Automate 2026 CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
AMIR AFRASIABI
Associate Technical Fellow in Artificial Intelligence & Computer Vision
Boeing
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Amir Afrasiabi is an Associate Technical Fellow and Boeing Designated Expert at Boeing’s Artificial Intelligence Organization, specializing in Computer Vision and AI. With over 12 years at Boeing, Amir leads multidisciplinary teams developing intelligent solutions for manufacturing, production systems, supply chain, and aerospace applications. He leads enterprise AI Visual Inspection technologies and initiatives for manufacturing and production quality organizations. Amir is the inventor of core AI breakthroughs in manufacturing and production domains, with his inventions cited by global technology giants. He holds more than 70 patent publications and 6 trade secrets in AI and Computer Vision and has authored over 26 conference papers and presentations. Amir earned his M.S. in Industrial & Systems Engineering from the University of Washington and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Oregon State University.
Session(s):
Self-Validating Augmented Reality Using Artificial Intelligence | Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
SINA AFROOZE
CEO
Apera AI
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Sina Afrooze is a highly technical entrepreneur and the CEO of Apera AI, where he leads an elite team of visionaries helping manufacturers make their factories more flexible and productive. Robots enhanced with Apera’s software have 4D vision—the ability to see and handle objects with human-like capability—enabling fast, precise, and reliable automation in challenging applications such as bin-picking, racking, placing, and assembly.
Under Sina’s leadership, Apera has been recognized as one of Canada’s top 10 fastest-growing companies on Deloitte’s Fast 50 list and was named Growth Company of the Year at the BC Technology Impact Awards.
Sina also serves on the A3 Vision Board, where he helps guide the future of the vision and robotics industry. He brings over 20 years of experience spanning startups and large enterprises in machine learning, deep learning, software, and systems architecture, and holds ten utility patents in artificial intelligence, digital imaging, image processing, and media streaming.
Session(s):
Winning the Global Manufacturing Race: How Vision Can Unlock Performance Across Your Plant Today | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
MOHAMMAD AKHLAGHI
Senior Product Manager
Teledyne
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Mohammad Akhlaghi is a Senior Product Manager at Teledyne, where he leads initiatives at the intersection of AI, automation, and machine vision. With a career spanning both big tech and startups, Mohammad brings a unique blend of hands-on technical expertise and entrepreneurial vision. At Intel’s New Devices Group, he contributed to pioneering AR glasses and led projects for global brands including Nike and Disney.
A founder with three successful exits, Mohammad was named one of BC Business’s Top 30 Under 30. He has raised millions in venture funding, scaled a company from $200 to multi-million dollar revenue, and pitched live on CBC’s Dragons’ Den. He holds degrees in engineering and business from Simon Fraser University and has personally developed AI applications that bridge the gap between complex technology and intuitive user experiences.
Outside of work, Mohammad is a new dad, a lifelong footballer (and proud Liverpool supporter), and a dedicated meditator who once spent a week in the Amazon rainforest in silent retreat. He also runs a Farsi-language communication channel with thousands of followers, sharing practical tools for personal and professional growth.
Mohammad’s mission is to make advanced technologies accessible and actionable—empowering teams to innovate faster and smarter.
Session(s):
Vibe Coding a Factory Line: From Zero to Automation in 30 Minutes | Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
JAMES ANDERSON
Business Development
JRA Insights
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Jim’s Journey in Vision & AI My passion for computer vision began early. As a senior design student at Iowa State University, I led a team in the NASA Space Systems Observational Laboratory to build an image recognition system for identifying vegetation from aerial platforms. That experience laid the foundation for a career dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what machines can "see" and do.
Modernizing Automation with AI While Jim’s roots are in traditional automation, his focus is firmly on the future. He has been an A3 Certified Vision Professional actively leveraging modern AI tools to accelerate development and solve complex problems. His over 25 years of experience in 2D and 3D machine vision and knowledge gained from implementing hundreds of successful system installs in multiple industries give him a unique perspective on what it takes to create systems that are both profitable and create long term relationships with customers
Session(s):
3D Vision System Development | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
KENCE ANDERSON
CEO & Founder
Amesa
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As the CEO and Founder of Amesa, Kence is a pioneering autonomous AI leveraging his deep expertise in the industrial sector. With a background in mechanical engineering and a passion for teaching, Kence has authored the book "Designing Autonomous AI" along with having developed courses for the University of Washington and the Association for Advancing Automation.
Previously the Director of Autonomous AI Adoption at Microsoft and the lead customer engineer for Bonsai (acquired by Microsoft), Anderson has spearheaded the creation of over 200 autonomous AI systems for commercial applications. Collaborating with industry giants such as PepsiCo, Bell Flight, BP, Shell, Bayer, Delta Airlines and others, Anderson’s impact is evident in projects across manufacturing.
Anderson’s unparalleled talent lies in integrating human expertise with AI principles, exemplified by the innovative Amesa platform. Motivated by the desire to empower the 100M industry machine engineers, Anderson and the Amesa team developed a groundbreaking no-code production-ready AI Agent Builder tool kit. This enables operators and engineers to build “Intelligent Agents” that the engineer can teach to solve nuanced and real-world problems that supersede the current capabilities of manufacturing floor automation.
Through Anderson’s Machine Teaching Methodology, detailed in his book, a new paradigm emerges, highlighting the abilities of AI to upskill workers and preserve legacy knowledge and expertise. #TheKingofMachineTeaching
Session(s):
Introduction to Industrial AI Agents | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)Designing Multi-Agent Systems for Industrial AI | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
SARAH ANDRZEJEWSKI
Product Manager
Yaskawa America, Inc.
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Sarah is the product manager for software solutions at Yaskawa Motoman. Earning her MBA in 2020, she brings her years of experience in project management, scrum, and lean six sigma to deliver innovative and user-friendly software solutions to industrial robotics.
Session(s):
Unlocking Unstructured Environments Through AI Robotics | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 2:30 PM (CDT)
JUAN APARICIO
CEO
Reshape Automation
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Juan Aparicio is a robotics and automation enthusiast on a mission to scale and democratize access to robotics technology in manufacturing and beyond. During his career he has brought together the worlds of industrial automation, robotics, and AI with his work featured in the New York Times, MIT Tech Review, Wired, Forbes, The Robot Report, and other media outlets.
Aparicio is the founder and CEO of Reshape Automation, directly targeting the labor shortage in manufacturing with an innovative approach to diagnose, discover, design, deploy and support industrial automation and robotics cells. Before that, he was the VP of product at Rapid Robotics, a Robotics as a Service startup where Rapid Machine Operators (RMOs) could be hired by subscription. Prior to Rapid, he was the VP of Product at Ready Robotics, where he launched Forge/OS 5, an award-winning industrial platform for robots and automation. Before that, Aparicio was the Head of Advanced Manufacturing Automation for Siemens, where he led a top team of researchers and engineers in Berkeley, California, working elbow-to-elbow with renowned academic partners.
He is a Technical Advisor for the Advanced Robotic in Manufacturing (ARM), a member of A3’s AI Tech Strategy Board, and a Skydeck advisor.
Session(s):
From Chatbots to Agents: How AI is Redefining Sales and Service in Industrial Automation | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
JAN BAJORAT
Senior Director, Software-Defined Automation
Siemens
Jan Bajorat is Senior Director of Software-Defined Automation (SDA) at Siemens. After positions within SIMATIC PLC product management, he headed the internal start-up that created SIMATIC AX and was head of STEP 7 TIA Portal. He now leads Siemens’ Software-Defined Automation initiative, focused on transforming the automation industry by bringing modern software development methods to the industrial automation space and decoupling automation capabilities from hardware.
Session(s):
Software-Defined Automation and the Future Factory | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
SUPRATEEK BANERJEE
Head of IIoT Standards, Robotics and Automation
VDMA e.V.
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Dr. Suprateek Banerjee is the Head of OPC UA and I 4.0 at VDMA’s Robotics and Automation (R+A) Sector Group. He is responsible for the development of OPC UA Companion Specifications for the Robotics and Automation industry sector which include OPC UA for Robotics, Machine Vision and Industrial Joining Technologies among others. He represents VDMA R+A in various Industry 4.0 harmonization activities, both within the VDMA and at the OPC Foundation level, developing standards and best practices for seamless interoperability between machines from different sectors of the automation industry. Prior to joining the VDMA, Dr. Banerjee completed his Masters in Embedded Systems from the University of Stuttgart in Germany and thereafter has been a Marie Curie Fellow and has completed his PhD in the field of Industry 4.0 at the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg.
Session(s):
From Interoperability to Intelligence: OPC UA for Robotics and the Road to Democratized Robot Skills | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)Updates on Machine Vision Standards | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
JIMMY BARAGLIA
Senior Staff Robotics
Intrinsic
Jimmy Baraglia, Ph.D. is a Robotics Automation Lead at Intrinsic, dedicated to developing software and AI for industrial robots. His work at Intrinsic involves technical leadership for manufacturing automation projects, and collaborating with partners to build and deploy AI-enabled robotic solutions.
Previously, Dr. Baraglia served as Director of Robotics at Vicarious, where he led the development and deployment of AI-driven Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) solutions for the logistics and intra-logistics sectors.
His wide-ranging experience has positioned him into a lead role in Intrinsic's AI for Industry Challenge. An active, global robotics challenge focused on solving the high-value bottleneck that is dexterous cable management and insertion.
Dr. Baraglia earned his Ph.D. from Osaka University, under Professor Minoru Asada and Professor Yukie Nagai. His research centered on cognitive developmental robotics (CDR), human-robot collaboration, and the emergence of prosocial behavior in robots. He also holds a Master’s in Intelligent Systems, Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation from Université Paul Sabatier (Toulouse III), France.
Session(s):
The AI For Industry Challenge: Solving the High-Value Bottleneck in Electronics Assembly | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
EVAN BEARD
Co-founder and CEO
Standard Bots
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Evan is CEO and co-founder of Standard Bots, where he is working on building the world's preeminent robotics platform and robot foundation models, as well as American-made robots. Evan was previously YC W10, recognized on the Forbes "30 under 30" list and Business Insider's list of the "most inspiring and influential people in New York tech”. He graduated from Duke University where he studied Economics and Computer Science.
Session(s):
Show Your Robot How It's Done: How Physical AI Automates What Nothing Else Can | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 9:00 AM (CDT)
MICHAEL BEISING
CEO
EVT - Eye Vision Technology GmbH
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Michael Beising is a computer scientist and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in the field of machine vision. As founder and managing director of EVT Eye Vision Technology GmbH, he has specialized in developing standard software for automatic image processing and industrial applications.
Session(s):
From Hand Sketch to G-Code: How AI is Reinventing CNC Programming | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:30 PM (CDT)
DAVID BERNO
Senior Manager, Automation
DMC, Inc.
David is a senior manager on DMC’s automation team with a decade of experience managing successful automation projects across multiple industries including aerospace, consumer goods, industrial machinery and automotive. He leads DMC’s Cincinnati office and currently oversees automation business development across Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. David holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ohio.
Session(s):
Beyond the Basics: Cultivating a Continuous Automation Mindset for Scalable Impact | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 2:30 PM (CDT)
BOB BOLLINGER
Owner
Dynamic Horizons Automation Solutions LLC
Bob has over 35 years of experience in the creative application of robotics, collaborative robotics, mobile robotics, and automation technology to solve challenging problems and create business opportunity. Prior to founding Dynamic Horizons, Bob was a Technical Director for Applied Robotics Innovation at Procter & Gamble. There he identified new and innovative robotic technologies to leverage throughout the company. He was also responsible for setting technical direction and deploying global standard approaches for robotics within P&G. Bob is also an active member of several safety standards committees, including industrial robot standards RIA R15.06 the industrial mobile robot standard RIA R15.08.
Session(s):
Getting Started with Mobile Robotics | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)Introduction to Mobile Robot Risk Assessment | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 2:30 PM (CDT)
MIKE BOWERS
Chief Architect
FairCom
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Mike Bowers is a seasoned software architect and the Chief Architect at FairCom, where he blends his 35+ years of experience with a passion for innovation. He is the creative force steering FairCom's architecture, specializing in high-performance databases, IIoT platforms, and modern solutions for legacy systems. Beyond his day job, Mike brings a unique perspective shaped by his passion for music, which he applies to his work on complex database engine designs.
His engaging presentations and deep insights show manufacturing leaders and engineers how to unlock their factory data to reduce costs, increase agility, and bridge the communications divide between OT and IT. An accomplished author and industry standards contributor, Mike's expertise makes complex topics like IIoT and edge computing accessible and actionable for a wide range of professionals, from C-suite executives to controls engineers.
Session(s):
PLC to Prediction: A Step-by-Step Guide to Data Value | Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
TIM BRENNAN
Sr. Automation Engineer
KEBA
Tim Brennan is a Senior Automation Engineer at KEBA Industrial Automation, bringing over 30 years of experience in the Motion Control and Industrial Automation industry. Throughout his career, Tim has held key engineering roles at leading companies including Bosch Rexroth, Lenze, Wittenstein, and Omron, where he developed a deep technical foundation and broad application knowledge across a wide range of motion technologies.
