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Rethink Robotics signs exclusive distribution deal with Hunan Cothink in China

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Hunan Cothink will distribute Sawyer and Baxter robots throughout the country

Rethink Robotics has reached an exclusive agreement with collaborative robotics provider Hunan Cothink Robotics Technology Company to distribute its robots to the entire Chinese manufacturing community.

Rethink Robotics and Hunan Cothink originally announced a partnership in February of this year that awarded Hunan Cothink distribution rights in northern and southern China, but the success of the relationship and the demand for Rethink Robotics’ smart, collaborative robots has led to a new, exclusive deal that covers the entire Chinese geography.

Earlier this year, Hunan Cothink was formed as a separate division with a new sales and support organization that is designed to bring Rethink’s robots to the Chinese market and help Chinese manufacturers build smarter factories. Hunan Cothink also distributes Rethink Robotics’ Baxter robot worldwide. 

Yang Xin Ming, chairman of Hunan Cothink, says: “The demand for Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer and Baxter in China is rapidly rising as manufacturers demand affordable, flexible automation to drive forward smart manufacturing initiative.

“Chinese manufacturers are leading the charge in smart manufacturing, and are implementing new technologies to great success. Sawyer and Baxter’s ability to adapt to factory variability and operate more like humans do is revolutionizing the factory floor for the better.”

Established in 2015, Hunan Cothink is headquartered in Changsha with a registered capital of RMB100 million ($15 million).

Hunan Cothink’s newest division leverages the company’s expertise to help Chinese manufacturers successfully and effectively deploy Sawyer and Baxter.

Scott Eckert, CEO of Rethink Robotics, says: “The demand for our robots in China has exceeded our expectations as manufacturers have quickly realized the benefits of affordable, flexible robots that drive productivity.

“Hunan Cothink has been a world class partner over the past year, and this exclusive agreement will enable manufacturers in China to deploy Baxter and Sawyer more effectively and efficiently.”

A formal agreement will be announced on October 21 at the World Robot Conference in Beijing. Rethink Robotics’ co-founder, chairman and CTO Rodney Brooks will be delivering a keynote address at the event that outlines the value of and future for collaborative robots in China and beyond.

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