Attabotics is restarting operations in Calgary as part of LaFayette Systems, marking a rare reboot for one of the city’s most high-profile robotics startups following last year’s bankruptcy.
Founded in 2015 by Scott Gravelle, Attabotics developed automated fulfillment systems inspired by ant colonies, replacing traditional warehouse aisles with dense vertical storage structures. Fleets of autonomous robots retrieve items from stacked bins and deliver them to workers for packing, aiming to simplify and accelerate complex fulfillment operations for large retailers.
Despite raising nearly $200 million, the Calgary-based company filed for bankruptcy protection in 2025 after laying off much of its workforce — one of the most prominent startup failures in the city’s tech history. LaFayette acquired Attabotics in September 2025, and today’s announcement marks the formal restart of operations under new ownership and leadership.
LaFayette is a privately held material handling automation company founded in 1989, with a long-standing presence across the United States. The company says the acquisition provides the operational discipline, customer focus, and manufacturing depth needed to bring Attabotics’ patented technology to market at scale.
“As we begin this new chapter, our goal is simple: pair the exceptional technology from Attabotics with LaFayette’s warehouse automation expertise and customer-first culture,” said LaFayette founder Bruce Robbins. “That combination allows us to deliver reliable, long-term value for our customers.”
Attabotics’ existing Calgary facility will remain active, housing key engineering, business, and manufacturing functions. The leadership team blends institutional continuity with new experience. Mark Dickinson, John Hickman, and Derek Fortier — all legacy team members — remain with the company, with Dickinson overseeing strategy and operations, Hickman leading manufacturing, and Fortier managing supply chain operations. Several senior Attabotics engineers also remain on staff, preserving specialized technical knowledge.
Joining the team to lead sales and software is Art Eldred, who brings more than 30 years of material handling experience from companies including Vargo, Dematic, and Intelligrated.
“Attabotics was built on innovative technology and strong engineering,” said Dickinson, who joined the company in 2020. “As part of LaFayette Systems, we now have the support to accelerate development, improve reliability, and focus on what matters most to customers.”
LaFayette operates through a family of automation-focused businesses spanning conveyor systems, industrial robotics, software controls, and custom fabrication. The company says Attabotics will benefit from that integrated platform as demand grows for warehouse technologies that reduce complexity and increase throughput.
For Calgary’s tech ecosystem, the restart represents a second life for a once-celebrated robotics company — and a reminder that while hardware innovation carries risk, proven technology paired with experienced operators can still find a path forward.
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