Robotics: Getting Started and Your Next Steps

Michael Lennard, Team Lead, Global Industry Consulting, Rockwell Automation

Michael Lennard leads a team of Warehouse & Logistics Industry Consultants at Rockwell Automation focused on transforming supply chain operations through automation & technology. Michael has helped customers drive productivity at scale across their enterprise by taking a holistic approach to Production Logistics—the end-to-end movement of material across operations. Michael has a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Will Healy III, Director of Product & Industry Marketing, Teradyne Robotics

Will Healy III is enthusiastic about technology and workforce. A Purdue University engineer who loves to share his passion for automation, Will is a global leader at Teradyne Robotics who speaks about automation technology investments and creating value through collaborative automation. With nearly 25 years of experience; Will is widely published and presents internationally at a variety of conferences.

Gary Gray, National Sales Manager - Vacuum Automation, Schmalz

Gary Gray is a seasoned sales and business development leader with extensive experience in industrial automation and material handling solutions. As National Sales Manager for Vacuum Automation at Schmalz Inc., Gary plays a critical role in driving strategic growth, strengthening channel partnerships, and advancing customer-focused solutions across North America.

With a career built on technical sales leadership and team development, Gary brings a deep understanding of automation technologies and their real-world application in manufacturing, logistics, food processing, and other high-demand industries. He has a proven track record of aligning engineering-driven solutions with customer needs—helping organizations improve efficiency, enhance safety, and scale operations through intelligent automation.

Gary is particularly known for his ability to bridge the gap between technical complexity and practical implementation. He works closely with distributors, integrators, and end users to identify opportunities, develop tailored solutions, and deliver measurable results. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and a strong commitment to customer success.

Throughout his career, Gary has led high-performing sales teams, supported the rollout of innovative vacuum automation technologies, and contributed to the expansion of market presence in competitive environments. His insights into automation trends, workforce challenges, and operational efficiency make him a valuable voice for organizations navigating the evolving industrial landscape.

As a speaker, Gary brings a practical, experience-driven perspective—focused on what works in the field, how to overcome common implementation challenges, and where automation is delivering the greatest impact today.

Benjamin Perlson, Segment Manager, Consumer, ABB Robotics

Ben Perlson is the Segment Manager of Consumer Industries at ABB Robotics, United States. Ben is responsible for driving front-end growth in the logistics, warehousing, and consumer packaged goods industry through managing the go to market strategy and ever-expanding portfolio of solutions that enable customers of all sizes to sustainably scale profitable automation.

Ben is a seasoned veteran of the intralogistics automation industry. Before joining ABB, he worked at the DHL Americas Innovation Center in Chicago, where he led early-stage robotics proof-of-concept projects, solution scouting, and trend re-search. His work supported customers of all sizes in finding the right balance be-tween financial feasibility and innovative operational excellence.

Ben holds master’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the Univer-sity of Iowa where Ben participated in 3d modeling research and lectured in design for manufacturing and stochastic modeling engineering courses.

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.