Norland Research has been in business since 1982, started by Norman Rowland. The company started by selling plans for electric car conversions. Then in 1998 we started building a small robot kit based on the Basic Stamp made by Parallax, and discontinued the electric car plans. We found the internet and have grown every year since then. Currently the company is owned by Rebbecca Rowland and her father Rick Rowland. Rebbecca used her income to go to college to become a 4th grade teacher. Rebbecca’s mother does the bookkeeping and Rebbecca’s brother, Rick II helps by assembling the robot kits when Rebbecca falls behind due to work, teaching and school. The Calculator Controlled Robot Kit is now 95% of our business.
Rebbecca Rowland took over running the business from her father in 2002. The schedule of being a full time teacher works well with this small Internet based business. Not only did it help her to pay for school, a car, and expenses, it has allowed her to learn small business management. With her now being a 4th grade teacher and going back to school for her master degree, it has been a great opportunity for meeting other teachers and making friends through Norland Research.
Rick Rowland has been a robot collector and hobbyist since 1984 when he bought his first robot. Rick worked with other robot builders to develop the Calculator robot kit. A contact from Fred Thomas lead to learning about how useful the TI calculator is. The first robot kit was based on using the assembly language in the calculator, but with help from TI, Norland Research was able to make the product what it is today. Rick is always available via email to help out, especially around Rebbecca’s working times as a school teacher. To see part of Rick’s robot collection visit:
