Rigorous Launches Made Local
Introduction: Combining Strengths
Vermont has long been known for its manufacturing. From Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, now a global household name, to semiconductors at GlobalFoundries, one of the world’s largest chip makers, the state’s identity has always been rooted in quality.
Today, Vermont is also a hub for technology. Startups are reimagining industries. Universities are fueling the talent pipeline. The tech sector now accounts for nearly a quarter of jobs in the state. With both people and ideas in place, Vermont is ready to compete in the race toward automation and advanced technology.
The crossover between manufacturing and technology is shaping the future of Vermont. It’s a blend of the state’s tradition of making and its spirit of innovation. Coders and machinists now work side by side. They’re applying smart tools on the shop floor to boost efficiency, ease labor, and keep businesses competitive. The same pride in quality and hard work that goes into Vermont’s products is now reflected in its approach to technology.
This blend inspired Made Local, a quarterly event series launched in 2025 by Rigorous Technology. Rigorous is a Vermont startup building the robots of the future for small and mid-sized manufacturers. Hosted at Rigorous’s robotics lab, Made Local creates a space where manufacturers, innovators, and community members can share knowledge, access tools, and stay connected to what’s new.
Made Local: Hear the Story
The first Made Local event, From Manual to Automated, took place in April. It brought together manufacturers from across Vermont for a candid conversation about automation. The panel included Garth Blocher from Revision Military, Chris Coulter from VMEC, and leaders from Rigorous Technology, each sharing real experiences from the shop floor.
We chose this panel to go beyond the usual vendor-customer dynamic. Each speaker brought a personal and unique perspective, from operations and consulting to robotics. The focus was on sharing what works, what doesn’t, and what to think about before taking the first step toward automation. Attendees left with real answers to their questions and a clearer view of the potential and the challenges ahead.
As a result, the energy from April’s discussion set the stage for the next event. This time, the focus shifted from conversation to demonstration.
Made Local: See the Results
More than 70 participants attended the second event, Automation Block Party, held at the end of summer. It felt like a neighborhood gathering, with Vermont’s manufacturers, tech partners, and community all under one roof.
The shop floor turned into a mini trade show. Hands-on demos of local tech showed how automation is shaping modern production.
Massive Dimension brought its robotic 3D printer. The demo showed large-format additive manufacturing for industrial applications. Watching a robot build custom parts layer by layer revealed how flexibility and scale are transforming fabrication.
OnLogic showcased AI-powered industrial computers. These rugged systems handle demanding production environments. They power the data and intelligence behind automation, proving that computing hardware is just as essential as machinery.
Rigorous Technology ran its robotic palletizing system. It stacked boxes from conveyor to pallet with speed and accuracy. The demo showed how automation handles repetitive tasks and eases physical strain on workers.
Nothing captured the event better than a Rigorous robot powered by an OnLogic computer. It was a clear example of Vermont companies working together. Technology counts as “shop local” too.
And what’s a block party without food? Staying on theme with manufacturing, we brought in local food producers too. Cabot Creamery and Lake Champlain Chocolates sponsored snacks, and Bobber’s food truck served a menu of Vermont-grown flavors.
Building Vermont’s Manufacturing Future
Attendees represented the full spectrum of Vermont industry. They came from companies making cookie dough and producing solar panels. No matter the product, manufacturers know they need new technologies to stay competitive. However, with thin margins, high product mixes, a tough labor market, and centralized competition, they also know they need confidence to get automation right.
Rigorous provides software tools that help manufacturers adopt right-sized automation that’s easy to use. We’re excited to bring that to our fellow manufacturers here in Vermont. But it takes a community to support advanced technology across the industry. Made Local brought together tech companies, manufacturers, students, investors, and community members. It showed that the future of manufacturing is not just about machines. It is about the people who use them.
Conclusion: Vermont Leads by Collaboration
Vermont’s manufacturing and technology communities share a common strength. That strength is quality and collaboration. Through Made Local, that connection is becoming the foundation for something bigger. It is a network of makers and innovators building the state’s next generation of industry together.