PROFILE

• BACKGROUND
  
  INRO’s vehicle automation technology was first developed in 2005 at The University of Auckland Engineering School. A team of postgraduate students at the Robotics lab designed a retrofit automation kit for a standard vehicle to compete in the DARPA Grand Challenge race for autonomous vehicles.
  
  INRO was formed in 2006 and soon after partnered with the world’s largest dairy exporter, Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd to develop and commercialize a retrofittable technology for the automation of conventional forklifts. A successful prototype led to an order for the automation of two large counterbalance trucks, and Fonterra became a shareholder in INRO.
  
  Having proven market demand from multinational FMCG, 3rd Party Logistics Providers and Food & Beverage companies, INRO continues to develop the core technology whilst seeking strategic partnerships to scale the business globally.
  
  INRO maintains close ties with The University of Auckland by providing internship opportunities for skilled graduates while supporting further innovation in robotic automation.


• TEAM
  
  The INRO team includes experts in technology domains relevant to the automation of forklifts in commercial warehouses, specifically vehicle automation, site assessment and solution design, and IT integration – with a heavy emphasis on software development.
  
  The team is supported by senior management who bring with them years of experience earned in prominent international and NZ technology companies. CEO, Mark Templeton, joined in October 2010 and has a 20+ year track record of growing NZ technology companies internationally. Mark is supported by a leadership team with skills in finance, product development, operations, and business development. CTO and co-founder Andrew Graham remains closely involved in developing the technology.


• BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  
  INRO’s leadership team works closely with an investor appointed Board of Directors comprising representatives from our major investors, including original sponsor and largest customer Fonterra.
  
  Chairman Noel Davies has over 20 years governance and advisory experience in the medical, engineering, property, and high-tech sectors, and won the prestigious Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2003. Noel is currently joint Managing Director of Hydraulink Group of Companies (operating throughout Australasia), as well as Chairman of Metals NZ and is a member of the World Presidents Organization (WPO).