Tim specializes in the integration, application support, and optimization of servo and stepper drive systems, motors, and motion controllers. His hands-on expertise spans a diverse set of industries, including packaging, CNC machine tools, semiconductor manufacturing, food processing, and automated assembly systems.
At KEBA, Tim plays a critical role in helping customers solve complex motion challenges, from system design to implementation, with a focus on precision, efficiency, and scalability. His passion for automation and decades of experience make him a trusted resource for OEMs, system integrators, and machine builders alike.
Session(s):
Digital Servo Amplifier Basics | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 9:00 AM (CDT)CMCP Course Review and Exam Prep | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 1:15 PM (CDT)
ALAN BRENNEN
Product Market Manager, Position Sensors
Baumer
Alan Brennen is a Product Market Manager for Position Sensors at Baumer, where he leads object detection, precision distance measurement, and smart vision solutions across the East and West Coast regions of the United States. His work focuses on aligning sensing technologies with real-world industrial automation applications, supporting customers in robotics, intralogistics, and advanced manufacturing environments.
Session(s):
Common Sensing Technologies for Distance Measurement Applications | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 3:30 PM (CDT)
ANNEMARIE BREU
Senior Director – Automation Software Deployment & Incubation
Siemens Digital Industries
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Annemarie Breu leads Siemens New Portfolio Incubation program in the US. Annemarie is passionate about solving the most challenging customer problems at the intersection of OT and IT with innovative solutions. Throughout her 8 years with Siemens, she’s been shaping dynamic teams to address automation, Industrial Edge, Industrial AI, simulation, and data integration use cases and strategically shape the Siemens innovation roadmaps. She has a lot of energy to drive co-innovation partnerships and make things happen.
Session(s):
The Automation Impact: AI, Automation, and the Human Element | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 9:00 AM (CDT)
MATTHEW BROWN
CEO
ThoughtForge AI
Matt Brown is Founder and CEO of ThoughtForge AI, with more than two decades of experience building artificial intelligence systems that run in the real world: on robots, in vehicles, and at the edge. He began his career developing real-time AI for landmark game franchises including Halo, Bioshock, and Splinter Cell, where he pioneered work in percept-based agency and spatial kinematics on tightly constrained compute budgets.
In 2015, Matt left gaming to join Bonsai AI as its first engineer and technical lead, where he architected the world's first production-grade deep reinforcement learning platform and shipped the earliest commercial applications of DRL to industrial control, robotics, and autonomous systems. Following Microsoft's acquisition of Bonsai in 2018, he served as Microsoft's liaison to the UC Berkeley RISE Lab, bridging cutting-edge academic research with applied embedded autonomy.
Today, in addition to leading ThoughtForge AI, Matt serves on the board of the Active Inference Institute, a global organization advancing the science and application of Active Inference across neuroscience and AI: a paradigm particularly suited to the power, latency, and reliability constraints of edge deployment. He holds a degrees from MIT and the University of Pennsylvania, and is the named inventor on numerous patents in reinforcement learning, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems.
Session(s):
Robotics for Manufacturing: Trends, Best Practices, and What You Need to Know | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
DAVID BRUCE
Engineering Manager
FANUC America
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Dave Bruce joined FANUC America Corporation (FAC) in 1997 and is currently an engineering manager in the Product Application Segment for a group of engineers that support FANUC America’s Authorized System Integrators and end users with the application of FANUC’s embedded machine vision system called iRVision. Dave’s group also supports FANUC’s customers with the application of remote motion software options such as Remote Motion Interface or RMI. These tools are used in all industries from warehousing to automotive and allow advanced users to create new paths for each cycle and even change a robots path in real time. Dave has a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Oakland University (Auburn Hills, MI) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Windsor (Windsor, Ontario).
Session(s):
Advanced Vision Guided Robotics | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:00 PM (CDT)
MARCELLUS BUCHHEIT
President & CEO
Wibu-Systems USA Inc.
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Marcellus Buchheit is co-founder and Chairman of the Board of WIBU-SYSTEMS AG in Karlsruhe, Germany. He currently serves as the President and CEO of Wibu-Systems USA, Inc., located in Edmonds, WA where he resides.
Marcellus earned his Master of Science degree in computing science at the University of Karlsruhe, Germany in 1989. In the same year, he co-founded Wibu-Systems together with Oliver Winzenried. As the original architect and first software developer of the company’s successful CodeMeter, WibuKey, and SmartShelter product lines, he is well known in his field for his expertise in designing innovative techniques to protect software against reverse-engineering, tampering, and debugging. The products he designed have never been cracked by hackers in multiple public global contests.
Marcellus was an active member of the international Industry IoT Consortium (IIC), where he was involved in security, trustworthiness, and monetization initiatives between 2015 and 2023. He is one of the editors and authors of the Industry IoT Security Framework (IISF) document – a foundational publication.
He is a frequently invited speaker at industry events and has accepted many industry awards on behalf of Wibu-Systems, including SIIA CODiE awards in 2017, 2014 and 2009 in recognition of CodeMeter as the Best Content Rights and Entitlement Solution.
Session(s):
Preparing Industrial Automation Software for the EU Cyber Resilience Act | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
TIM BUSCHUR
Chief Strategy Officer
Invisible Ai
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Meet Tim Buschur, a self-proclaimed “factory nerd,” he’s hell-bent on sparking a new era of how stuff gets made. With over two decades of ambitious engineering projects under his belt, he blends scars from the floor with vision of a better future. When he’s not revolutionizing production lines, you’ll find him chasing birdies on the golf course or cheering (or groaning) for the Chicago Cubs. With a knack for turning complex tech into game-changing results, Tim brings wit, and a contagious passion to every stage, ready to inspire the future of industry.
Session(s):
The Industrial AI Accelerator: Roadmap for Rapid, Real-World ROI | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
CHRISTINE BUSH
Robotics Center of Excellence Leader
Schneider Electric
Christine has worked for a large Systems Integrator as a programmer and has been with Schneider Electrics Industrial Automation division in many roles. Christine is an experienced leader specializing in machine solutions. Her broad range of product and application knowledge is impressive.
Session(s):
Making Automation ROI Practical and Achievable | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
MARCOS CARLOTTO
Next Generation Industrial Automation
Schneider Electric
Marcos Carlotto is a seasoned business leader with years of experience in sales and sales management within the automation and electrical distribution sectors. Currently, as the Business Director for Next Generation Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric, Marcos leads teams focused on Ecostruxure Automation Expert in the USA, promoting innovative technology and strategic growth. Previously, Marcos held various roles, including Global Account Manager and OEM Segment Leader in Brazil at Schneider Electric, and Regional Sales Engineer at Klockner Moeller, among others. Marcos earned a Bachelor of Technology in Industrial Electrical Technology and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, followed by an MBA in Business Administration and Management.
Session(s):
Design Faster, Deploy Smarter: Engineering with Open, Software-Defined Automation | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 2:30 PM (CDT).jpg)
DYLAN CAUFRIER
CEO
LightStream
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Dylan Caufrier is the founder and CEO of LightStream BV, a Belgium-based engineering firm, and the creator of CabinetManager, software that digitizes and governs technical documentation for industrial assets. Blending electrical engineering practice with product innovation, he helps factories turn paper-bound schematics, manuals, and cable lists into searchable, governed “living” digital twins that technicians can trust on the shop floor.
Under Dylan’s leadership, LightStream delivers end-to-end electrical engineering (EPLAN, AutoCAD, Caneco) and “Digitalization-as-a-Service,” pairing CabinetManager with Egnyte cloud hosting to secure, version, and trace every change. His team’s work reduces downtime, accelerates as-built updates, and equips technicians with real-time context through QR codes, guided procedures (FieldLedger), thermal insights (HeatLedger), and augmented-reality remote assistance.
Dylan has partnered with leading industrials in steel, water, energy, automotive, and food manufacturing, and he regularly shares practical methods for tackling content sprawl and human-centric digital adoption. He has presented at Europe’s Asset Performance Conference (BEMAS) and has demonstrated immersive maintenance workflows at major trade shows, including Hannover Messe.
An International Executive MBA candidate at BMI Executive Institute (UCLouvain), Dylan studies negotiation, venture scaling, and operations to bridge strategy with frontline execution. Before founding LightStream in 2015, he built his career in electrical design and maintenance, experiences that continue to shape his no-nonsense, technician-first approach.
At Automate, Dylan illustrates how disciplined technical document management and AR-enabled support can shrink troubleshooting time, standardize quality, and make digital transformation measurable, one cabinet, one procedure, one technician at a time.
Session(s):
Experience Never Retires: How AR Turns Minutes into Momentum | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:30 PM (CDT)
NATHAN CHANEY
Founder
Supply Chaney
Nathan Chaney earned his degree in logistics and supply chain management after a scholarship application centered on making solar panels more affordable pointed him toward a career of making a difference through logistics. He spent his first decade in the industry at companies including Texas Instruments, where he experienced Fortune 250 corporate life, and a Silicon Valley autonomous trucking company, where he ran field operations. About two and a half years ago, he made the entrepreneurial leap, starting with 3PL consulting and a freight brokerage before finding his calling in content and community. What began as YouTube videos grew into a podcast and then into Supply Chaney, a media business and supply chain marketing hub spanning a crowdsourced newsletter, the Supply Chain Social Club's virtual meetups, event coverage, and a brokerage focused on heavy haul and high-value freight.
Session(s):
Fast-Tracking the Future: Simplifying Trailer Loading and Unloading for Real-World ROI | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
ROMIK CHATTERJEE
VP Business Development
Graftek Imaging
Romik Chatterjee has a Ph.D. from the University of Texas in Electrical Engineering. He has been involved in the development of new scientific imaging methods and technologies for over two decades. His research started with the visualization of density fluctuations that occur in magnetically confined fusion plasmas with an infrared laser based imaging system. He has experience developing imaging systems using microwaves, visible and infrared light, and x-rays. As the Vice President of Business Development at Graftek Imaging for the last 13 years, he has led a team of engineers in development of custom machine vision systems for Fortune 50 companies that have been deployed worldwide. Graftek has specialized in color measurements, metrology and automated inspection systems for semiconductor, electronic manufacturing and food industries.
Session(s):
Advanced Color Machine Vision and Applications | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 2:00 PM (CDT)
NEO CHEN
North America Sales Director
Standard Robots
Head of Americas, Standard Robots — a seasoned automation industry veteran with extensive experience in establishing and scaling regional operations. Successfully built and led multiple regional teams from the ground up, achieving full market coverage and sustainable growth.
Session(s):
From Individual Intelligence to Swarm Intelligence: Full-Scenario Implementation Solutions for Embodied Robots | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
MIKE CICCO
President and CEO
FANUC America
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Mike Cicco is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FANUC America Corporation. As President and CEO, Cicco has responsibility for all the company’s operations in North and South America. He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of FANUC CORPORATION (Japan).
Cicco joined FANUC in 1999 and has held a variety of management positions over the years including software/controls manager and district sales manager at the company’s Southern California facility. In 2005, Cicco transferred to FANUC’s headquarters in Rochester Hills, MI to take on the role of national account manager of the company’s Authorized System Integrator sales group. As his career progressed, he was named general manager of several robot division groups including Material Handling Engineering, Authorized System Integrator sales, and Domestic Automotive/Michigan Regional sales. In 2015, Cicco was promoted to vice president of FANUC’s North and South American sales and execution. In April 2016, Cicco was named President and CEO.
Before joining FANUC, Cicco served as lead automation engineer for Northrop Grumman in the Automation and Information Systems group.
Cicco holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. In addition, he is First Vice Chairman of the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT).
Session(s):
The State of the Automation Industry: Leadership Roundtable | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 9:00 AM (CDT)
ALVIN CLARK
Sr. Developer Relations Manager - Manufacturing and Industrial
NVIDIA
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Alvin Clark serves as Global Developer Relations Manager – Manufacturing and Industrial at NVIDIA. Combining his expertise in AI engineering with a focus on ecosystem enablement, he helps partners design, deploy, and scale AI solutions built on NVIDIA’s vision, language, and multimodal models. His work centers on industrial automation, smart manufacturing, and AI-powered industrial agents that drive real-world factory transformation.
Session(s):
The Interconnected Factory: How NVIDIA’s Partner Ecosystem Is Solving Manufacturing’s Hardest Vision AI Challenges | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
JIMMY COOKE
Manager - Industrial Products
Dürr Systems LLC
Jimmy Cooke is a seasoned automation and manufacturing technology expert with over 20 years of experience driving innovation across diverse industrial sectors. With a career spanning automotive, aerospace, and general manufacturing, Jimmy has led cross-functional teams in deploying advanced automation solutions that improve operational efficiency, product quality, and sustainability.
Known for his collaborative approach, Jimmy specializes in working with system integrators to deliver customized automation strategies that align with complex production requirements. His expertise includes robotic systems, process optimization, and commissioning of large-scale industrial projects. He has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between engineering and execution, ensuring seamless integration of automation technologies into real-world environments.
