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Digital Engineering April 2026
In the latest issue of Digital Engineering, we take a look at the latest innovations in design for additive manufacturing, including the use of natural language inputs, social media cosplayers, and AI integration. The issue also includes a feature…
January Special Focus Issue: Design for Additive
In this Special Focus Issue of Digital Engineering, learn about the latest advancements in design for additive manufacturing, including new software tools, additive in automotive, custom medical devices, and more.
Formlabs announces the appointment of Rob Willett, former chief executive officer of Cognex Corp., to its board of directors.
Willett brings more than three decades of leadership experience in industrial automation, machine vision, and global operations. During his tenure as CEO, he led Cognex through expansion, scaling the company into a profitable leader in machine vision systems used across advanced manufacturing environments worldwide.
“Formlabs has built an industry-leading platform at the intersection of manufacturing hardware, software, and materials,” says Willett. “The company is uniquely positioned to drive the next era of digital production by making powerful fabrication tools more accessible without sacrificing performance. I’m excited to join the Board of Directors and help guide the company as it continues to scale globally.”
Willett joins Formlabs as the company advances its long-term vision of making hardware production fast, affordable, and scalable.
“Rob has built and scaled global industrial technology businesses with operational rigor and discipline,” says Natan Linder, chairman of the board at Formlabs. “There is a strong MIT-rooted heritage connecting Cognex and Formlabs, two companies built at the intersection of software, hardware, and manufacturing. As Formlabs continues its evolution from breakthrough startup to enduring manufacturing platform, his experience scaling complex hardware and automation companies will be invaluable.”
Formlabs also announced that Carl Bass will step down from the board after more than 8 years of dedicated service. Bass joined the Formlabs Board in 2017 and has played a significant role in helping the company redefine additive manufacturing, according to Formlabs.
“Carl has been an extraordinary partner to Formlabs,” sats Linder. “He brought strategic clarity, bold ambition, and deep empathy for builders and designers. We’re deeply grateful for his leadership and the lasting impact he has made on the company.”
Willett’s appointment is effective immediately.
Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.
Formlabs is committed to bringing innovative and sophisticated fabrication tools into the creative hands of designers, engineers, and artists around the world. An unprecedented convergence of design, performance, and accessibility, the Form 2…
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