2024 AUTOMATE INNOVATION STAGE SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
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Joshua Alphonse
Head of Mobile Robotics US
ABB Inc.
Josh Alphonse is the Head of Mobile Robotics for ABB in the US. He is responsible for the business leadership, segment management, and customer focused growth initiatives in the United States.
Josh was named to the Mobile Robotics leadership role in 2023. He joined ABB in 2017 as a Manager of Field Service, later stood up the first Project Management Office for the business, and then moved on to lead the Electronics Business Line focusing on automation solutions for the electronics manufacturing industry. Prior to ABB, he was an Officer in the United State Marine Corps serving in the Infantry and Special Operations community.
Josh holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Kettering University and a Master of Science degree in Corporate Finance from Southern New Hampshire University. Josh lives in Detroit and enjoys home improvement, physical fitness, and spending time with his wife and three girls.
Session(s):
AI Enabled AMR Navigation Technology | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 3:00 PM
Saeed Bakhshmand
AI & ML Manager
Musashi AI North America
Saeed Bakhshmand is an AI & ML Manager at Musashi AI North America, where he leads the development of innovative AI solutions for automated visual inspection. With a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from The University of Western Ontario, Saeed has a solid foundation in computer vision, deep learning, and medical image analysis. His expertise is instrumental in advancing Musashi AI's mission to enhance quality control processes through cutting-edge technology.
Before his current role, Saeed excelled as a Senior Research Engineer and AI Engineer, contributing significantly to the fields of video and image processing. His work has led to patented technologies that improve manufacturing quality control, demonstrating his commitment to creating human-centric solutions that augment human work.
Saeed's philosophy of "human jobs for humans" drives his approach to technology, making him a compelling speaker on AI, engineering, and the integration of human values in technological advancements.
Session(s):
AI-Driven Manufacturing Excellence: Mastering Cendiant Quality Insights Technologies for Superior Production Oversight | Monday, May 6, 2024 - 3:45 PM
Brian Burke
Product Manager III
Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation
Brian Burke, Product Manager at Bishop-Wisecarver, is passionate about product development and manufacturing with educational backgrounds in Computer Aided Drafting and Design and Manufacturing Technology. He has 20 years of experience in the automation industry and extensive knowledge from production floor operations to product marketing activities, including CNC machining, lean manufacturing, equipment acquisition and implementation, product literature and catalog development, and trade show expositions.
Session(s):
Extend the Reach of Robots with Robot Transfer Units | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 11:15 AM
Shawn Busse
CEO/Founder
Kinesis
Biography coming.
Session(s):
Value Shop: Building An Automation Practice Designed For This Century | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 10:30 AM
Brian Casey
CEO and President
ECM PCB Stator Tech
Mr. Casey is an expert in the energy and technology industry with over 30 years of experience. This includes leading two companies from growth-stage, to scale, to acquisition.
As the founder and CEO of sustainable energy firm, SourceOne, Brian was responsible for the overall management and technical efforts of the company. He successfully raised equity investments, targeted and acquired a complementing business from a Fortune 500 company, and developed a uniquely qualified commercial, private utility offering. Under Mr. Casey’s direction, SourceOne created and implemented award winning, sustainable energy projects for its customers and secured multi-million-dollar energy efficiency and infrastructure contracts within the private and public sectors.
Veolia Environnement S.A. acquired SourceOne in April of 2007. Mr. Casey continued to grow SourceOne over the next several years, realizing double-digit growth in revenue and earnings and delivering significant shareholder value.
From there, Mr. Casey co-founded SourceGreen, an industrial scale solar energy development company that successfully created 8 MWs of renewable solar energy within the state of Massachusetts. NextSun Energy acquired SourceGreen in 2013.
In his role as President and CEO of ECM PCB Stator Technology, Brian has driven ECM’s development as a global electric motor design and SaaS company. ECM pairs advanced Motor CAD and patented PCB Stator—printed circuit board—technology to create next generation electric motors that are lighter, quieter, and more energy and space efficient across a broad range of use cases.