Jimmy is a passionate advocate for continuous improvement and knowledge sharing. He frequently speaks at industry events and workshops, offering practical insights into automation planning, risk management, and integrator partnerships. His presentations are grounded in real-world experience and focused on empowering manufacturers to make informed, strategic decisions.
Whether guiding new automation initiatives or optimizing legacy systems, Jimmy brings a wealth of technical knowledge, strategic vision, and hands-on experience to every engagement.
Session(s):
Sealing Rethought | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 3:30 PM (CDT)
BRENDA COURIM
Director, Sales & Marketing
Gudel Inc
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Brenda started her career designing connectors for the automotive industry and transitioned into factory automation components. She is currently Director, Sales & Marketing for Gudel Inc, the leading manufacturer of robot floor tracks, robot overhead tracks, and gantry systems. Brenda has a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's in Engineering Management both from the University of Michigan. Brenda lives in the greater Chicago area with her 2 teenage sons.
Session(s):
When Your Robot Won't Reach: Pros and Cons of Floor Tracks, Overhead Tracks, and Gantry Robots | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
BEATRICE DANESE
Business & Marketing Strategist
Opto Engineering S.p.A.
Beatrice Danese is Business and Marketing Strategist at Opto Engineering® Headquarters. She holds degrees in linguistic mediation with a major in marketing, public relations, and advertising (2019), and in international communication for enterprises and organizations (2021). ). After joining Opto Engineering as an intern, she spent over four years as Product Manager, gaining hands-on experience in machine vision technologies, before transitioning to her current strategic role. Since 2022, she has participated as a speaker at international events in the field of machine vision.
Session(s):
Seeing is Solving: Advances in Smart Inspection | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
JOHN DETELLEM
Automation Product Portfolio Manager
Siemens
A seasoned authority with four decades of dedicated experience in the manufacturing industry, John DeTellem stands at the forefront of automation and controls. His extensive background spans the entire lifecycle of industrial operations, from hands-on production optimization and innovative system design to seamless integration of complex technologies and strategic standards management. John DeTellem's deep understanding of both the technical intricacies and the business imperatives of manufacturing allows him to deliver practical, impactful solutions. He is passionate about empowering industry clients and new prospects to harness the full potential of automation for enhanced efficiency and competitive advantage.
Session(s):
Beyond the Basics: Cultivating a Continuous Automation Mindset for Scalable Impact | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 2:30 PM (CDT)
PAUL DEWYS
Sales Engineer
Forerunner 3D Printing
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Paul DeWys is the founder of DeWys Engineering and Forerunner 3D Printing, two Michigan-based firms that help manufacturers innovate at the intersection of design, automation, and additive manufacturing. Since 2009, Paul has led DeWys Engineering in delivering mechanical design and reverse engineering solutions for industries ranging from automotive to aerospace. In 2016, he expanded into industrial 3D printing by launching Forerunner 3D Printing, specializing in production-ready additive solutions using technologies such as Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Stereolithography (SLA), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM).
Paul’s expertise lies in Design-for-Additive-Manufacturing (DfAM) and applying 3D printing beyond prototyping. His team leverages a wide range of engineering materials—including PA12 nylon, carbon-fiber composites, and elastomers like TPU 95A—to create functional parts for real-world use. These include POGO nests, blow/vacuum blocks, grit blasting masks, custom grippers, and end-of-arm tooling—components that are difficult or costly to produce with conventional methods.
Through these projects, Paul helps manufacturers reduce lead times, cut costs, and improve performance on the shop floor. By integrating additive into automation workflows, he demonstrates how companies can solve high-mix, low-volume production challenges while gaining new levels of flexibility.
As a speaker, Paul delivers real-world applications and lessons learned that attendees can apply immediately. His presentations introduce key design vocabulary, showcase shop-floor use cases, and highlight strategies for moving additive manufacturing into practical production environments.
With more than 15 years of hands-on experience, Paul bridges the gap between engineering design, additive technology, and manufacturing innovation.
Session(s):
Beyond Jigs and Fixtures: Bringing Additive to the Shop Floor | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
DAVID DECHOW
Arthur G. Russell Company
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David L. Dechow is an engineer, programmer, entrepreneur, and technologist widely recognized as an expert and thought leader in integration of machine vision, computer vision, and related automation technologies including robotics and motion control. He has personally provided machine vision integration, systems, solutions and support to a wide range of companies and currently serves as Vision/Industrial Automation Solutions Architect for Motion Automation Intelligence, located at their North Carolina office. He has had a decades-long career which included founding two notable vision systems integration companies and working for other key industry leaders like Fanuc America.
Mr. Dechow is a recipient of the AIA Automated Imaging Achievement Award recognizing career contributions to the vision industry, is a member of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) Vision & Imaging Technology Strategy Board, and is contributing editor for Vision Systems Design magazine.
As a key educator in the field of machine vision technologies, Mr. Dechow has participated in the training of hundreds of engineers as an instructor for multiple courses with the A3 Certified Vision Professional program since the program's origin. He also is well known for his frequent informative technical articles, papers, webinars, and conference sessions and classes covering a wide range of technical topics involving machine vision and associated enabling technologies in industrial automation.
Session(s):
The Fundamentals of Machine Vision | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)A Quick Start Guide to the Design and Integration of Reliable Automated Imaging Solutions | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
Vision System Design | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 10:30 AM (CDT)
Advanced Vision System Integration | Friday, June 26, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
DALE DEERING
VP Product Marketing & Line-Scan Product Management
Teledyne
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Dale Deering is the Vice President of Product Marketing and LineScan Product Management at Teledyne, responsible for oversight of product and business development for machine vision camera products. Dale has worked in the field of machine vision for over 25 years in both development and business leadership roles, and has extensive experience with imaging for many high speed and novel imaging applications. He has had the opportunity to work with many global customers engaged in a wide variety of applications, helping them implement imaging solutions to improve quality and efficiency. His in-depth knowledge of application requirements and key performance factors combined with technical innovation have produced a succession of imaging products with industry leading performance and strong global demand. Dale has taught the line-scan segment of the A3 Advanced Certified Vision Professional course for the past several years, and currently serves on the A3 Vision & Imaging Technology Strategy Board.
Session(s):
Designing Linescan Vision Systems | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
PAUL DIDIER
Solutions Architect Manager
Cisco
Paul Didier is an Solutions Architect Manager for Cisco® System’s Industries Product Group (IPG). He is responsible for developing solutions for the Discrete and Process Manufacturing, Transportation and Utilities verticals including Automotive, Oil & Gas, Mining and other sub-verticals.
Session(s):
The Industrial AI Accelerator: Roadmap for Rapid, Real-World ROI | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
FABIEN DUBOIS
Product Technology Specialist
Exaktera
Fabien Dubois, Product Technology Specialist at Exaktera, completed his PhD in Photonics at the Tyndall National Institute in Cork, Ireland. After graduating, he worked for FoodMarble Digestive Health, developing medical devices. Following this, he joined Tomra Food, working in the R&D department to design and test automated food sorting machines. At Exaktera, Fabien uses his expertise in physics and machine vision to help customers find the best lighting solution for their application while also researching new applications for their products and technologies and performing case studies.
Session(s):
The Three Essential Pillars of Hygienic Design for Automated Food & Beverage Manufacturing | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 2:30 PM (CDT)
HEIKO EISELE
President
MVTec, LLC
Heiko graduated from the University of Heidelberg/Germany in 2002. He started his career in machine vision in 1999 while working for Robert Bosch GmbH on the development of software algorithms for the automated analyisis of CT images. In 2003 Heiko joined MVTec as an application engineer. In 2007 Heiko established MVTec's North American subsidiary, which he has been running to this date.
Session(s):
Image Processing Fundamentals | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
DIANNE ELDRIDGE
AI Go-to-Market Lead, Power & Energy
Google
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Most AI executives have never set foot on a plant floor. Dianne Eldridge spent 20 years on them.
That's the gap she bridges—the distance between an industrial control room and a hyperscale data center, between an operations manager's reality and a Silicon Valley pitch deck. After two decades at industrial giants Emerson and Schneider Electric, she crossed into Big Tech, spending five years leading Industrial AI go-to-market strategy at AWS before joining Google as AI Go-To-Market Lead for Power & Energy—helping the sector's biggest players figure out what AI actually means for their operations, their margins, and their workforce.
Her credibility is institutional: AI Technology Strategy Board member for A3 (Association for Advancing Automation), Advisory Board Chair for Women's Energy Network Houston, and "50 Women to Watch For Boards" finalist. Her perspective is global: bi-cultural, fluent in Mandarin, with operations experience spanning the U.S., China, Italy, Singapore, and Canada.
From TEDx to AWS re:Invent to the World Bank AI Roundtable, Dianne commands the stage with the energy and authority that comes from actually knowing how things work. She speaks fluent Industrial and fluent AI—and brings both to every conversation about where heavy industry and artificial intelligence collide.
Session(s):
From | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 2:30 PM (CDT)
NEIL FARROW
Applications Engineer
Datalogic
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Neil Farrow is a licensed Professional Engineer with a BSEE from Michigan Technological University. As an applications engineer, he gets to share how technology can improve the lives of others. He has presented at numerous trade shows on topics such as Machine Vision, IO-Link, Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE), Artificial Intelligence, and Vision Guided Robotics. He is responsible for basic Machine Vision Lighting training for A3’s Certified Vision Professional program.
Session(s):
Improve Your Manufacturing Process with IO-Link | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)Beginning Lighting for Machine Vision | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
ALEX FINKELSTEIN
Sales Manager- Automated & Integrated Solutions
Teledyne FLIR
Alex Finkelstein is a sales and technology leader with years of experience in industrial thermal imaging and vision-based applications. As a leader for the Automated & Integrated Systems group at Teledyne FLIR, he works closely with OEMs, system integrators, and end users to deploy fixed-mount thermal cameras in industrial, automation, and safety-critical environments. Alex specializes in integrating thermal imaging into advanced vision systems for applications such as fire detection, condition monitoring, process monitoring, and AI-driven automation. His expertise includes system architecture, camera selection, analytics integration, and connectivity to PLC, SCADA, and machine vision platforms. Alex brings a strong understanding of how thermal data can be transformed into actionable insights for operational decision-making. His work focuses on aligning technology capabilities with real-world operational requirements. Known for bridging the gap between technical implementation and real-world operational needs, Alex brings a practical, application-focused perspective to thermal imaging and vision systems.
Session(s):
Non-Visible Imaging: Infrared Technology and Applications | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 10:30 AM (CDT)
BRADEN FIORESI
Simulation Engineer
ATC Automation
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Braden Fioresi is a Simulation Engineer at ATC Automation, based in Cookeville, Tennessee. He specializes in creating digital models of manufacturing equipment before physical fabrication begins. Braden's expertise includes simulations, emulations, and digital twins. These tools bring engineering designs to life virtually and allow teams to analyze, optimize, and communicate complex machine behavior before implementation. He is passionate about the transformative power of virtual commissioning, which leverages technologies such as Emulate3D to connect digital models with robot controllers, PLCs, and virtual reality platforms. Braden uses these models to identify design issues early, facilitate clear communication between project stakeholders, and streamline programming workflows at ATC. His demonstrations at customer events and trade shows highlight the practical benefits of virtual commissioning, including immersive experiences with VR. Braden remains committed to advancing manufacturing technologies and sharing his expertise to foster innovation in automation.
Session(s):
Virtual Commissioning for Real Communication | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
JACK FISHER
Business Development Manager
Acme Manufacturing
Jack Fisher, Strategic Business Development Manager at Acme Manufacturing, is a proven sales leader in robotics and automation with a robust technical background. Jack is focused on understanding the needs of manufacturers to develop turnkey robotic material removal solutions. With a history of top-ranking sales and adaptive market transitions, he brings a wealth of experience from roles at Genesis Systems Group and FANUC Robotics America. Jack holds a Bachelor's in Welding Engineering from Ohio State University and is a fitness enthusiast with a deep commitment to family and lifelong learning.
Session(s):
Master the Process, Then Automate It — Robotic Material Removal Process | Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
JON FREY
Head of Product Area New Business
Bosch Rexroth Corporation
Jon Frey is Head of Product Area New Business - NA, for the Bosch Rexroth Corporation. A graduate of Millersville University, with a Bachelors in Industrial-Arts Education, Jon has been employed with Bosch Rexroth for nearly 40 years. Throughout his tenure with Bosch Rexroth, Jon has held positions in Field Service, Instructor for the Rexroth Hydraulic training courses, Product Support, Product Management, Director of Industrial Hydraulic Products, Distribution Sales Manager – US, and is currently Head of Product Area New Business – North America. For more than a decade, Jon has been involved with the Robert Bosch North American Innovation Framework, an internal “shark-tank” like process for vetting innovations with potential toward being adopted into the Bosch / Bosch Rexroth portfolio. He was one of the pilot “ideators” within the Framework, and remains a member of the Innovation community as the Bosch Rexroth Champion, Coach, Moderator and Mentor. Throughout his tenure with Bosch Rexroth, he has remained a contributor to the NFPA, participating in various committees and task force opportunities.
