Starting Your Automation Journey

Eric Hershberger, Principal Applications Engineer, Cognex Corporation

Over 25 years of machine vision integration and application experience. I program robots, plc's and of course cameras. I know a few tips and tricks to make life easier for those difficult to solve vision projects that never have a good solution. I spend more time figuring how to simplify the solution to make the support of the application easier. I love a tough problem to challenge me and being able to come up with a neat solution always makes me happy.

Jerry Perez, Business Development Manager, FANUC America

Jerry Perez is a Business Development Manager at FANUC America Corporation, consulting global corporations in topics such as automation roadmap development, workforce development, and successful automation implementation. Over the past 25 years, Jerry has been a leader in the expansion of robotics in multiple markets from defense and automotive to electronics and medical device manufacturing, deploying Pilot & Scale programs that helped companies large or small realize the benefits of automation.

He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Engineering and resides in Royal Oak, MI with his wife and two kids.

Tim DeRosett, Director of Product, Brooks Automation

Tim is Director of Product at Brooks Automation, leading product strategy and product management for the PreciseFlex Robots business. With 20+ years in industrial automation and robotics, he has held senior roles at Jabil, YASKAWA Motoman, Aethon, and Adept Technology. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the Robotics Industries Association (now A3 Robotics).

In 2020, Tim relocated to Oregon with his wife Karen, where they enjoy exploring the Pacific Northwest. They also share a passion for diving—preferably in warm waters.

Robert Huschka, VP of Education Strategies, Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

Robert Huschka is the Vice President of Education Strategies at the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), where he leads the development of educational programs and identifies emerging technology trends to integrate into A3's offerings. Before joining A3 in January 2018, Huschka spent 18 years at the Detroit Free Press, including serving as Executive Editor, where he was recognized for his expertise in audience growth, community building, and content strategy. He holds a degree from the University of North Dakota.