Mr. Casey has led the adoption of ECM’s technology by multiple partners across a broad range of verticals: HVAC, Consumer Electronics, E-Mobility, Fitness, Medical, Robotics, Renewable Energy, Aerospace, Defense, and more.
Brian served on the board of Hubbell Power Systems acquired Cantega Technologies—an industry-leading software platform for the manufacture of dielectric polymer products that serve the electric utility industry.
Mr. Casey holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in Power Systems & Delivery from Northeastern University.
Session(s):
Using PrintStator CAD To Optimize PCB Stator Electric Motors for Automation | Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - 10:30 AM
Michael Clark
Director OPC Foundation North America
OPC Foundation
As the Director of OPC Foundation North America, Michael Clark continues his career-long advocacy on behalf of the automation industry as it transforms itself through IT/OT convergence into the digital era.
With over 30 years of experience in the discipline of industrial automation and controls, Mr. Clark is internationally recognized throughout the process automation sector for his expertise in Industrial Control System (ICS) fieldbus protocols. Mr. Clark is also recognized for his contributions as one of the authors of the Open Process Automation Standard (O-PAS™). As a vendor-neutral advocate for the end-user community, Mr. Clark became the Founding Director of BusCorp Inc., a Canadian-based consulting firm dedicated to design, implementation, commissioning, and training in the competencies of ICS networks and fieldbus systems. He has supported industrial sectors across the globe including, refining & upgrading, chemicals, food & beverage, gas exploration, offshore production, water & waste water treatment, power generation, and nuclear remediation.
You can reach Mike at: [email protected]
Session(s):
OPC UA - Secure Interoperability from Sensor to Cloud | Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - 11:15 AM
Jerry Entrikin
Sr. Applications Engineer
Andrews Cooper
Jerry Entrikin's professional journey includes impactful roles at JR Automation, Doerfer Companies, ATS Automation, and Rosen Aviation, where he honed his applications engineering and software engineering management skills.
Known for his exceptional problem-solving abilities and versatile skill set in engineering, Jerry is highly regarded for his inquisitive approach, innovative solutions, and productivity. Jerry's ability to tackle challenging engineering problems and his contributions to product development have made him a valuable asset in every role he has undertaken.
Session(s):
Advanced Vision & Dispense Systems Integration | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 12:45 PM
Kyle Franklin
Senior Solutions Consultant
Lucas Systems
Kyle Franklin is a Senior Solution Consultant with Lucas Systems, leading numerous solution designs and implementations in the U.S., EMEA and Asia Pacific Regions and helping to transform and optimize distribution center operations worldwide. Prior to Lucas, Kyle held roles in international logistics and warehousing for global logistics providers. Kyle has an MBA with a focus in Operations and Strategy from the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh and a B.S. in Economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Session(s):
A Software Approach to Reducing Picking Hours By 50% | Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - 12:00 PM
Daniel Fudge
Sr Director Software & Data Solutions
Very
With a Master’s of Aerospace Engineering and Master of Business Administration, Daniel Fudge has over 20 years of experience bringing advanced analytics to reality in a wide array of applications, including space robotics, military flight simulators, and business jet engines. This synthesis of hardware, cloud computing, and Machine Learning (ML) is now focused on deploying intelligence to IoT systems.
Session(s):
From Sensors to ChatGPT; How to Unlock Connectivity and Automation | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 3:45 PM
Michael Haas
Vice President
FerRobotics
Michael Haas has a sophisticated technical background in mechanical engineering completed with international sales skills. He is leading North American operations as VP of FerRobotics INC. With his extraordinary expertise, he is a regular speaker at events and supports the FerRobotics customer network in the automotive, aerospace, and general industries.
Since 2015 Michael is the FerRobotics US expert in sensitive automation. Prior to that, he worked as a leading sales expert and oversaw contract management and distributor development activities in the European, middle, and far east markets.
