Bajan engineers first in Caribbean to earn industrial robotics certification

Two Barbadian engineers have become the first in the Caribbean certified in industrial robotics, after completing advanced training at robotics maker Fuji Automatic Numerical Control’s (FANUC) global headquarters in the American state of Michigan–with help from the state export promotion agency, Export Barbados.

TouchStar Robotics, a Barbadian tech startup, announced that the engineers, Kyle Batson and Antonio Toppin, have successfully undertaken the training with FANUC, the leading manufacturer of industrial robots and factory automation systems, whose clients include Tesla, BMW, Amazon and Panasonic.

The company said this marks the emergence of the region’s first certified Caribbean-based robotics integrators, 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 TouchStar CEO Ramon Dummett. “We’re not just consumers of innovation—we’re becoming producers. We’re creating high-paying, high-skilled, future-proof jobs that prepare our youth for global demand. Barbados has the potential to become a net exporter of skilled talent in robotics, AI, and smart manufacturing—precisely in the fields where the world is experiencing a critical shortage of expertise.”

The training, which blended theoretical and hands-on learning, was supported by Export Barbados and the Ministry of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology. The initiative, spearheaded by Senator Jonathan Reid, aims to transition Barbados from traditional industry to smart, sustainable and green manufacturing.

Export Barbados CEO Mark Hill hailed the achievement, saying: “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 local milestone, but a model for the region.”

GIGA is an Export Barbados initiative to foster sustainable, high-tech industrial growth and boost exports. The programme aims to transform the economy by focusing on advanced technology and green industries, positioning the country as a leader in regional innovation

TouchStar stressed that the breakthrough is part of its wider mission to upskill Barbadians in advanced technologies while building pathways into high-paying careers in robotics and smart manufacturing.

As Barbados positions itself as a hub for innovation and technical expertise, the company said this milestone is a clear sign of the island’s ability to “punch above its weight” in the global industry.

“It’s a powerful reminder that with bold vision and relentless execution, our region can lead,” the release concluded. (SZB)