Session(s):
From Crankshaft to Electro-Hydraulic, Closed-Circuit Drive and Control Solutions in Cryogenics | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 2:30 PM (CDT)
JEFF FRYMAN
Consultant
Association for Advancing Automation (A3)
Jeff Fryman is a retired United States Air Force officer. His 21-year career included eleven years’ experience as a Program Manager overseeing technical training programs.
For a second career, Jeff joined the Robotic Industries Association as their Director of Standards Development until his retirement in 2013. His 17-years at the RIA saw him responsible for the development of both the 1999 and 2012 editions of the ANSI/RIA R15.06 American National Standard for Industrial Robot Safety. He was also responsible for organizing the annual National Robot Safety Conference and numerous smaller safety events. In his roll at RIA, Jeff developed curricula for robot safety training, and taught hundreds of classes featuring the R15.06 methodology for conducting Risk Assessment. He also assisted in consulting on Risk Assessment and Robot Safety, and continues in his training roll with the association.
Internationally, Jeff was the Convener for ISO TC184/SC2 WG3, the committee responsible for developing the ISO 10218-1 and -2 International Standards for Industrial Robot Safety. Domestically, Jeff was the Vice-chair for the ANSI/ASSE Z244.1 committee; the standard for Control of Hazardous Energy – Lockout/Tagout and Alternative Methods. He has also been involved in other standards development efforts including the Canadian Standards Association committees for Robot Safety and Hazardous Energy Control; the Underwriters’ Laboratories Standards Technical Panel for UL1740 (robot safety); AMT and B11 Inc. ANSI Accredited Standards Committee for Safety of Machines – B11; and an advisor to the American Welding Society’s D16 committee for robotic welding.
Outside interests include all aspects of railroad operations. His model railroading activities include standards development and participation in regional and national events. And finally, Jeff never denies “going around in circles”; particularly when he is doing volunteer work for a railway museum where he is a qualified antique trolley operator.
Jeff resides in Saline, Michigan; outside of Ann Arbor.
Session(s):
Introduction to Robot Risk Assessment | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 2:30 PM (CDT)
MARC FUENTES
VP of Commercial Growth
Eclipse Automation
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Marc Fuentes is a proven B2B leader with 15+ years of success driving growth across services, SaaS, industrial automation, and generative AI. He partners with CEOs at critical inflection points—unlocking stalled growth, entering new markets, or leading turnarounds. A master of market positioning and GTM execution, Marc aligns tech, narrative, revenue, and system design to deliver lasting impact. He’s launched 65+ products, built functions from scratch, and driven $75M+ in revenue. Known for strategic clarity, team leadership, and customer-centric thinking, Marc helps organizations turn insights into action—and capital into transformation.
Session(s):
The Future of Digital Manufacturing in the Era of Physical AI | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 3:30 PM (CDT)
WESLEY GARRETT
Executive Director
FANUC America
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Wes Garrett serves as Executive Director of Global Accounts at FANUC, where he leads strategic engagement with food and beverage manufacturers and system integrators focused on packaging automation.
With over 20 years in the robotics industry—including nearly two decades at FANUC—Wes has held key roles in turnkey systems engineering, product management, and network sales.
As a product manager, he was instrumental in advancing FANUC’s palletizing robots and software, supporting high-speed picking and packing applications.
Today, Wes works closely with global manufacturers to guide their automation strategies, helping them deploy robotics to improve efficiency, scalability, and competitiveness.
Wes holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Tech University.
Session(s):
Automation Made Simple: Scalable Robotic Solutions for Food & Beverage | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
JOE GERSTL
Sr. Director of Product Management
Velotic
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Joe Gerstl is the Sr. Director of Proficy Product Management at Velotic. He has worked in the software industry and in manufacturing for over 30 years, spending time in various roles including engineering, sales and product management while working at leading companies such as Microsoft, GE Vernova, and now Velotic.
Session(s):
Leveraging Cloud to Accelerate Digital Transformation in Manufacturing | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
KEYURKUMAR GOHEL
Staff Mechanical Engineer - Electronics Test Automation
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies
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Keyur Gohel is a Staff Mechanical Engineer – Electronics Test Automation at Rivian, where he leads the development of scalable automated testing systems for advanced vehicle electronics, including ADAS, infotainment, and energy management ECUs. With prior experience at Joby Aviation, Keyur has worked on next-generation eVTOL aircraft, bridging the worlds of electric mobility and aerospace innovation.
Throughout his career, Keyur has focused on transforming complex prototype processes into high-volume, reliable, and data-driven manufacturing systems. His expertise spans automated fixture design, electromechanical integration, smart IoT-enabled test systems, and Industry 4.0 implementation for intelligent scalability.
Keyur’s vision lies in connecting automation technology with sustainability and human ingenuity — enabling teams to accelerate production without sacrificing innovation or quality. His work emphasizes modularity, digital twins, and closed-loop feedback systems to drive continuous improvement across manufacturing ecosystems.
A passionate advocate for smart manufacturing, Keyur frequently mentors engineering teams on applying design-for-automation principles and adopting intelligent data analytics for predictive maintenance and throughput optimization. His cross-industry insights — drawn from both EV and eVTOL sectors — offer a unique roadmap for organizations aiming to move from hand-built prototypes to production-scale systems with agility and confidence.
Session(s):
From Prototype to Production: Scalable Smart Automation for the EV and eVTOL Era | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 3:30 PM (CDT)
DAVE GRANT
CEO
PickNik Robotics
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Dave serves as CEO of PickNik Robotics, where he has transformed PickNik from a prestigious services organization into a high-growth robotics solutions and software company. At the core of this transformation is MoveIt Pro, PickNik’s software that enables customers to accelerate robotics development, reduce integration costs, and scale intelligent automation across industries. Dave brings proven experience scaling software companies, having served at two startups that achieved successful exits, including one that reached unicorn status with a $1.6 billion valuation. Outside of work, Dave is an avid skier who relishes the steep and deep runs at Arapahoe Basin.
Session(s):
Assembly: Manufacturing’s Last Great Automation Challenge | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 2:30 PM (CDT)
PATRICK GRASBOECK
Director Automotive America
FerRobotics Inc.
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Patrick Grasboeck combines a strong technical foundation in automotive engineering with profound leadership and business development expertise across the Americas. As Director Automotive at FerRobotics, Patrick is responsible for driving the company’s automotive strategy and operations throughout North and South America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
With his extensive knowledge of automation and surface-finishing technologies, Patrick plays a key role in supporting FerRobotics’ customers and partners across the automotive industry in mastering the challenges of flexible and sensitive automation. His work focuses on integrating FerRobotics’ patented Active Compliant Technology (ACT) and advanced tooling systems — such as the Active Contact Flange (ACF), Active Orbital Kit (AOK), and Active Angular Kit (AAK) — into large-scale production environments to enhance quality, efficiency, and precision.
Patrick is instrumental in driving the adoption of FerRobotics’ latest advancements, including the Active Taping Kit (ATK). This revolutionary end-of-arm tool enables the automated masking, taping, and wrapping of free-form surfaces by robots, eliminating a crucial manual bottleneck in production. Furthermore, his expertise is key to fully automating complex processes like automotive paint repair, delivering consistent, high-quality finishes that were previously unattainable with conventional robotics.
Prior to his current role, Patrick held various leadership positions, where he successfully managed cross-functional teams and implemented strategic initiatives to expand market presence and strengthen customer engagement.
Based in the Americas, Patrick collaborates closely with OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and industry partners to develop innovative, process-optimized automation solutions that bring FerRobotics’ sensitive robotic technology to life on modern production lines. He actively contributes his expertise to industry discussions and customer-focused initiatives that advance automation efficiency and quality across the region.
With his forward-looking approach and commitment to excellence, Patrick Grasboeck continues to drive FerRobotics’ mission to redefine automation — combining human-like sensitivity with industrial precision.
Session(s):
Revolutionizing Paint Repair: A Fully Automated Process at Stellantis | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
DAVE GRIFFITH
Host
Manufacturing Hub
David Griffith, well-known co-host of the Manufacturing Hub podcast, has a technical background in aerospace and aviation. He has over 17 years’ experience helping manufacturing and industrial organizations. After successfully growing a systems integration firm, Dave transitioned to consulting in 2019. He specializes in delivering AI-enabled solutions and emphasizes blending operational needs with technology. Dave has delivered hundreds of millions in savings to his clients while fostering organization-wide engagement. Manufacturing Hub is a weekly podcast exploring important and emerging industry topics from the practitioner's point of view.
Session(s):
Software-Defined Automation and the Future Factory | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
RILEY GROVES
Pre-Sales Team Lead
AMDT
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Riley is the Pre-Sales Team Lead for the Americas region at AMDT. Joining the company in July 2023, he brings experience in SaaS sales, solutions engineering, and enterprise deployment and training project management to the organization. Before transitioning to the Americas Team Lead role, Riley led Pre-Sales activities for the Americas Channel Sales team, providing Octoplant demos, executing partner technical enablement sessions, attending partner roadshow events, and driving Octoplant adoption and expansion with some of AMDT’s largest global customers. Riley was raised in Ohio, but currently resides in Pittsburgh, PA with his family.
Session(s):
Not on Your Watch: Protecting OT From Rising Cyber Threats | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
JORDAN GUHL
VP of Sales
Formova
Jordan Guhl is a seasoned automation and robotics executive with over 17 years of industry experience and more than a decade in the AGV market. He now serves as Vice President of Sales, where he leads global sales strategy and growth across all market segments served by the organization. His background spans mobile robotics, supply chain logistics, data analytics, and lean process improvement, enabling him to align technical capabilities with strategic business outcomes.
Prior to joining JBT Automated Systems, Jordan held engineering roles supporting leading medical device companies, including Philips Healthcare and B. Braun, gaining operational experience across more than 150 facilities nationwide. He holds a degree in Computer Science from Otterbein College and remains actively engaged with professional and industry organizations, including MGMA and Columbus Young Professionals.
Session(s):
Starting Your Automation Journey: What Engineers and Plant Managers Need to Know Before Deploying AGVs and AMRs | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
NITIN GUPTA
Vice President & Co-Founder
Dori AI
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Dr. Nitin Gupta is co-founder and Vice President of Dori AI, a industry-leading enterprise with the vision of enabling the applied AI market with a platform that accelerates the adoption of AI-based computer vision applications across manufacturing and logistic enterprises. He has 15+ years of experience leading product and architecture in AI, edge, mobile, and computer vision based systems. Prior to Dori, he commercialized various AI/ML products and computer vision efforts in Google's Daydream team where he led development and manufacturing operations for some of the company's bleeding edge AR/VR headsets.
Session(s):
Seeing is Solving: Advances in Smart Inspection | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
WILL HEALY III
Director of Product & Industry Marketing
Teradyne Robotics
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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.
Session(s):
The Evolution of the Collaborative Application From Cobot to Advanced Robotics and Physical AI | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
ERIC HERSHBERGER
Principal Application Engineer
Cognex
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.
Session(s):
Machine Vision Made Simple | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
MARTYN HILBERS
Manager EAE architects USA
Schneider Electric
With over 25 years of global experience in industrial automation and control systems, Martyn Hilbers is a seasoned engineer and leader in the field of industrial controls and digital transformation, currently leading a small team of engineers providing technical sales support for the next generation automation platform Ecostruxure Automation Expert at Schneider Electric. Renowned for pioneering advanced automation and predictive analytics across diverse industries—including food and beverage, dairy, mining, energy, and water treatment— Martyn combines deep technical expertise with visionary leadership.
Beginning his career in the Netherlands and progressing through key engineering and leadership roles in Australia, Canada, and the U.S., Martyn has successfully managed multimillion-dollar automation projects, led international teams, and contributed to Industry 4.0 innovations as a patent holder, trainer, and conference speaker. His approach emphasizes people-centric automation and digital transformation, continuous improvement, and total productive maintenance (TPM).
Session(s):
Design Faster, Deploy Smarter: Engineering with Open, Software-Defined Automation | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 2:30 PM (CDT)
CHRISTOPHER HOEMEKE
Global Account Manager
Rockwell Automation
From sensors to insights....Industry 4.0 and IoT executive with experience across several verticals including manufacturing, oil and gas, aerospace and smart spaces and agriculture. A true passion for Private 5G Network solutions.
A critical liaison between product, business, and engineering teams. And robust international experience across 50 countries.
Session(s):
From Run to Break to Prescriptive Operations | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
MARK HOLCOMB
Director of Product Management for ALIO Industries
Allied Motion, an Allient company
Mark Holcomb is currently the Director of Product Management for ALIO Industries, part of Allied Motion, an Allient company. He studied at the University of Buffalo (MS 1994) and began his professional career at CSA Engineering (now Moog) in Palo Alto, California. In 1997 Mark started his own consulting company, focusing his work at KLA, a leading semiconductor equipment manufacturer. While at KLA, Mark conducted model testing and servo loop modeling, tuning, and testing. Joining Celera Motion in 2015, his early work focused on writing software for BLDC motor analysis and automated testing of motors and mechatronics products. In 2018 he became Applications Engineering Manager, helping customers solve their motion control needs. In September of 2022, Mark joined Genesis Motion Solutions as Director of Product Management and Application Engineering where he supported a team of product managers and applications engineers, setting product roadmaps and helping customers and internal sales with pre and post sales technical support. In December of 2023, Mark returned to work as a motion control consultant, focusing his talents towards helping people solve precision motion challenges, both technically and commercially. Mark joined Allied Motion in July of 2024, working predominantly in a product manager capacity for ALIO Industries, but also supporting two other Technical Units of Allied Motion, those being ThinGap and Sierramotion.