With offices in Phoenix and Chicago Michael has a strong commitment to the US, Canadian and Mexican markets. Michael serves currently as TAC member (Technical Advisory Committee) for the ARM institute and is a regular speaker at North American events from Key Notes to educational lectures.
During Michael's time, FerRobotics INC got rewarded “The 20 most promising Robotic solution providers” by the CIO review and in The 10 Most Innovative Automation solution providers 2017 and again 2021 by Insight success.
Session(s):
Ready-To-Use Robotic Masking-Tape Solution For Your Robot | Thursday, May 9, 2024 - 12:00 PM
Mark Hanson
VP of Technology and Business Innovation
Sony Electronics
At Sony Semiconductors Solutions of America, Mark demonstrates and evangelizes the business value of “Extreme Edge Visual AI” solutions like the AITRIOS Edge AI platform and the unique AI-integrated Intelligent Vision Sensor – the world’s first. Mark and team work to ensure the industry makes the shift from AI/ML as experimental to a wide variety of scalable, real-world applications for use by developers, partners and customers alike. His 30+ year career in technology includes time at Synnex, Compaq Computers, HP, Webroot and Sony. Whether challenging the status quo in business innovation, delivering powerful lead vocals in his San Franciscobased rock band or building a robotic astronomical observatory from scratch, Mark’s energy, passion and vision motivate and help him build world-class teams that deliver successful business outcomes.
Session(s):
How Vision AI can Identify Errors and Inefficiencies from Processes to Production | Monday, May 6, 2024 - 4:30 PM
John Jackson
Account Executive
Exotec
John Jackson has over 15 years of experience in the material handling industry. He excels in collaborating with clients across various sectors to integrate automated systems, providing the optimal solutions for their most complex challenges.
Session(s):
How Lane Automotive Cut Order Processing Time to 15 Minutes | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:30 PM
Jason Kovarik
Business Development Manager
OnLogic
Jason Kovarik is a Senior Business Development Manager at OnLogic. He focuses on developing relationships with integrators and end users to help them identify and find solutions to existing problems in their automation. Using his love for technology and interest in how automation helps companies thrive, he works to provide tailored solutions that exceed customer expectations.
Session(s):
Overcoming the Challenges of Computer Reliability in Automation and Robotics | Monday, May 6, 2024 - 12:45 PM
Sam Leboe
Product Manager
Framos Technologies
Sam Leboe is a Product Manager at FRAMOS, with over 10 years of experience in Machine Vision, IoT, and electronics manufacturing. Sam works closely with FRAMOS customers and engineering teams to build innovative solutions, leveraging leading-edge technology from our close partners at Sony, NVIDIA, and Intel.
Session(s):
Navigating the Challenges of Building An Optical Module for Embedded Vision | Thursday, May 9, 2024 - 10:30 AM
Alex Lee
Marketing Development Manager
Doosan Robotics
With over 20 years in the automation industry, Alex Lee has held top executive roles at Yaskawa America, Bosch Rexroth, Schneider Electric, and Accenture. He currently serves as the General Manager for Doosan Robotics Americas. Mr. Lee has a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Session(s):
Doosan Robotics – Becoming the First “Solutions Platform Company” | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 12:00 PM
Tom LeFavor
Account Manager
LINAK U.S.
Tom LeFavor is an Account Manager at LINAK US, specializing in linear motion technologies for collaborative palletizing and automation. With a focus on fostering strong relationships, Tom collaborates closely with integrators, distributors, and end users, offering custom-made solutions tailored to their specific automation needs. Leveraging his expertise and the backing of LINAK's global resources, Tom delivers unparalleled support, empowering clients to optimize their operations with cutting-edge motion solutions.
Session(s):
ELEVATE Cobots to the Next Level with LINAK Lifting Columns | Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - 3:00 PM
Charlie Liu
Global Vice President of Technology
TWS Technology
Charlie Liu is the member of the Board and Global Vice President of Technology.
