Purdue University Mark

Purdue University

Richard Voyles' External Activities

Prof. Voyles' External Activities


External Activities

Prof. Voyles is committed to serving the robotics research community as well as the local community in which he lives. He has founded companies, helped others found companies, provided expertise to local start-ups, consulted for local companies, and volunteered for local community activities.

Mark V Automation Corp. is a spin-off company of Dr. Voyles' research here at Purdue. While this is a separate commerical entity and no endorsement by Purdue is implied nor is this an advertisement, the company provides robotic tools for the research and academic communities.

As Yet Untitled - Artist Max Dean's "As Yet Untitled," at the Art Gallery of Ontario:

uses a Mark V Automation Corp controller. While this is a separate commerical entity and no endorsement by Purdue is implied nor is this an advertisement, the company provides robotic tools for the research and academic communities as well as artists!

PUMApaint is one of the many sites making use of PUMA retrofit products originally developed by Dr. Voyles. This site, developed by Matt Stein at Roger Williams University, allows users to create physical art via the web. (Try it, it's fun!)

Olin Wrought Iron is a Minnesota-based commercial manufacturer of wrought iron products facing tough foreign competition from overseas shops with questionable labor practices. Their plight was brought to Dr. Voyles' attention who offered his consulting services at a discount and some of the results of his research to automate the operations of their small, four-man shop. A PUMA 760 robot is used to weld iron "baskets" for decorative railings, freeing skilled craftspersons from an otherwise boring and unsavory job. This robotic installation was completed at approximately 5% of the cost of commercial solutions (not including Olin labor), helping to renew Olin's ability to compete and retain a few jobs in Minnesota.

Robot Inserting Parts Robot Welding Parts (use with permission)

The Works is a Minnesota-based, hands-on science discovery center that promotes science and technology education in the Twin Cities. Dr. Voyles is a member of the Board of Directors of this organization.

Dr. Voyles is also on the Advisory Board of the Easton Family Foundation, a charitable foundation with a focus on youth and education.


rvoyles [at] purdue [dot] edu

Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, (765) 494-4600