Session(s):
Introduction to Magnetism and Motor Basics | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 2:00 PM (CDT)CMCP Course Review and Exam Prep | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 1:15 PM (CDT)
MATTHEW HORI
Field Application Engineer
Allied Vision Technologies
Matt Hori is a Field Application Engineer at Allied Vision with over 25 years of experience in the machine vision industry. He specializes in camera and image sensor technology, with a focus on sensor performance, image quality fundamentals, and practical system design considerations. His work centers on helping customers apply imaging technology to real-world automation applications using area scan, line scan, and advanced imaging solutions.
Session(s):
Advanced Camera and Image Sensor Technology | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
ALEX SHAO-FENG HSU
Senior Engineer
Techman Robot Inc.
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Alex is a seasoned robotics expert with over eight years of experience in robot development and application. At Techman Robot, he specializes in designing and developing innovative features for AI cobots, ensuring they meet the versatile demands of modern industrial environments.
Beyond feature innovation, Alex possesses deep expertise in virtual simulation development. By leveraging advanced simulation tools, he enables manufacturers to visualize, test, and optimize robotic workflows in a virtual space before physical implementation. This technical synergy allows for higher precision and significantly faster deployment, helping enterprises achieve seamless automation and high-efficiency production through cutting-edge AI-driven solutions.
Session(s):
Addressing U.S. Reshoring Challenges with Techman Robot’s Smart Vision and AI | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
ROBERT HUSCHKA
Vice President 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.
Session(s):
The State of the Automation Industry: Leadership Roundtable | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 9:00 AM (CDT)
BOB HYNES
Director of Sales
JR Automation
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Bob Hynes, Sales Director of Digital Solutions at JR Automation, brings over 30 years of experience in the automotive and industrial automation industries. With a strong background in product development, operations, strategic planning, automation, and business development, Bob is a seasoned global sales leader with expertise in sales management, manufacturing, and business planning. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Michigan. At JR Automation, Bob is dedicated to driving innovative digital solutions that empower manufacturers to optimize operations and embrace Industry 4.0.
- JR Automation – Hitachi since 2019 (6 years)
- Joined HIHA in 2023
- Director – Digital Solutions Business Unit starting 2020-Present
- Start-up company within JR Automation for OT / IT (with Hitachi)
- Director of Sales – JR Automation Hitachi 2019-2020
- Stevensville, MI and Holland, MI Business Units
- 25 Years at Johnson Controls / Prince Corp and 8 years at General Motors
- Engineering, Sales/Marketing, Strategic Planning, Operations, R+D
- Education: BS Mechanical Eng (Michigan State), MBA (University of Michigan)
Session(s):
Harnessing AI for Scalable Automation: Real-World Solutions for Today that Adapt for Next-Gen Technology | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
JON JENSEN
Industry Projects Manager – Energy
SMC Corporation of America
Jon Jensen is SMC Corporation of America’s National Sales Manager for Energy Efficiency and Machinery Safety products. He is a Certified Machinery Safety Expert (TUV NORD), a past president of the International Fluid Power Society, an Accredited Instructor, and holds a Pneumatic Specialist certification. Prior to his current responsibilities, Jon served for ~10 years as SMC’s North American Training Manager and ~15 years managing SMC’s Energy Efficiency Team.
Session(s):
Smart and Sustainable Monitoring Solutions for Pneumatically Driven Machines | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 3:30 PM (CDT)
STEPHEN JONES
Sr Machine Vision Engineer
General Motors
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Steve Jones brings over 40 years of expertise in automation and controls, with a career spanning PLCs, robotics, laser safety, and machine vision. At GM, he has led transformative initiatives—developing global standards for robotics, lasers, and vision systems—and pioneered strategies that shaped GM’s automation platforms. A recognized thought leader, Steve has spoken at leading industry events including A3’s AIA, RIA, and Laser Photonics, influencing technology roadmaps and driving innovation across the supply base. As a Certified Vision Professional at the advanced level, he mentors engineers and leads the deployment of next-generation machine vision solutions for alternative energy programs. Passionate about preparing manufacturing for AI-driven automation, Steve shares his knowledge to inspire progress and ensure the future of intelligent systems is built on a strong foundation.
Session(s):
Requirements for Successful Machine Vision Applications: Past, Present, and Future | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:30 PM (CDT)
JEFF JONIAK
Play-by-Play Announcer
Chicago Bears
One of the energetic and exciting broadcast voices of the National Football League, Jeff Joniak enters his 26th season as the play-by-play announcer of the Chicago Bears, his 30th season involved in the game day radio broadcasts, and his 41st year of sports broadcasting in Chicago.
Entering his fourth season on the radio flagship home of the Bears, ESPN Chicago, Joniak is joined by Super Bowl winning Bear Tom Thayer, and former Bears fullback Jason McKie. Currently, Joniak hosts “The Bears ETC.” podcast for the Chicago Bears and the “Bears Weekly Radio” each week on ESPN Chicago.
On game days, Jeff co-hosts Bears-produced television shows, “Bears Game Day Live” and “Bears Game Night Live” on Fox, while also conducting post-game interviews on Marquee Sports Network Chicago Bears programming during the season. Since 2024, Joniak has been the play-by-play announcer of the Senior Bowl on Sirius XM’s NFL Radio.
From 1997-2022, Joniak hosted the Chicago Bears game day broadcasts on WMAQ and WBBM Radio, while serving as Director of Sports Operations, reporter, and sports anchor earning multiple awards over the years.
Throughout the year, Jeff emcees a number of charitable events, and special appearances for various companies. He is a board member for the Chicago Chapter of the National Football Foundation, and has emceed its Scholarship Awards ceremony for nearly 20 years. His work includes hosting the NFL’s Ed Block Courage Award ceremony for the Bears and the annual Chicago Bears Care Gala.
Joniak was selected by the NSMA as the 2022 Illinois Sportscaster of the Year and named to the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. A six-time winner of the Peter Lisagor Award, Joniak also was named the winner of the 2022 INBA Crystal Mic Award. Joniak earned multiple Associated Press “Best Sports Reporting” awards and earned the Silver Dome Award for “Best Play-by-Play” in 2006, and in 2013 and 2022 as “Best Sportscaster”. He was the winner of the RTNDA Edward R. Murrow Awards in 2007, 2009, and 2013. Jeff has also earned Chicago Midwest Emmy Awards for Bears television shows in 2009 and 2012.
Before joining the Chicago Bears media crew, Jeff co-hosted the game day broadcasts for the Chicago Bulls, during their championship years from 1991-1996. His first broadcasting job was at Sports Phone in Chicago, followed by stops at the Tribune Radio Network, Illinois News Network, CLTV, and Metro Networks where he started the sports department. It was at the old WMAQ Radio that Jeff became Sports Director, worked on Bulls broadcasts, anchored morning drive, and started with the Bears as the co-host of pre-game and post-game shows.
He is a 1980 graduate of Hersey High School in Arlington Heights, where he’s been named one of the school’s Distinguished Alumni and a 1984 Broadcast Journalism graduate of Iowa State University.
Session(s):
Built to Win: The Mindset Behind Championship Performance | Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 9:00 AM (CDT)
JOSHUA JOSEPH
Manufacturing Engineer
Tesla, Inc
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Joshua Joseph is an AMR Launch Engineer at Tesla, leading the pilot deployment and scaling of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) to modernize material flow in legacy manufacturing environments. His work focuses on integrating AMRs with fleet management systems, warehouse management software, PLCs, and analytics platforms to deliver measurable efficiency gains, reduce logistics waste, and enhance human–robot collaboration on the factory floor.
Before his current role, Joshua worked as a Process Engineer at Tesla, driving process optimization and automation integration across high-volume production lines. He holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University, where he taught Smart Factory systems in FESTO’s Cyber-Physical Lab and conducted robotic process improvement research at the Kostas Research Institute for Homeland Security.
Blending practical factory experience with research-based automation insight, Joshua focuses on bridging legacy manufacturing with next-generation autonomous systems. His current work explores scalable AMR deployment strategies, interoperability standards, and quantifiable ROI for industrial automation.
Joshua is a Certified Automation Professional (CAP) Associate with ISA and an active contributor to the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers (IISE) Young Professionals Division. Outside of engineering, he is a recognized LinkedIn voice, sharing lessons on technology innovation and career growth. His mission is to make automation accessible, measurable, and transformative for factories of every scale.
Session(s):
Scaling AMRs in Legacy Factories: Measurable Efficiency Gains and Real-World Deployment Strategies | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
DAN JUNKER
CEO
Automation Rangers, Inc.
Dan Junker participates on ISO, A3 and UL Standards committees and is a TuV Nord Certified Machine Safety Expert as well as a Dan owns Automation Rangers, a safety consulting firm specializing in robot,AMR, crane, material handling systems, Corporate Safety Strategy, writing Safety Programs and CE Mark ROI based applications.
Dan is part owner of Robot Safety Center endorsed by the A3 for their task-based risk assessment software addressing AI, 3D point cloud, robot, machine and material handling systems. Robot Safety Center is DOD security compliant.
Dan Junker is also well known for originating cableless safe control systems for robots, material handling, cranes and 3D point cloud personal safety around automation. Automation Rangers is assisting with risk assessments for major plant expansions and helping develop strategies for addressing the new Standards.
Dan is an accomplished author on cableless safe control, task-based risk assessment and general automation safety applications, with a book in the works to be released in early 2026.
Session(s):
Dynamic Risk Assessments for AI and 3D Point Cloud Technology | Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
MATT KEIL
Director of Sales - Automotive
SICK
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Matt Keil is the Director for Automotive Sales at SICK. He has been with SICK for over 8 years. With expertise in factory automation and OEM manufacturing, Matt works to provide customers with strategies to achieve operational excellence and sustained productivity.
Session(s):
Lights-Out Manufacturing: Powering Autonomous Production | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:30 PM (CDT)
TOM KELLY
CEO and Executive Director
Automation Alley
Tom Kelly is a globally recognized expert on Industry 4.0 and its impact on business. As executive director and CEO of Automation Alley, a Michigan-based nonprofit Industry 4.0 knowledge center with a global outlook and a regional focus, Tom is often tapped to share his visionary leadership and expertise around digital transformation.
As executive director and CEO, Tom has been instrumental to the success of Automation Alley’s Industry 4.0 initiatives, designed to help businesses jumpstart or accelerate a digital path to strategic success, including Integr8, the global Industry 4.0 conference; the 3D printing network Project DIAMOnD; and the formation of the World Economic Forum’s U.S. Centre for Advanced Manufacturing.
Tom serves on the World Economic Forum’s Global Futures Council for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains, is a member of the Additive Manufacturing Coalition Steering Committee, and is a board member of the Fraunhofer Technology Advisory Board, Global Future Council on Advanced Manufacturing and Value Chains and Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center Board.
Session(s):
The Software-First Factory: How Automation and AI are Rewriting the Rules of Manufacturing | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
VISHWANATH KETKAR
Motion Controls Engineer
Beckhoff Automation LLC
Dr. Vishwanath Ketkar is a Motion Controls Engineer with Beckhoff USA. A PhD in Electrical Engineering, Dr. Ketkar is an emerging expert in the areas of motion control systems, drive technology, assistive robotics, motor rehabilitation, and haptics. As an engineer and scientist with more than four years of scholarly research experience, Dr. Ketkar has applied his deep academic knowledge to support Beckhoff customers in the implementation of next generation motion control and robotic systems. In addition to this expertise, Dr. Ketkar also has an extensive programming background for use in motion control systems, including IEC 61131-3 languages along with software platforms and standards such as TwinCAT, MATLAB®/Simulink®, Python, and C++.
Session(s):
Motion Controllers, Programming, and System Design Basics | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)CMCP Course Review and Exam Prep | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 1:15 PM (CDT)
STEVE KINNEY
Director of Training
Smart Vision Lights
teve Kinney is a machine vision expert who joined Pulnix America and entered the machine vision industry in 1998. Going on to work for Basler, JAI, CCS, and now Smart Vision Lights, he has many years of machine vision imaging experience and has become an expert in industrial cameras and imagers. Since starting work in the lighting sector of Machine Vision in early 2015, he now combines camera expertise with machine vision lighting to bring an expanded knowledge base to the machine vision market.
Steve has additionally been an active A3 member and a current member of the A3 Board of Directors as Vice Chair of the Vision & Imaging Technology Strategy Board. He has been a past chairman of the AIA’s Camera Link Committee, beginning with its inception in 1999. As chair of one of the major standards committees, he has also been a participant the G3’s Future Standards Forum.