Charlie leads the global Technology organization towards achieving TWS' greatest potential in the competitive renewable energy industry and delivering TWS' full value proposition across all global customer segments, via innovative technologies and applied engineering developments. He is responsible for the end-to-end product design and development, including efforts to develop new innovative technologies and software in the new Li-ion battery solutions.
With over 20 years of U.S. work experience in the fields of communications, semiconductors, multimedia, internet and control systems, Charlie has gained extensive technical knowledge and a wealth of leadership and management skills in various industry leading companies, including General Motors, Texas Instruments, Ericsson and Sony Ericsson. As the CTO of Sony Ericsson Greater China, he led his team to promote technology innovations and achieved great success.
Charlie holds a MS degree in Physics and a MS degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) from the University of Illinois. He also completed advanced leadership and management training from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina. Charlie published 40 international patents and has also published many papers in the IEEE Journals, Journal of the Optical Society of America, and other publications.
Session(s):
Power Up Your Robot with Intelligence | Monday, May 6, 2024 - 3:00 PM
David Meadow
Chief Information Officer
Lane Automotive
David is a technology and operations executive with over 25 years of experience helping distribution, ecommerce, and retail organizations optimize and strategically transform their fulfillment operations. He has led the design and construction of multiple Distribution Centers, along with several enterprise software solutions including ERP, WMS/WES, and TMS.
Session(s):
How Lane Automotive Cut Order Processing Time to 15 Minutes | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:30 PM
Matt Miller
CTO/President
MobileDemand
Matt Miller founded MobileDemand in 2003 who recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary, and has 30 years experience in bringing technology to the logistics and supply chain industry. In 2016, Miller founded 4DMobile, a companion company offering software solutions for MobileDemand's line of rugged tablets focusing on computer vision and artificial intelligence geared toward improving logistics workflows. Miller is a technologist with a passion for bringing products to market, utilizing extensive sales and marketing experience and skills as well.
Session(s):
The Future of Dimensioning is Here: Discover How AI-Powered Mobile Dimensioning Creates a New and Efficient Workflow to Capture Dimensions Anywhere | Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - 4:30 PM
David Nichols
CEO/Co-Founder
Society of Automation Software Engineers (SASE)
David Nichols is CEO and Co-Founder of Loupe, a jack-of-all-trades industrial automation company based in Portland, Oregon. He is also the founder of the Society of Automation Software Engineers (SASE), a growing peer-network at the intersection of automation and software engineering.
With a passion for creativity, collaboration and a healthy amount of exploration, he brings out-of-the box solutions to the field of automation. His vision has inspired unconventional and transformational approaches to Loupe and its community of peers.
Session(s):
What is Automation Software Engineering? | Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - 12:45 PMValue Shop: Building An Automation Practice Designed For This Century | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 10:30 AM
Jeffrey Oleske
Business Area Manager - North America
Specim Spectral Imaging
Jeffrey B. Oleske, Ph.D., is an experienced spectroscopist and imaging specialist currently serving as the Business Area Manager for North America at Specim Spectral Imaging. He leads a talented group of Regional Sales Managers and Application Engineers in the mission to expand the hyperspectral market across the USA and Canada. With a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Dr. Oleske’s journey from a passionate scientist to sales leader showcases a blend of scientific acumen and business strategy. On behalf of Specim, he has prioritized HSI integration into a variety of industrial machine vision applications; including food & beverage, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, mining, agriculture, and waste management. Dr. Oleske will leverage his extensive background in spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging to showcase the transformative impact of HSI technologies on industrial machine vision, further establishing himself and Specim as leading authorities in advanced imaging solutions.
Session(s):
Advantages and Applications of Hyperspectral Imaging for Industrial Machine Vision | Monday, May 6, 2024 - 1:30 PM
Sadiq Panjwani
Global VP & General Manager
Teledyne FLIR IIS
Sadiq Panjwani is the General Manager of Teledyne Integrated Imaging Solutions where he leads the machine vision operating groups in 2D and 3D camera technologies and specialty imaging solutions for GIS, High-Definition Mapping, and Retail Analytics. Sadiq is responsible for guiding the organization’s vision, leading business strategy, and driving operational excellence across all functions to bring remarkable innovations to the market and enhance customer experience. He is a Software Engineer by trade and passionate about technology and building high-performance teams.
