FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla., April 5, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Innova Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB:IVHG) announced today that, along with its wholly-owned subsidiaries Robotic Workspace Technologies Inc. (RWT(TM)) and Service Robots, Inc., they are a Corporate Sponsor of the upcoming RoboBusiness Conference and Exposition to be held May 10-11, 2005 at the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge, MA. RoboBusiness is the only event in the nation that is dedicated to the commercial application of mobile robotics and intelligent robotic systems technologies. The objective of RoboBusiness is to support the development of a new generation of smart, mobile devices for the consumer, commercial, civil, and military markets.
"Innova will be a major participant at this event, offering a conference presentation and demonstrating its open PC robot control software and the universal programming language RobotScript(R), controllers, and other technologies in the exhibition," says Walt Weisel, Innova Holdings Chairman and CEO. RWT has two "pioneer" utility patents and other patents filed internationally for its proven and commercially successful technology.
Mr. Weisel will deliver a presentation at the conference entitled "From Evolution to Revolution: Service and Personal Robots," speaking out on today's opportunity for personal and service robots. Mr. Weisel's career spans 32 years of industry experience and 20,000 plus robot installations to his credit. He is a legendary innovator and recipient of the Joseph Engelberger Award. He was also a three-term president of the Robotic Industries Association (RIA).
"Helping launch a second industry in one lifetime is an honor few experience," Weisel remarks. "This new industry will dwarf what we started and accomplished for industrial robotics."
Mr. Weisel will share valuable lessons learned in applying vision, interactive sensors, mobility, PC control, and he will discuss the role of middleware software as a platform for product developers, researchers, and end-user customization to integrate all of the technology components into a comprehensive solution for robotic applications.
"In 1990, I led the development team for introduction of the world's first 100-percent voice-controlled robotic workstations for quadriplegics, enabling individuals to return to meaningful and productive jobs in fields like computer programming, CAD design, telemarketing, and more. Think what we can accomplish with the technologies of 2005 and beyond."
Innova Holdings will also utilize the RoboBusiness Conference and Exhibition to launch formally its newest subsidiary, Service Robots, Inc., which will provide the suite of Innova Holdings technologies to the non-industrial robot market. "I believe we can apply some baseline standards now as this industry grows, which is something we failed to do with industrial robots," stated CEO Walt Weisel.
The rapidly growing service robot industry comprises robotic devices used in homeland security, medical, underwater, surveillance, demolition, and other tasks in the professional market segment as well as robotic devices like vacuum-cleaning and lawn-mowing robots that are targeted at the consumer market segment.
According to a report released by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in cooperation with the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the value of service robots in use is estimated at $5.1 billion. The market is predicted to grow to more than $8 billion by 2007.
Service Robots, Inc. offers the RobotScript universal robot programming software to OEMs, researchers, applications developers and customers through licensing agreements. The company provides a software development kit (SDK) that supports integration of several technologies and the development of new robot applications. Service Robots, Inc. intends to develop strategic relationships within the service robot industry specifically to innovate new technologies needed to realize fully the potential of this emerging marketplace.
Industry analysts forecast that in the coming years service robots will not only clean floors, mow lawns and guard homes, they will assist the elderly and handicapped with sophisticated interactive equipment, carry out surgery, inspect pipes and hazardous sites, fight fires, and dispose of bombs. Today there is a significant worldwide military investment in service robot R&D that is expected to spur spin-off products for both the consumer and professional markets.
About Innova Holdings, Inc.
Innova Holdings, Inc., Fort Myers Beach, Florida, builds shareholder value by developing and acquiring technology-differentiated solutions with extraordinary potential for profitable and sustainable growth. Innova is chartered to continue expanding its growing suite of technologies.
About Robotics Workspace Technologies, Inc.
Robotic Workspace Technologies (RWT), Fort Myers, Florida, is a leading provider of non-proprietary, open-architecture PC controls, software, and related products that improve the performance, applicability, and productivity of robots and other automated equipment. Its technology has been applied in industries ranging from agriculture to automotive, to medical and R&D. RWT is recognized internationally for its pioneering contributions to the robotics industry. Its founder, Mr. Walter Weisel, has been a driving force in the robot industry for the past 32 years, and is a recipient of the prestigious Joseph F. Engelberger Award, recognizing his contributions to the advancement of robotics and automation.
About Service Robots, Inc.
Service Robots, Inc., Fort Myers, Florida, was founded specifically to enable development of technologies, applications, and markets in the service robot arena that includes service robots for undersea exploration and homeland security as well as consumer-focused service robots like the robotic lawnmower and vacuum cleaner. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Innova Holdings, Inc., Service Robots will leverage the patented products, technology, and robotics expertise of RWT, as well as strategic relationships with system integrators and third-party developers to earn a leadership position in this emerging industry.
RWT(TM), Universal Robot Controller(TM), URC(TM) RobotScript(R), and TeachPoint File Creator(TM) are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Innova Holdings, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Forward-looking statements such as "believe," "expect," "may," "plan," "intend," etc. contained herein are within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company's beliefs and assumptions it made using information currently available to it and which reflect current views concerning those future events. Actual results could differ materially. Therefore, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements, since they apply only as of today's date, and accordingly, reference should be made to the Company's periodic filings with the SEC.