As automation trends and reshoring gain traction across the U.S., Teradyne Robotics moves forward with plans to establish a significant new base in Michigan. The company, recognized globally for robotics technology, will repurpose a 67,000-square-foot facility in Wixom, located near Detroit, to serve as the principal American hub for its subsidiaries Universal Robots and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR). This strategic step follows a challenging year, marking a renewed investment in U.S.-based innovation and workforce development. The choice of Detroit signals intention to tap into local manufacturing traditions, especially in automotive, and respond to rising demand from key industry clients.
Earlier reports regarding Teradyne Robotics mainly circled its international growth, with previous expansions focusing on Europe and Asia, such as establishing production sites in Denmark and China. Past coverage generally linked the company’s decisions to global market demands and automation shifts rather than proactive participation in U.S. reshoring strategies or national robotics discussions. The current direction marks a notable shift in emphasis towards domestic manufacturing and a tighter relationship with customers in North America, influenced by broader calls for U.S. competitiveness in advanced technologies.
What Drives Teradyne’s U.S. Expansion Plans?
Several factors contributed to Detroit being selected for Teradyne Robotics’ new headquarters. Local resources, including experienced engineering talent and robust logistical infrastructure, have been cited as benefits. The facility will also reportedly support the manufacturing, sales, and training needs for both Universal Robots cobot arms and MiR autonomous mobile robots. Proximity to longstanding automotive and manufacturing sectors, as well as an existing company location in nearby Novi, played a role in the decision.
“The city of Wixom welcomes Teradyne Inc. as they establish this first-of-its-kind facility that will bring advanced robotics manufacturing, service, and operations to our community,”
said Wixom Mayor Patrick Beagle, emphasizing civic enthusiasm for anticipated economic opportunities.
How Are Key Partnerships Influencing The Move?
A major e-commerce customer—widely believed to be Amazon Robotics—has significantly impacted the move. This partnership involves integrating Universal Robots’ UR cobot arms into Amazon’s new Vulcan robots for warehouse automation. Teradyne indicated that establishing U.S.-based production will better align its operations with demand in North American distribution centers. However, senior leadership notes that large-scale shipment revenue from these collaborations is expected to grow gradually, with limited effects on short-term financial results.
“As you know, we’ve landed a major deal with a major e-commerce player. We want to grow with them, and one of the things that supports growing with this player is manufacturing close to their home,”
remarked Jean-Pierre Hathout, President of Teradyne Robotics.
Is The U.S. Gaining In The Global Robotics Race?
Despite the United States holding an influential position in technology sectors, its robotics adoption lags behind global leaders such as South Korea, Japan, Germany, and China. Industry organizations like A3 have been pushing federal lawmakers to advance a national robotics strategy supporting competitiveness and workforce development. Teradyne’s investment in the new Michigan facility contributes to ongoing public and private sector efforts to close this gap and prepare for an anticipated rise in demand for both industrial and service robotics.
Teradyne has confronted economic difficulties in 2025, including workforce reductions. Nonetheless, leadership views the Detroit project as a positive signal for future prospects, expecting the facility to employ over 200 people and represent one of the largest robotics manufacturing sites in the country. Jean-Pierre Hathout stressed that these steps could help attract a new generation of workers to the robotics field while facilitating partnerships across the industry. While scaling will take time, preparations are underway to make the site operational by late 2026.
The broader robotics industry’s evolution in the U.S. reflects not only technological ambitions but also a response to shifts in global supply chains and labor markets. For businesses and policy-makers, fostering domestic robotics production offers potential to secure supply lines and create skilled jobs. Teradyne Robotics’ renewed focus on American manufacturing follows international expansion, representing a dual strategy that leverages both global networks and local infrastructure. For companies seeking to integrate automation, the presence of major brands like Universal Robots at a U.S.-based facility may reduce lead times and strengthens opportunities for collaboration. As the national conversation around robotics and automation accelerates, investments such as Teradyne’s could influence industry standards and supply chain strategies well beyond the coming year.
