Somerville Robotics Company Moves Into Old Union Square Post Office

SOMERVILLE, MA – It's official – RightHand Robotics is Union Square's newest resident. The tech company moved into the former post office building at 237 Washington Street Tuesday afternoon after outgrowing its space at local incubator Greentown Labs. RightHand Robotics, which grew out of a team of researchers from Harvard, Yale and MIT, develops multi-purpose automation systems that can be adapted to improve workflow and reduce the cost of fulfilling e-commerce orders.

The Union Square Post Office building will be the company's interim home. It is the first commercial tenant to lease space in the building under the ownership of Union Square Partners LLC, which plans to transform the lot into a mixed-use development.

RightHand Robotics' 30 employees plan to add daytime workers to the neighborhood. Union Square has seen a surge in retail activity, from the recently opened NU Cafe, Juice Bar and Field and Vine, to the reopened The Independent and upcoming Bow Market.

"It’s an exciting time to be living and working in Union Square. As we continue to grow we’re committed to staying in the neighborhood that we’ve come to call home," Nadia Cheng, head of operations at RightHand Robotics, said in a release. "This location is especially important for attracting and retaining talent, and we’reexcited to be part of the growth we’re witnessing throughout the square."

Union Square Partners LLC, which is run by Live Nation New England President Don Law, bought the Union Square Post Office in 2014. The building is a protected landmark on the National Historic Register.

"The SomerVision plan is a promise to invest in the growth of a resilient economic base and create job
opportunities within our community," Mayor Joe Curtatone said in a statement. "RightHand Robotics’ move to this landmark building points to the progress we’re making in turning Union Square into an employment
center that creates local jobs, expands our tax base and supports local business growth."

Photo 1 (L-R): Tom Galligani, Director of Economic Development, City of Somerville; Liz Barno, Community Director, Greentown Labs; Courtney O'Keefe, Executive Director, Somerville Local First; Don Law, Union Square Partners, LLC; Mayor Joe Curtatone; Nadia Cheng, Head of Operations, RightHand Robotics; Esther Hanig, Executive Director, Union Square Main Streets; Greg Karczewski, President, Union Square Station Associates (US2)

Photo 2: Mayor Joseph Curtatone

Photos submitted by inkhouse