In a world of constant change, businesses are often tested by forces beyond their control. One such development recently took place: the U.S. government announced a up to 245% tariff on critical minerals and derivative products, a decision aimed at strengthening national security and promoting domestic supply chains. While we fully understand the broader strategic goals, this change presents immediate and significant challenges for companies like ForwardX and many others in the advanced robotics and automation sector.
At ForwardX, we are committed to being transparent with our partners and clients. We believe that honesty, resilience, and innovation are the keys to maintaining strong relationships, especially during challenging times.
The Dilemma We Face
ForwardX’s industry-leading AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) are built using highly sophisticated components — including advanced sensors, processing units, and battery materials — many of which are now directly impacted by the new tariff rules.
The effect of these tariffs is twofold:
- Increased Costs: With an additional 245% duty, the cost of sourcing critical materials has risen sharply, affecting the overall cost structure of production.
- Supply Chain Adjustments: Materials that were once easily accessible now require reengineering of supply chains, longer lead times, and more complex logistics management.
This situation is not unique to ForwardX. It is a challenge faced by nearly every company operating in the space of high-end robotics, automation, and smart manufacturing solutions today.
However, what differentiates ForwardX is how we choose to respond.
Why ForwardX Remains Your Ideal Partner
Despite the external challenges, ForwardX remains a strong, agile, and dependable partner for businesses looking to modernize their operations. Here’s how we are turning adversity into opportunity:
1. In-House Manufacturing, Full Product Control
Unlike many players in the space who rely heavily on contract manufacturers, ForwardX owns and operates its own AMR production facility. This allows us to:
- Maintain consistent product quality
- Adapt quickly to component availability
- Better manage costs under evolving tariff environments
It also gives our customers peace of mind knowing that their automation provider has end-to-end control over production — a critical advantage when geopolitical factors disrupt global trade.
2. Helping Manufacturers Take Control
Today’s high-tariff landscape makes one thing clear: companies that manufacture their own products should aim to internalize more capabilities, reduce dependency on imports, and boost production efficiency.
That’s where ForwardX comes in.
Our autonomous mobile robots are purpose-built to help manufacturers:
- Streamline material movement and reduce manual labor
- Increase throughput and eliminate bottlenecks
- Support 24/7 operations without increasing headcount
By automating in-house production, businesses can offset rising costs and build more resilient operations — and ForwardX is ready to help them make it happen.
3. Global Supply Chain Optimization
We have proactively expanded and diversified our supplier network beyond single geographies. By sourcing components from a broader range of regions and building more resilient logistics pipelines, we are working to minimize risks and stabilize supply for our customers.
4. Continued Investment in Innovation
Even under new cost pressures, ForwardX has not slowed down its commitment to research and development. We continue to refine our visual AMR technology, improve fleet management capabilities, and push the boundaries of warehouse and factory automation. Innovation remains at the heart of what we do — and what we offer to our customers.
Moving Forward Together
Tariffs and trade policies will continue to evolve, and so will the business environment. What matters most is having a partner who is prepared to adapt, innovate, and support you through every turn.
At ForwardX, we see these challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities to prove our resilience, our agility, and our unwavering dedication to helping our partners succeed.
To our existing customers: thank you for your continued trust. To those considering ForwardX for their automation journey: know that we are ready to stand by your side — now and into the future.
Together, we move forward.