RARUK Automation to offer Acteris AI robot software. 24/03/2026 RAR UK Automation (R.A. Rodriguez) Automation and robotics distributor RARUK Automation has signed an exclusive UK distribution agreement with Trener Robotics (formerly T-Robotics). Headquartered in San Jose, California, and Trondheim, Norway, Trener Robotics offers an AI platform - Acteris - designed to bring artificial intelligence to manufacturing robots. Instead of the traditional code-based programming required to get a robot cell up and running, Trener Robotics' Acteris platform offers a learning-based software solution powered by Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models. This enables greater adaptability to changing production needs and makes automation increasingly accessible for those with no prior experience. Acteris can be deployed on new robot cells or retrofitted on existing work cells. RARUK Automation is the UK's leading Universal Robots distributor, offering a portfolio of complementary products including application kits, end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) and vision systems to automate repetitive manufacturing tasks. Combining Acteris with the popular Universal Robots range will unlock new automation possibilities for RARUK Automation's UK customers. "We're pleased to announce our new partnership with Trener Robotics. Their innovative approach to Physical AI, and replacing point-to-point programming with adaptive intelligence, aligns perfectly with RARUK Automation's mission to make automation accessible, intuitive and commercially beneficial for manufacturers of all sizes." - Ross Lacy, Sales Director at RARUK Automation. Acteris enables robots to adapt to real-world environments where variation and complex operating conditions are common. This allows manufacturers to move from traditional programming to intuitive and scalable automation. "Partnering with RARUK Automation is a strategic step in our mission to bring Physical AI to global manufacturing. RARUK has a strong reputation for making automation accessible, and by combining their automation expertise with the Acteris platform, we are giving UK manufacturers the ability to deploy robots that see, learn, and adapt in real time. We are moving away from the era of static programming and into a future where intelligent robotics is the standard on the factory floor." - Jacob Pascual Pape, VP of Sales at Trener Robotics.

Nikon expands Vision Robotics strategy with investment in Trener Robotics. Nikon Corporation has announced that it has made an investment in Trener Robotics, based California, United States through the NFocus Fund[*]. Trener Robotics' total funding to date is over $38 million. The new capital will be used to accelerate Trener's T-Labs R&D, new skill training, global talent acquisition, and market and partner expansion. Trener Robotics provides a physical artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platform 'Acteris' that enables natural language programming specifically for industrial robots. Acteris delivers pre-trained, production-ready skills to automate complex, high-variability workflows in real production environments. It enables natural language programming, allowing operators to give simple written instructions that Acteris translates into robot actions, eliminating conventional code-based programming and accelerating deployment of advanced industrial automation. Leveraging more than a century of expertise in applied optics and precision technologies, Nikon is accelerating the commercialization of robot vision system products to establish this field as a new pillar of its business. Through this investment, Nikon aims to combine Trener Robotics' AI-powered digital technologies with Nikon's robot vision system to address various challenges associated with next generation manufacturing sites that promote labor saving and unmanned operations, thereby maximizing site automation, efficiency, and versatility. Go Ichinose, General Manager of the Vision Robotics, Nikon Corporation said, "Like Nikon technology, Trener Robotics' AI technology advances innovation at manufacturing sites, and it will enable users to easily implement autonomous robotic operations across a wide range of applications. We foresee strong synergies with Nikon's real time situational recognition and robot control technologies that will enable us to deliver the high speed, precise, and flexible automation required in real-world industrial environments. Nikon is deeply impressed by Trener Robotics as they continue to address the dynamic challenges in the rapidly evolving field of AI robotics. Through this investment, and other initiatives within Nikon and our Vision Robotics business, we look forward to unlocking groundbreaking capabilities for the next generation of robotic operations." In 2025, Trener Robotics demonstrated significant momentum, collaborating with more than 15 solutions and integration partners across Europe and the U.S., and integrating leading robot brands like ABB, Universal Robots and FANUC into Acteris. *NFocus Fund is a private equity investment fund jointly established by Nikon and Geodesic Capital (California, USA).