Session(s):
Robotic Vision: Creating Highly Accurate, Reliable, and Affordable Solutions | Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - 1:30 PM
Michael Suppa
CEO
Roboception GmbH
Dr. Michael Suppa is the co-founder and CEO of Roboception GmbH, a Munich-based start-up company providing comprehensive 3D perception solutions for robotic applications. Michael received his Master’s Degree (Dipl.-Ing.) in Electrical Engineering (2000) and his Doctoral Degree (Dr.-Ing.) in Mechanical Engineering (2007) from the University of Hannover, Germany. From 2000 until 2009, he was employed as a project manager and researcher at the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). In 2009, he was appointed Head of the Perception and Cognition Department at the same institute, and in 2014 he was additionally named Deputy Institute Director. In 2015, Michael co-founded Roboception, a DLR spin-off company. Roboception has since successfully introduced the innovative 3D stereo sensor ‘rc_visard’ along with an associated software suite ‘rc_reason’, enabling robotic users across a variety of domains to equip their robots with reliable perception capabilities. Under his leadership, the achievements of Roboception and its rc_visard have been recognized by a number of awards, including the iF (2017) and Red Dot (2019) Design Awards, the EU Robotics Technology Transfer Award (2018) and the Bavarian Innovation Award (2018). Michael is consulting robotic start-ups on sharpening business ideas, finding strategic partners and acquiring capital. He has been the PI in several European and national projects and was nominated for and received several best paper awards. Since 2020, he is a honorary professor for robotics, cognition and informatics at the University of Bremen.
Session(s):
How to Automate Flexibly Using A Scalable AI-based 3D Vision Platform: Best Practices and Technology Insights | Thursday, May 9, 2024 - 11:15 AM
Eric Updike
Regional Sales Manager
Dobot USA
Eric Updike is a seasoned professional in the field of Robotics and Industrial Automation, bringing over two decades of experience and speaking on robotics as Regional Sales Manager with Dobot Robotics. With a deep understanding of market trends and a knack for strategic planning, Eric has played a pivotal role in driving innovation and growth within the industry. Known for his expertise in fostering a consultant sales approach with clients and implementing effective business strategies, he continues to make significant contributions to the advancement of robotics and industrial automation technologies.
Session(s):
Unlocking Enhanced Workplace Safety with Dobot Safeskin | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 4:30 PM
Patrick Varley
Product Marketing Manager (Robot)
Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc
Patrick is an automation industry veteran with over 35 years of automation experience including systems integration, robot & vision system suppliers and distribution. In his role as Product Marketing Manager for Mechatronics / Robotics at Mitsubishi Electric Automation, he is driven by the challenge of solving customers’ needs through innovative and durable automation solutions.
Session(s):
Introducing RV-12CRL - The Latest High Performance/Low Cost Robot in Mitsubishi Electric's RV-CRL Series | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 2:15 PM
Jon Vescio
VP North American Sales
Lucas Systems
Jon Veschio is the Vice President, North American Sales at Lucas Systems, leading a team of business development executives and solutions consultants in empowering new and current clients to meet the ever-changing demands of their customers by setting new standards for employee productivity/accuracy and operational efficiency in the warehouse and distribution sector.
He is passionate about partnering with entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives to create software solutions that help them bring innovations to the market quickly and confidently. His experience as a client and champion of innovation has positioned him to understand the risks, budgetary challenges and time constraints that come with unique software projects.
Jon’s areas of expertise include software and product development, UX strategy, product innovation, enterprise software solutions, robotics, SaaS applications, wearables, API authoring and design research.