Steve has also been a major material contributor and instructor for the A3 Certified Vision Professional (CVP) program in both the Basic and Advanced CVP Camera + Image Sensor Technology courses. Steve currently is the Director of Training, Compliance and Technical Solutions for Smart Vision Lights in Muskegon, MI.
Session(s):
Advanced Vision Lighting | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 12:30 PM (CDT)
TOM KNAUER
Product Manager
Balluff
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Tom Knauer has extensive experience in industrial automation, with companies including Balluff, Omron STI, Parker Hannifin and GE Fanuc. His focus is on strategy, business development and product management for sensors, safety and networking. Tom works closely with customers, sales, product management and product development to create and execute Balluff’s solutions and strategies for robotics, intralogistics, assembly automation and condition monitoring.
Session(s):
Data-Driven Maintenance: Applying Smart Manufacturing Technologies To Foundational Approaches Developed In WW2 | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
KEITH KNIGHT
Director of Sales
Invio Automation, Inc.
Keith Knight is a commercial and technical leader in custom automation, supporting manufacturers across medical device, life science, and industrial markets. He works with Invio Automation to help customers evaluate automation opportunities, define technical approaches, and connect manufacturing challenges with practical, scalable solutions.
Keith’s experience spans motion control, precision assembly, automated equipment strategy, proposal development, and customer engagement. He brings a balanced perspective that combines technical understanding with business justification, helping organizations improve throughput, quality, and long-term manufacturing performance.
He has also contributed to industry education through speaking and training on motion control and automation topics, including practical considerations for system design, component selection, and implementation.
Session(s):
Mechanical Motion Control Components and Subsystems | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)Understanding Inertia and Reflected Inertia | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 11:30 AM (CDT)
CMCP Course Review and Exam Prep | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 1:15 PM (CDT)
VISH KOLUR
Head of Business Development, Enterprise 5G - Emerging Markets
Ericsson
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Vish Kolur is Head of Business Development, Enterprise 5G - Emerging Markets, at Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions. In this role, Vish leads the development, co-creation and innovation of Industrial IoT solutions with strategic partners. He has 20+ years of experience in Information and Communication Technology industry; managing diverse IT, Telco and CIO functions including: cloud and IoT solutions, product management, business development and sales.
Session(s):
Brains and Brawn: Why Physical AI Needs Private 5G to Succeed in the Factory | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
DANIEL KUBIK
SVP
Rain Engineering
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Dan Kubik is Senior Vice President at Rain Engineering, headquartered in New Jersey. With deep expertise in enterprise SaaS and digital transformation for manufacturing, he has built a reputation as a trusted advisor and technology leader, guiding operational innovation at some of the world’s largest organizations.
Dan holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from NJIT and combines hands-on experience with strategic leadership across manufacturing execution systems, industrial automation, and enterprise platforms. He has successfully led technical and consulting engagements for Fortune 500 manufacturers, helping clients modernize operations and maximize business value through cloud-based solutions and actionable digital roadmaps.
Throughout his career, Dan has unified operations and IT infrastructure across global facilities, managed complex technology deployments, and enabled high-performing teams to deliver measurable results. He is recognized for building strong relationships, driving change through collaboration, and bridging the gap between plant-floor realities and long-term technology vision.
Dan remains committed to empowering manufacturers to accelerate innovation and build resilient, competitive digital operations. He brings a forward-thinking perspective to every engagement, focused on practical solutions and the transformative impact of technology.
Session(s):
Leveraging Cloud to Accelerate Digital Transformation in Manufacturing | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
THOMAS KUCKHOFF
Senior Product Manager
Omron Automation Americas
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Thomas Kuckhoff is a Licensed Professional Engineer and Senior Product Manager at Omron Automation Americas, where he leads strategic initiatives for industrial controllers, industrial PCs, and advanced automation platforms. With a Mechanical Engineering degree and an MBA from Clemson University, Thomas combines technical expertise with commercial insight to drive innovation and operational excellence across global manufacturing environments.
Throughout his career, Thomas has demonstrated leadership in shaping Industry 4.0 strategies, guiding organizations through digital transformation, and enabling scalable automation. He is the inventor of 13 U.S. patents and is consistently published on the topics of: IT/OT integration and advanced process control. His approach emphasizes building resilient, future-ready factories through data-first strategies that balance flexibility and cost efficiency.
Beyond his professional role, Thomas is deeply committed to leadership and community impact. He serves on nonprofit boards, including the Center for Developmental Services, and contributes to Clemson University’s MBA Alumni Council. Passionate about mentorship, he actively supports initiatives that prepare the next generation of engineers and business leaders. Thomas’s work reflects a vision of empowering teams, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable competitive advantages in an increasingly complex manufacturing landscape.
Session(s):
Being Data-First: A Practical Path to Agentic AI in Factory Automation | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
MATTHEW KULP
EVP, Managing Partner
St. Onge Company
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Matt Kulp is a degreed Industrial Engineer from the Rochester Institute of Technology and holds an MBA from Temple University. He began his career in the garment industry, gaining hands-on experience in both production and distribution before moving to an industrial manufacturer of roofing supplies.
In 1999, Matt joined St. Onge Company, a York, PA–based firm that provides supply chain engineering and consulting services worldwide. Over his tenure, he has led innovative material handling projects in roles ranging from engineer to project manager to director. Since 2017, he has served as Executive Vice President and Managing Partner.
Matt is an active member of the Material Handling Industry (MHI) organization and participates in several of its groups, including The Robotics Group and the Solutions Community. He is also a frequent speaker at MHI’s annual trade shows, ProMat and MODEX.
In his current role, Matt focuses on bringing cutting-edge industry insights back to the St. Onge team—ensuring their clients continue to benefit from leading-edge thinking and innovative solutions.
Session(s):
Last Mile Delivery Is at a Crossroads | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
LINCOLN LAGASI
Senior Offer Manager - Drive Solutions
Schneider Electric
Lincoln Lagasi is leading in efforts to advance industrial automation and digital transformation across the manufacturing sector. With experience in automation technologies and customer engagement, he works with OEMs, system integrators, and industrial end users to implement solutions that improve operational performance and efficiency.
In his current role, Lincoln is helping to shape organizational adoption of modern, software-driven approaches to automation, leveraging technologies such as connected devices, advanced control systems, and data analytics. He is focused on enabling more flexible and resilient operations while aligning with sustainability and energy efficiency goals.
Session(s):
Drives as a Performance Engine | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
FRANK LANGRO
Product Market Management, Pneumatic Automation
Festo Corporation
Frank Langro currently leads a multi-national team as the Director of Product Market Management for the Pneumatic Automation products at Festo. Frank has represented Festo in multiple areas in support of the advancement of automation, and in particular fluid power. He has participated in the development of national and global standards as a member of the National Fluid Power Association. He has represented Festo as an Industrial Advisory Board member for the CCEFP (Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power), a partnership between industry and several leading universities to steer the direction of fluid power research. Frank also holds four patents in the area of fluid power. In addition, Frank has been a volunteer for over 15 years with FIRST Long Island, a 501(c)(3) organization, that administers all four FIRST programs on Long Island. FIRST uses robotics as the platform to help the students develop an interest in science and technology, while developing the skills needed to excel in today’s environment. Since 2018 Frank has been a member of the Board of Directors of FIRST Long Island. Frank attained a BS degree in mechanical engineering from Hofstra University.
Session(s):
Choosing the Best Fit Motion Control Components and Systems | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
ERIC LANKE
President/CEO
National Fluid Power Association
Eric Lanke is the President and CEO of the National Fluid Power Association, a trade association of more than 300 organizations serving the hydraulic and pneumatic industries. He is responsible for setting NFPA’s strategic direction, and overseeing the programs and communications needed to achieve its objectives. He also serves as the President and CEO of the NFPA Education and Technology Foundation, an affiliated charitable organization that supports outreach, education and research programs in fluid power.
Session(s):
Choosing the Best Fit Motion Control Components and Systems | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)From Crankshaft to Electro-Hydraulic, Closed-Circuit Drive and Control Solutions in Cryogenics | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 2:30 PM (CDT)
Smart and Sustainable Monitoring Solutions for Pneumatically Driven Machines | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 3:30 PM (CDT)
JONATHAN LANNAN
Director of Product Management
LMI Technologies
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Jonathan Lannan is an engineering leader with over 17 years of experience in designing and manufacturing advanced opto-electronic and sensing systems. As Director of Product Management at LMI Technologies, he leads the development of next-generation 2D and 3D smart inspection solutions used across industries such as semiconductor, electronics, automotive, and packaging. A McMaster University Engineering Physics graduate, Jonathan is passionate about turning complex sensing technologies into practical, high-impact tools that drive smarter automation and better manufacturing outcomes.
Session(s):
3D Line Confocal Imaging in Action: Overview and Real-World Applications | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 2:30 PM (CDT)
DANIEL LAU
Professor and Director of Graduate Studies
University of Kentucky
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Dr. Daniel L. Lau received his B.Sc. degree (with highest distinction) in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, in 1995 and his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Delaware, Newark, in 1999. He is the Databeam Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Kentucky, Director of Graduate Studies, and a Certified Professional Engineer. Dr. Lau was elected to the A3 Vision Technology Strategy Board of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), where he provides strategic direction for the advancement of machine vision technology. Dr. Lau is widely published, including proceedings such as the IEEE and the book Modern Digital Halftoning (CRC Press, 2nd edition). His research spans 3D imaging, machine vision, digital halftoning, and optical engineering, and has appeared in Vision Systems Design, Photonics Spectra, Imaging Insight, and Inspect Magazine, with numerous patents granted in halftoning and structured light systems.
Session(s):
Understanding Time-of-Flight Cameras | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
JOSHUA LEATH
Senior Product Manager - Thermal Applications
Yaskawa Motoman
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Josh Leath is a Senior Product Manager at Yaskawa, specializing in welding robotics with previous careers in electronics, test equipment, and composites. Josh helps lead the development of innovative solutions tailored to the fabrication industry. He collaborates with engineers, industry partners, and customers to create systems that improve productivity, precision, and reliability. Passionate about driving progress automation, Josh is committed to helping businesses stay competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Session(s):
Beyond Collaborative Robots: How Smarter Automation Redefines Simplicity | Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
STEPHEN LEVESQUE
Director, Artificially Intelligent Manufacturing System
The Ohio State University
Steve Levesque is the Director of Artificially Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (AIMS) at the Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME) and Associate Director at the Simulation and Innovative Modeling Center (SIMCenter). Steve joined OSU in 2024 with over 25 years of experience in the research and development of advanced manufacturing technologies. Steve currently directs the business activities, processes, and strategy for AIMS and SIMCenter. The AIMS and and SIMCenter teams provide cross-functional skills to deliver research solutions to industry and government while also providing meaningful hands-on opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Prior to joining OSU, Steve’s work experience included a variety of engineering and management roles with Caterpillar at their Tech Center, Framatome Inc. Repair and Replacement Division, and most recently EWI. Steve has held a wide range of roles including welding engineering, robotic programming, special projects engineering, commercial and government research engineering, project and program management, operations management, and patent and IP portfolio management. Steve has served customers across a variety of industry sectors including automotive, aerospace, chemical, consumer products, defense, energy, heavy manufacturing, transportation and technical training.
Session(s):
Robotics for Manufacturing: Trends, Best Practices, and What You Need to Know | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
YJ LIM
Principal Technical Robotics Product Lead
MathWorks
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Dr. YJ Lim is the Principal Technical Product Lead at MathWorks, specializing in robotics and autonomous systems with over 25 years of experience. Previously, he was the Project Manager at Vecna Robotics, focusing on advanced robotics development. Before Vecna, Lim was the Chief Innovation Officer at Hstar Technologies, working on mobile robotics. He also led teams at Energid Technologies in robotic engineering services. Lim earned his Ph.D. from RPI and a Master's from KAIST.
Session(s):
Accelerating Industrial Robotics with AI and Generative Models | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
MARK LONGACRE
Sr. Strategist - Market Development
Formova
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Mark Longacre is the Sr. Strategist for Market Development at JBT Automated Systems where he leverages more than 25 years of experience in automation, engineering, and market strategy to guide the company’s growth in advanced industrial systems. His background includes roles as Application Engineering Manager and Marketing Manager at JBT, giving him deep technical insight into automated solutions, system requirements, and customer deployment challenges.
Session(s):
Starting Your Automation Journey: What Engineers and Plant Managers Need to Know Before Deploying AGVs and AMRs | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT).png)
JUAN LOPEZ
Product Manager - Automation
SCHUNK
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Juan Lopez is a Product Manager for the Automation group at SCHUNK USA, where he oversees new product releases, market strategy, technical support, and broader product management responsibilities. He brings a deep understanding of automation systems, gained through years of hands-on design and project experience, to guide cross-functional teams in developing solutions that meet real-world customer needs.
Juan began his career at SCHUNK as a Design Engineer, where he developed products across the Automation, Toolholding, and Clamping Technology product lines. After several years in design, he transitioned to project management and project engineering within the Automation group, leading special custom solutions for complex applications. His work combines technical expertise with strategic insight, helping ensure that SCHUNK’s products deliver reliability, performance, and flexibility.
