Aerotech is strengthening its presence in Europe with the new laser laboratory at its Fürth site.
New centre for customer applications in laser material processing
At the beginning of 2026, motion control specialist Aerotech will open a laser laboratory at its Fürth site. Customers from all over Europe will receive practical support there and have the opportunity to test solutions for demanding laser processes. This will strengthen the company's presence in Europe and create a central point of contact for application and development testing.
Aerotech has been developing high-precision motion control systems for applications in laser material processing, medical technology, semiconductor manufacturing, and other high-tech industries for over 50 years. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, USA, the company is established worldwide as a specialist in complex motion control applications and operates a branch in Fürth. "The laboratory in Fürth will enable us to provide even better support to our customers in Europe," says Brian O'Connor, Vice President of Growth & Strategy at Aerotech. "Many companies want to test their processes under realistic conditions using our products. We are creating the right environment for this here."
Proximity to European customers
Until now, Aerotech has relied on laboratories in the US to test laser applications with customers and optimize our products. With the facility in Fürth, the company is now moving closer to its European customer base. This means shorter distances, faster coordination, and more flexibility. "We work very closely with our customers in a consulting-oriented manner to develop the right solutions in motion control and automation," explains Brian O'Connor. "The new laboratory in Fürth makes this exchange much easier." The laboratory is connected to the existing service branch. Customers thus benefit from a central contact for service, application support, and conducting their own laser experiments.
Equipment and capabilities
The LaserLab is equipped with a wide range of Aerotech systems, including two-, three-, and five-axis laser scan heads, high-precision servo tables, and the Automation1 control platform. This offers special functions for laser material processing, such as infinite field of view (IFOV) and position-synchronized output (PSO).
In addition, there is an ultra-short pulse laser from Light Conversion with multiple wavelengths. Complementary systems enable the processing of a wide variety of substrates and materials. This allows both standard processes and customer-specific applications to be demonstrated and optimized in a practical manner. "We provide systems that represent the entire spectrum of our capabilities in laser processing," explains Bryan Germann, Optomechatronics Lead at Aerotech. "This creates a platform on which customers can develop their processes and test them directly in the laboratory."
Industry focus
According to Aerotech, typical applications for the LaserLab include medical device manufacturing, electronics and semiconductor production, aerospace applications, and the watch industry. The combination of precision motion, laser scan heads, and automation platform is designed to specifically support the specific requirements of these industries.
Cooperation and outlook
Aerotech has been cooperating with international partners for many years and intends to continue this collaboration. However, the company sees the laboratory in Fürth as an important addition: "Having our own laboratory in Europe is essential for us to continue developing the right products and providing even better support to our customers in the future," emphasizes Brian O'Connor. In the long term, the facility in Fürth is to grow into a center of excellence. "Our goal is to work with our customers to develop solutions for tomorrow's manufacturing," says Bryan Germann. "This close collaboration will lead to better products that meet the growing demands for precision and process reliability."