Session(s):
Supercharge DC Operational Gains with AI Software | Monday, May 6, 2024 - 12:00 PM
Matthew Wicks
Vice President, General Manager
Zebra Technologies
Matt serves as Vice President and General Manager of Zebra Technologies’ Robotics Automation division. In his role, he is fully responsible for Zebra’s Robotics Automation business and driving the company's innovative mobile robotics software and solutions. Matt is a seasoned veteran in the automation, robotics, and material handling industries, with over 28 years of experience in the field. With a wealth of expertise in robotics, controls, and software integration of warehousing, fulfillment, manufacturing, and distribution systems, he has been instrumental in developing advanced robotic solutions that push the boundaries of what's possible. Matt is widely recognized as a thought leader in the robotics industry, having patented several key technologies and regularly speaking at industry events.
Matt’s commitment to excellence is reflected in his educational background, holding a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri - Rolla (Missouri S&T) and being a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Missouri. His contributions to the industry have also earned him a seat on the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) Board of Directors and Robotics Strategy Board. Matt was also a past Chairman of the Robotics Industry Association (RIA) Board of Directors.
Session(s):
Empowering Your Workforce: Integration of Wearables and AMRs to Increase Picking Productivity | Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - 2:15 PM
Ingo Wiedenhues
Business Development Manager, Integrated Vision Solutions
Atlas Copco, IAS
With more than 20 years experience, Ingo Wiedenhues is responsible for working with customers to understand challenges and develop new and innovative solutions to deliver Machine Vision capabilities to their Assembly and Manufacturing. Ingo works closely with our R&D Teams, Product Specialists and supporting partners serving as the expert lead for all IVS opportunities at Atlas Copco. Ingo is a veteran of the Automotive industry and currently resides with his family on his Denver, Colorado ranch.
Session(s):
The Power of Integrated Vision Solutions | Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - 3:45 PM
Linda Wilson
Editor in Chief
Vision Systems Design
Linda Wilson is Editor in Chief of Vision Systems Design.
Session(s):
Vision System Design Innovators Awards | Monday, May 6, 2024 - 10:30 AM.png)
Kirby Ann Witte
VP of Engineering
ESTAT Actuation
Dr. Kirby Witte is the VP of Engineering at ESTAT Actuation where she leads R&D efforts and translates cutting edge electroadhesive technology into powerful motion control products. Kirby completed her PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University in 2018. Her thesis focused on the design, characterization, and implementation of exoskeletons for athletic augmentation with results published in Science Robotics. After completing her PhD, she worked as a robotics designer at Intuitive Surgical. Her experiences putting people in robots and robots in people highlighted a need for lighter, smaller, and more power-efficient actuators. Kirby continues to pursue her passion for exoskeletons as the primary investigator on a Air Force project focusing on pilot safety. This project leverages electroadhesive technology to develop a first-of-its-kind lightweight exotendon system for protecting fighter pilots during high G events. Exoskeletons and surgical robots must operate under some of the most restrictive power and space constraints. The lessons learned from these fields can reduce the size and power consumption of any robotic system. Kirby is excited to share her passion for space- and power-optimized systems with the Automate audience. Kirby lives in Pittsburgh, PA, the robotics capital of the world. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and hunting for fossils with her husband, kids and her dog.
Session(s):
Retrofit Your Motion System with Linear Electroadhesive Brakes | Thursday, May 9, 2024 - 12:45 PM
Andrew Zosel
Senior Vice President
Zebra Technologies
Andy Zosel joined Zebra Technologies in May 2023 as Senior Vice President and is responsible for the Advanced Data Capture, Machine Vision and Robotic Automation businesses.
A true industry veteran, Andy has more than 25 years of experience in the technology and automation markets, with leadership experience in automatic identification, machine vision, robotics, and motion control for factory automation, life sciences and logistics. Prior to joining Zebra, Andy has held multiple leadership roles in Customer Service, Marketing and Engineering, and most recently was President and CEO of Omron Microscan and Omron Delta Tau.
Andy earned his MBA from the University of Phoenix and his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington. During his career, he has attained multiple certifications in product and project management, including a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Andy holds 5 patents, including 3 related to designs in Micro-Opto- Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MOEMS).