Session(s):
Staying Ahead with Flexible Automation: Unlocking Greater Value and Adaptability | Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
MEGAN MACNEIL
Director of Marketing
Basler Inc.
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Megan MacNeil is the Marketing Director at Basler, Inc., a global leader in computer vision technology with an extensive portfolio of innovative hardware and software solutions. With over 20 years of experience in the vision and photonics industry, Megan has held key marketing and leadership roles at global companies including ZEISS, Hamamatsu, and Novanta. She brings a deep understanding of imaging technologies and market strategy, driving growth and visibility for cutting-edge vision solutions.
Megan holds a Bachelor of Science in Photographic Sciences from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Session(s):
Seeing Before Building: A Digital Twin Focused on Vision Systems | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
MICHAEL MAHFET
President
GCG - AFS
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Michael Mahfet is President of GCG Automation & Factory Solutions, where he’s leading the company’s transformation into a high-growth, high-margin industrial automation leader. Since joining in 2024, he has unified six acquisitions, streamlined operations, and refocused the organization on premium automation solutions that deliver measurable ROI for manufacturers.
Under Michael’s leadership, GCG AFS has strengthened its position in the rapidly expanding North American collaborative robot (cobot) market. The company has built strategic partnerships with FANUC, Universal Robots, and Yaskawa Motoman, creating a model that combines distribution, value-added services, and complete turnkey system integration. Notably, GCG became the first authorized distributor of FANUC’s CRX cobot line, positioning the company at the forefront of advanced automation solutions.
With more than 25 years of experience spanning engineering, operations, and executive leadership at VulcanForms, Ascent Aerospace, ABB, and GE, Michael brings deep expertise across the full lifecycle of automation projects. As Vice President and General Manager of ABB Robotics North America, Michael led a major turnaround of the business, growing revenue from $120 million to over $350 million and establishing ABB as a market leader across industries including automotive, aerospace, food & beverage, and general manufacturing.
Michael is passionate about helping companies make smart automation investments by understanding where technology delivers real ROI. At Automate 2026, he will share real-world insights, covering how to evaluate cobot opportunities, compare them to conventional automation, and build business cases that drive measurable results.
He holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.
Session(s):
Why ROI is Not One of the Top Reasons Collaborative Robots are Justified by Businesses | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
LUCIANO MANCINI
World Wide DELMIA Industry Process Senior Expert
Dassault Systèmes
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Luciano Mancini is a seasoned professional in industrial automation and digital manufacturing, with nearly two decades of experience advancing innovation across the automotive and manufacturing sectors. As part of Dassault Systèmes’ worldwide team, he enables organizations to realize the Virtual Twin Experience, bridging the virtual and physical worlds to achieve greater efficiency and operational excellence. His expertise spans robotic simulation, assembly line design, and factory optimization. Luciano holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, an Executive MBA, and is a Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.), combining technical depth with strategic insight to help industries embrace the future of manufacturing.
Session(s):
Digital Transformation in Body-in-White: Enabling End-to-End Efficiency Through the Virtual Twin | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 3:30 PM (CDT)
RICCARDO MARIANI
VP of Industry Safety
NVIDIA
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Riccardo Mariani is the vice president of industry safety at NVIDIA and leads the NVIDIA Halos initiative. He's responsible for developing cohesive safety strategies and cross-segment safety processes, architecture, and products that can be leveraged across NVIDIA’s artificial intelligence-based hardware and software platforms.
Session(s):
Building Safer Physical AI: Certification, Robotics, and Agentic Control | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
ANDRÉ MARINO
Senior Vice President Industrial Automation North America
Schneider Electric
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André Marino is Senior Vice President Industrial Automation North America, and a member of the Global Executive Leadership Team at Schneider Electric.
André leads the industrial automation business in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, leveraging his over two decades of industrial technology expertise to drive efficiency and productivity for Schneider Electric customers. His passion is driving industrial resilience and agility while reducing the environmental impact of the sector through digital and automation innovation.
Throughout his career with Schneider Electric, André has held several pivotal roles in software, industrial automation, and energy management. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President, Digital Buildings, where he led key business transformations and acquisitions, both globally and locally. Prior to that, Andréa was Global Vice President of Industrial Automation. In this role, he spearheaded end user and software go-to-market efforts worldwide. Earlier, André led the Schneider Electric Industrial Automation and Software Hub in Brazil.
Before joining Schneider Electric, André co-founded Lar Plásticos, a market leader in the circular economy in Brazil, where he continues to serve as a board member. His career in IoT (Internet of Things) began with SoftBrasil, and he later co-founded Envisia Gerenciamento de Ativos, an IoT asset management company. André is also a board member of Clockworks Analytics.
André holds a BS in Electronic Engineering, an MBA, and recently completed the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at MIT Sloan School of Management.
His extensive experience and leadership in the field make Andréa a prominent figure and sought after spokesperson in industrial technology.
André resides in Boston, Massachusetts.
Session(s):
The State of the Automation Industry: Leadership Roundtable | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 9:00 AM (CDT)
SCOTT MARSIC
Group Product Manager
Epson Robots
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Scott Marsic brings three decades of experience in transforming diagnostic, technical, and business intelligence products into innovative, market-leading solutions. As Group Product Manager at Epson, he drives strategic initiatives that enhance channel growth and increase end-user demand within the industrial robotics sector. Scott earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz, a Master’s from the University of Southern California, and an MBA from San Francisco State University.
Session(s):
Automation 401: Choosing the Right Automation Tools for the Job | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 2:30 PM (CDT)
CHRIS MATTHIEU
VP, Developer Ecosystem
RealSense, Inc.
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Chris Matthieu is the VP, Developer Ecosystem at RealSense, where he loves to engage with AI, robotics, and vision perception developers. Chris is a frequent speaker at robotics and emerging technology conferences.
Session(s):
Let’s Build an Embodied AI Robotics Demo Together | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)The Industrial AI Accelerator: Roadmap for Rapid, Real-World ROI | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
RYAN MAUGHAN
Managing Director
Transense Technologies plc
Ryan Maughan is a seasoned engineer and business leader with over 25 years of experience in the advanced engineering and clean mobility technologies sectors. Since 2024 he has served as the Managing Director of Transense Technologies plc, a publicly traded company based in the United Kingdom and listed on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM. Transense is a pioneering company in the field of Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) sensor technology, which it employs to develop innovative torque, force, and temperature sensing solutions for automotive, aerospace, and robotics applications.
In addition Ryan is the founder of eTech49 Ltd, a technology development, business strategy, and commercialisation consultancy firm that supports a range of major corporations. Ryan’s professional journey commenced as a mechanical engineer within the motorsport industry. Subsequently, he embarked on a series of entrepreneurial endeavours, notably founding AVID Technology Group, a globally recognised developer of high-performance electric motors and power electronics for electric and hybrid vehicles. This role played a pivotal role in shaping the electrification strategies of prominent automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers. Beyond his executive responsibilities, Ryan hosts the eTech49 Learning podcast, where he shares valuable insights into electric powertrain and autonomous technology.
Session(s):
Advances in Sensing for Robotics | Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
KEVIN MCCABE
Application Engineering Manager
IDS Imaging Development Systems Inc.
Kevin McCabe is Application Engineering Manager at IDS Imaging Development Systems Inc, where he helps other engineers across North America integrate IDS Area Scan, 3D, and AI Inference cameras. He provides in-depth product training to OEMs, distributors, and resellers to ensure their success using IDS cameras & software. Throughout his thirteen years at the company, Kevin has helped customers integrate machine vision into a broad range of applications including logistics automation, medical diagnostic devices, quality assurance, and ITS. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
Session(s):
The Fundamentals of Camera and Image Sensor Technology | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 2:00 PM (CDT).JPG)
ERIN MCCOLL
Director, Robotics Technology Adoption
Toyota Research Institute
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Erin McColl leads Robotics Technology Adoption at Toyota Research Institute (TRI), where she advances robotics and AI technologies toward real-world deployment and commercialization. She works across product, strategy, partnerships, and engineering to translate technical advances into viable products and business opportunities. Her background spans industrial and field robotics, manufacturing automation, and autonomous diving - leading complex cross-functional technology programs.
Session(s):
Bridging the Gap: Toyota Research Institute's Approach to Real-World Robotics in Manufacturing | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
BOB MCCURRACH
Director of Standards Development
Association for Advancing Automation (A3)
Bob McCurrach has over 25 years of experience in the manufacturing and product development sector, with a focus on global engineering management, strategic program and process management, primarily for the nuclear, defense and automotive industries. He holds a BS in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University as well as an MBA from Georgia Institute of Technology. Bob joined the Association For Advancing Automation (A3) in 2011 as their Director of Standards Development for Vision & Imaging. He has been a key leader in A3’s standards development and coordination of vision standard development globally. Standards play a key role in the Vision & Imaging industry by ensuring interoperability of components, increasing market size, and shortening the time it takes to get new products to market.
Session(s):
Updates on Machine Vision Standards | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
ZEEBA MERCER
Technical Manager
TÜV Rheinland of North America Inc.
Zeeba is a Lead Auditor and Technical Manager at TÜV Rheinland with extensive executive experience in healthcare, manufacturing and information technology leadership, management, and consulting. She has over 25 years of experience delivering systems and transformation projects at a global level.
She is passionate about leveraging technology solutions, protecting, and maximizing the organization’s ROI for long term success, and using problems as opportunities to reach the next level of success.
Zeeba has a unique blend of clinical, business, R&D, and technology acumen which translates to the integration of operations, applications, and compliance alignment with the organization’s business strategies and requirements. Before joining TÜV Rheinland, Zeeba founded and served as CEO of Excelarise, a transformational consulting company, helping national automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, defense systems, and higher education industries leverage AI, data network (5G), big data, information exchange, and interconnectivity to achieve the organization’s strategic goals. In her spare time, she is an Adjunct Professor teaching Business and Healthcare courses for the College of Management Information System, Entrepreneurship, and Business at Kent State University.
Session(s):
Unlocking the Future of AI: ISO/IEC 42001 — The Standard for Ethical, Reliable, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence Management Systems | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
BRANDON MESSICK
Technical Engineer
Precision Drive Systems
Brandon and his wife Christina are the proud parents of 5 children. In addition to providing engineered solutions in the high-speed spindle industry for Precision Drive Systems, Brandon is also the Head Men's Basketball Coach at East Gaston High School in NC. Robert Turk, President of PDS said about Brandon: “He excels at customer engagement, recruiting new business, project management, and delivering engineered solutions our customers expect from PDS.”
Session(s):
Letting Go: Tool Holding Consumables for Material Removable Operations | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
GREG MEYNE
VP, Consulting
enVista
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Greg Meyne has 30 years of experience in the Material Handling Industry through Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, Site Management, Sales, Systems Design, and Implementation. Currently at enVista he is the coordinator of the Facility Design solutions team with the primary function of designing and implementing Material Handling Systems for our clients.
Over his career, Greg has been involved in a variety of projects ranging in size and scope with clients like: Williams Sonoma, AutoZone, Hanes, NOW Foods, Champion Labs, Lenox, Lifetime Brands, Anixter, Gerber / Intradeco, The Home Depot, Perry Ellis, Nestle, HEB, Kellogg’s, Milton CAT to name just a few.
Greg has well-rounded industry knowledge of the Material Handling Industry including designing systems with the following equipment: Autonomous Mobile Robots, Good-To-Persons Systems, Conveyor Systems, Storage Systems, Automatic Storage & Retrieval Systems, Automated Picking Systems (Pick To Light, Put To Light, Voice), Robotics, among many others.
Prior to joining enVista 11+ years ago, Greg worked for 15 years as a Mechanical Engineer, Project Manager, and Sales / Account Manager for Automotion Conveyors, ASG, and Wynright. He has also worked for 4+ years as a Regional Sales / Account Manager for Dematic Corp.
Greg brings a vast knowledge of not only material handling system design and implementation, but also assisting clients with process improvement and Omni Channel transformation.
Session(s):
The Risk/Reward Framework for Real-World Warehouse Automation | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
STEVE MINNIEAR
Director, Manufacturing Engineering
BorgWarner
With more than 39 years of experience in the Automotive Manufacturing industry with BorgWarner, Steve is a seasoned leader in operations, quality and global production strategies. Since 2019, he has been a Director of Manufacturing Engineering, currently supporting the industrialization and launch of a turbine generator at a greenfield site in North Carolina.
Previously, Steve held key leadership roles at BorgWarner, including Plant Manager and Director NA Operations, and Director NA Quality. His expertise in manufacturing efficiency, quality assurance, and team leadership has been instrumental in driving the success of diverse initiatives in global manufacturing environments.
Session(s):
Predict, Simulate, Act: GenAI-Assisted Operations and Maintenance with a Living Factory Twin | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
MASSIMILIANO MORUZZI
CEO & Founder
Xaba
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Massimiliano Moruzzi is the CEO of Xaba, a company developing AI-powered systems that enable machines to reason, adapt, and execute complex manufacturing tasks. With a background in aerospace engineering and decades of hands-on work in industrial R&D, Max brings a pragmatic approach to applying artificial intelligence in the physical world.
