sortation, AI companies like Medra and Mytra, and manufacturing alliances like The Association for Manufacturing Technology, RFA will close the gap between what’s possible with robotics and what’s actually happening on factory floors across the country.
Together, RFA will:
- Support thoughtful legislative action to accelerate adoption
- Shift perception of robotics through real-world data and case studies
- Advance workforce development and job creation
- Serve as a trusted, practical resource for policymakers
Turning Momentum Into Action
Through early discussions with policymakers, it’s clear there is real demand for actionable guidance on how to support automation in the U.S.
RFA was formed to meet that need. The coalition has already contributed early-stage legislative proposals to the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Department of Commerce, the Small Business Administration, and more.
Robots for America will formally launch at AI+ Expo in Washington, D.C., bringing together founding members and industry leaders to outline a clear path forward for U.S. automation.
Formic will continue to support the coalition by leading company collaboration and by contributing manufacturing data, real-world insights, and operational expertise to help ensure policies translate into meaningful impact on the factory floor.
Want to join RFA? Reach out here.