Startup Battlefield

Nexterity builds remote-controlled robot to take on pipefitting's toughest bolt work

A startup founded by a former ExxonMobil engineer has developed a battery-powered, remote-controlled robot that loosens and tightens the bolts joining sections of pipe, four at a time. Nexterity says the device is aimed at a task that injures pipefitters and slows work across oil, gas and petrochemical sites.