Two Barbadian engineers have made history by becoming the first in the Caribbean to earn certification in industrial robotics, a landmark achievement that positions Barbados at the forefront of advanced technology in the region.
Kyle Batson and Antonio Toppin, engineers at Barbadian tech startup TouchStar Robotics, successfully completed advanced training at the global headquarters of FANUC in Michigan, USA. FANUC, the world’s leading manufacturer of industrial robots and factory automation systems, counts Tesla, BMW, Amazon, and Panasonic among its clients.
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The certification, supported by Export Barbados and the Ministry of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, makes Batson and Toppin the first certified Caribbean-based robotics integrators. It is a milestone that underscores Barbados’s ambition to lead in Industry 4.0 technologies.
“This is not just about robotics—it’s about reimagining what’s possible for a small island nation when we combine talent, technology, and trust,” said Ramon Dummett, CEO of TouchStar. “We’re not just consumers of innovation—we’re becoming producers. This is about creating high-paying, high-skilled, future-proof jobs that prepare our youth for global demand. Barbados has the potential to be a net exporter of talent in robotics, AI, and smart manufacturing.”
The rigorous FANUC training combined theoretical and practical learning, equipping the engineers with the skills to design, program, and integrate advanced robotics systems. The initiative was championed by Senator Jonathan Reid, who has been driving efforts to transition Barbados from traditional industries toward smart, sustainable, and green manufacturing.
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Mark Hill, CEO of Export Barbados, praised the achievement:
“This aligns perfectly with our national GIGA (Green Industrialisation Gateway Advantage) ambitions—developing globally competitive, innovation-driven talent pipelines that support re-industrialisation and smart manufacturing. These young engineers represent not just a national milestone, but a model for the region.”
GIGA, an Export Barbados initiative, is designed to foster sustainable high-tech industrial growth and boost exports by focusing on advanced technology and green industries.
TouchStar Robotics highlighted that this breakthrough is part of its broader mission to upskill Barbadians in advanced technologies and open pathways into high-paying careers in robotics and smart manufacturing.
As Barbados positions itself as a hub for innovation and technical expertise, this milestone signals the island’s ability to “punch above its weight” in the global technology industry.
“It’s a powerful reminder that with bold vision and relentless execution, our region can lead,” TouchStar concluded.
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