DARPA Developing Micro-robotics for High-Risk Environments

DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) announced a new program this month focused on micro-scale robotics. The SHRIMP Program (Short-Range Independent Microbiotic Platforms) has a goal to develop and demonstrate multi-functional micro-to-milli robotic platforms for use in natural and critical disaster scenarios.
The SHRIMP program will provide research into micro-actuator materials and power systems, and run a series of competitions to test the mobility, maneuverability, and dexterity of small robots. The forty-four-page document that describes the program is available online and Proposer’s Day was July 17. Testing will be done in a center styled after the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s first responder robotics test facility but on a much smaller scale.

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Comfort Systems USA Announces Acquisition

Business Wire | February 01, 2024

Comfort Systems USA, Inc. today announced that it has closed its previously announced transaction to acquire Summit Industrial Construction, LLC (“Summit”) headquartered in Houston, Texas. As previously disclosed, Summit is a specialty industrial mechanical contractor offering engineering, design-assist and turnkey, direct hire construction services of modular systems serving the advanced technology, power, and industrial sectors. Summit’s capabilities encompass a wide range of modular and site-based construction, including process piping, equipment setting, large pipe rack trestles, and related steel erection and specialty concrete work. Summit is a trusted supplier to some of the world’s largest advanced technology, power and industrial companies and is currently deployed on several major chip fabrication projects. Initially, Summit is expected to contribute annualized revenues of approximately $375 million to $400 million, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $35 million to $40 million. In light of the amortization expense, Summit is expected to make a neutral to slightly accretive contribution to earnings per share in 2024 and 2025. Brian Lane, Comfort Systems USA’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are delighted to announce the closing of our agreement to acquire Summit, an extremely capable provider of modular and other complex mechanical services. Summit brings a stellar reputation as a modular technology leader in growing end markets, including multiple ongoing and large semiconductor projects. We are happy to welcome Summit’s wonderful leadership team and excellent production and craft workers across many states, and we are confident Summit will continue to innovate and grow as a part of our network of world-class contracting companies. We are grateful that Summit has chosen to become part of Comfort Systems USA.”

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