Earlier in his career, Max led engineering teams at Ingersoll Machine Tools, where he helped design the advanced composite fiber placement systems used to build the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. His work there bridged hardware and software at a time when most of the industry treated them as separate disciplines. Later, he joined Autodesk through its acquisition of Magestic Systems, where he helped develop digital manufacturing strategies for clients including Ferrari, Airbus, and Lockheed Martin.
Max has founded multiple companies at the intersection of AI, robotics, and sustainable manufacturing. His work is grounded in the belief that intelligence shouldn’t stop at the algorithm—it should extend all the way to the shop floor. At Xaba, his team is focused on building cognitive industrial machines that rethink how factories operate, making them not just automated, but adaptive.
He holds a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from Politecnico di Milano, a second in big data analytics from Northern Illinois University, and a third degree in Intelligent and Autonomous Systems from the University of Cincinnati.
Max speaks frequently about the convergence of AI and robotics in manufacturing—not from a theoretical perspective, but from years of building, testing, and deploying systems that have reshaped how physical products get made.
Session(s):
Built to Adapt: The Rise of Self-Optimizing Robots in Manufacturing | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
MATT MOSCHNER
President & CEO
Cognex
As President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Moschner oversees global engineering, products, sales and operations. Since joining Cognex in 2017, Mr. Moschner has held key positions of leadership across product and engineering teams, helping grow the Company’s barcode reading portfolio and leading the Company’s strategic technology and product innovation process. In addition to advancing organic innovation, Mr. Moschner has contributed significantly to the Company’s acquisitions, including leading the successful integration of Moritex, the largest acquisition in the Company’s history. Prior to joining Cognex, Mr. Moschner worked within the industrial technology practice of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), gaining experience in strategic growth and operational efficiency. Between 2008 and 2011, Mr. Moschner also worked in a variety of business functions for Boeing’s commercial airplane group. Mr. Moschner holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering & Economics from Duke University and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Session(s):
The State of the Automation Industry: Leadership Roundtable | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 9:00 AM (CDT)
TIMOTHY MULLEN
Cybersecurity Manager
Applied Control Engineering
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Timothy Mullen is the Cybersecurity Manager at Applied Control Engineering, Inc. (ACE), leading projects that identify and remediate cyber vulnerabilities to design new systems that incorporate security as a fundamental principle. His diverse and multidisciplinary background has led to a strong track record bridging the IT/OT gap to achieve security best practices while fulfilling engineered system requirements. Prior to ACE, Tim worked in commercial nuclear power, performing cybersecurity assessments of lant control system upgrades. His industry experience spans chemical processing, nuclear energy, and building automation systems. Tim is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the state of Maryland, a Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP), and holds a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and an M.S. in Computer Engineering from Villanova University. Tim’s insights on cybersecurity have been published in a variety of publications such as Control Engineering, Food Engineering, and Manufacturing Business Technology.
Session(s):
Cybersecure by Design: Turning OT Risk into Resilience | Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
SRIVATSAV NAMBI
Founding AI Scientist
Elementary ML
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Srivatsav Nambi is the Founding AI Scientist at Elementary, with over a decade of experience in AI for industrial robotics, computer vision, and real-time machine learning. He has led the design and development of AI-driven solutions for Fortune 500 companies, with deployments spanning hundreds of production lines worldwide. His patents and publications have been cited by industry leaders including Amazon, GE, IBM, Hyundai, and Sony. Srivatsav brings deep expertise in industrial AI, computer vision, and scalable AI systems.
Session(s):
Self-Learning Vision Systems Get Smarter Over Time: The Next Frontier in Machine Perception | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
RAHUL NAMBIAR
Chief Executive Officer
Botsync
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Rahul Nambiar is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Botsync, where he leads strategy, product management, marketing, and finance. His journey into robotics entrepreneurship began at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, where he met his co-founders during a robotics competition. Under Rahul’s leadership, Botsync has developed the MAG series of autonomous mobile robots and SyncOS™, a proprietary no-code platform that provides real-time data insights for enhanced supply chain control. Rahul holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics from Nanyang Technological University.
Session(s):
From Robots to Results: Why the Future of Automation is Orchestration, Not More Machines | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
ROBERTA NELSON SHEA
Global Technical Compliance Officer
Universal Robots
Responsible for global UR product compliance, risk management, and reducing barriers to acceptance of UR robots for collaborative applications. Over 45+ years’ experience in automation safety and standardization.
Honored as …
- Recipient of the 2023 Joseph F. Engelberger “Nobel Prize of Robotics” award (safety).
- Recipient of the 2022 Goddard Alumni Award for Outstanding Professional Achievement by Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester MA USA.
- 1 of the “Twenty Women Making Their Mark in Robotics & Automation” by Smart Manufacturing (SME) in February 2021.
- 1 of the “100 Women in Safety in 100 years” by the American Society of Safety Professionals (known then as ASSE) in 2011. One of the 100 Women – Making a Difference in Safety
- Chair Emeritus of A3’s standardization activities, awarded in 2016. A3 was formerly known as RIA (Robotic Industries Association).
- Past member of the board of directors of ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and of RIA (now known as A3).
National robot safety standardization activities:
- Since 1982, the only consistently active robot safety standards expert.
- Chair for 23 years of the US Robot Safety Committee (R15.06).
- Active for 45 years in various American National machinery safety standards.
- Expert member of the NIOSH/ OSHA/ RIA Alliance.
ISO and US national standardization in automation and safety:
- Convenor: TC299 WG3 Industrial robotics (ISO 10218 & TS15066).
- Convenor: TC299 SG1 Study group on TC299 Robotics structure.
- Expert member: TC199 Safety of machinery, TC110/SC2/WG3 Safety of industrial trucks & various IEC working groups.
- Expert member in various US and Canadian standards committees: safety, robotics, plastics machinery and IEEE.
- Certified Functional Safety Engineer (TÜV Rheinland).
BS Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) with a Masters degree in Advanced Safety Engineering and Management (ASEM) from the University of Alabama Birmingham.
Before UR, lead Rockwell’s global safety component product management organization. Preceding Rockwell, held leadership positions at Symbotic, AMT and Pilz USA, with a career start at P&G.
Session(s):
Exploring the New ISO 10218 Standards and Revised R15.06 | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
ERNIE NEUMAYR
Director Business Development
ABB Robotics
Ernie Neumayr is a sales leader in robotics and industrial automation, focused on building teams, driving new business growth, and developing strong, long-term customer relationships.
He leads with a clear focus on execution and accountability; developing sales teams that consistently generate pipeline, win new customers, and deliver measurable results. My experience spans robotics and automation solutions across many industries.
Ernie's core focus areas include:
- New business development
- Building and leading high-performing sales teams
- Developing industry-focused go-to-market strategies
- Positioning full automation solutions across complex customer environments
Ernie is experienced in leading cross-functional efforts across sales, engineering, operations, and service, aligning teams to move opportunities from concept through first win and into long-term growth.
As a leader, he prioritizes:
- Clear direction and ownership
- Strong customer relationships at all levels
- Coaching and developing talent
- Driving results through disciplined execution
Ernie has built my career on the ability to combine strategic thinking with hands-on leadership, consistently delivering growth in competitive and complex markets.
Session(s):
Unlocking Flexible Automation with Collaborative Robots (Cobots) | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 2:30 PM (CDT)
RUSSELL NIBBLELINK
Head of Sales Engineering and Co-founder
Overview.ai
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Russell Nibbelink is a co-founder of Overview.ai, where he has spent seven years building and deploying AI-powered vision systems for industrial manufacturing. His teams deliver full-stack optical inspection—spanning imaging, illumination, edge inference, and factory integrations—to help customers catch defects, reduce scrap, and scale quality across automotive, electronics, and other complex production environments.
Before Overview, Russell was a software engineer at Salesforce, working on web-scale infrastructure and zero-downtime migrations for the company’s largest customers. He earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences from UC Berkeley, where he also served as Head Teaching Assistant for High-Performance Computing.
Session(s):
Seeing is Solving: Advances in Smart Inspection | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
DAVID NICHOLS
CEO, Co-founder, Loupe and SASE
Loupe and SASE
David Nichols is the co-founder and CEO of Loupe, an engineering and automation company based in Portland, Oregon. David’s leadership role includes business development and management of projects, accounts, and our engineering team. David also founded SASE, the Society of Software Automation Engineers, an eminent thought leadership organization in software-defined automation. Together, Loupe and SASE, are pioneering the integration of software in machines, driving innovation straight from the plant-floor.
Session(s):
Software-Defined Automation and the Future Factory | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
PATRICK O'NEIL
Director of Sales Engineering
Acme Manufacturing
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Patrick O’Neil is the Director of Sales Engineering at Acme Manufacturing, specializing in robotic material removal solutions for complex finishing applications. He started his career as an automation technician, building a hands-on foundation that still shapes how he approaches material removal challenges today.
Patrick works closely with manufacturers facing demanding production environments, including large part volumes, long cycle times, high-value components, and inherently risky processes. His role is to help identify where robotic automation can deliver real value and guide customers through practical implementation.
With 10+ years of experience in finishing, Patrick is known for making complex automation concepts clear and actionable. He partners with customers to understand their challenges, recommend custom solutions, and improve process efficiency. His ability to optimize process workflows and troubleshoot complex material removal challenges has made him a trusted expert in the field of automation.
Session(s):
Master the Process, Then Automate It — Robotic Material Removal Process | Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
MATT PANOSH
Stationary Workholding Group Manager
SCHUNK
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With 20 years of manufacturing expertise, including 16 years dedicated to SCHUNK, Matt Panosh, Group Manager for stationary workholding at SCHUNK Morrisville, NC, is a seasoned leader in optimizing workholding processes and providing high-precision solutions to the CNC manufacturing industry nationwide.
His comprehensive technical knowledge of CNC machines, spanning from spindle to machine table, enables him to serve a diverse range of sectors including automotive, aerospace, space exploration, technology, and medical. Matt has extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in leveraging automated machine tending solutions to drive efficiency and productivity, offering his customers actionable strategies to enhance processes and achieve success.
Session(s):
Maximizing Productivity Through Flexible Machine Tending Solutions | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
RUSHIRAJ PATWARDHAN
Safety Consultant
Pilz Automation Safety LP
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Strong engineering professional with a Master of Engineering - MEng focused on Electrical Power System. Being certified expert in machinery safety as well in functional safety with more than 10 years of experience in the field of machinery safety, control system design, CE marking with a demonstrated history of working in the industrial automation industry.
Skilled in Risk Assessment, Safety Validations, technical peer reviewer and electrical safety.
Session(s):
Alternative Methods of Hazardous Energy Control | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
MATT PEARSON
Lead Project Engineer
Quartus Engineering Incorporated
Matt Pearson is a Lead Project Engineer at Quartus Engineering with a decade of experience designing custom metrology systems. He specializes vision systems, robotics and optomechanical design. Matt holds master's and bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering with an emphasis on robotics and controls.
Session(s):
Demystifying Camera Calibration: Techniques and Applications in Modern Vision Systems | Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
JAN PECH
EMVA member
EMVA – European Machine Vision Association
Member of the EMVA. Long-term active contributing member to the GenICam standard (generic programming interface for all kinds of cameras and devices). Also active member of the GigE Vision technical committee contributing to development of the GigE Vision transport layer standard.
Session(s):
Updates on Machine Vision Standards | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
JERRY PEREZ
Business Development Manager
FANUC America
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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.
Session(s):
Collaborative Robotics in High-Mix Manufacturing Environments | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
HARRY PIERSON
Senior Engineer
Air Force Research Laboratory
Harry Pierson is the Senior Technical Advisor for Automation, Robotics, and Mixed Reality in the Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies Division of the Air Force Research Laboratory. In this role he develops technology maturation strategy to enable the automation capabilities that the Department of the Air Force will need to support its near and far term manufacturing and sustainment needs. He also serves as the government Chief Technology Advisor for the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute, where he guides the development of dual use technology that is relevant to both US manufacturers and the Department of Defense. Prior to joining the government in 2020 he was a tenured Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering at the University of Arkansas, with research and teaching interests in robotics, automation, and manufacturing processes. His early career included time as a Process Automation Engineer and later Division Engineering Manger for a small manufacturing company. He holds a PhD from The Ohio State University and MS/BS degrees from Missouri University of Science and Technology.
Session(s):
Robotics for Manufacturing: Trends, Best Practices, and What You Need to Know | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
MATTHEW POWELSON
Senior Robotics Software Engineer
ARM Institute
Matthew Powelson is a robotics and machine learning engineer at the ARM Institute, where he is working to build a National AI Data Foundry for industry. Previously, he worked at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), contributing to ROS-Industrial (ROS-I) and creating robotic solutions for surface finishing applications. He then joined Tortuga AgTech, where he worked on building a fleet of autonomous strawberry-picking robots, with an emphasis on robotic perception and control. Matthew’s expertise includes integrating machine learning into automation systems to deliver practical, real-world solutions for complex environments.
Session(s):
Accelerating AI-Enabled Robotics for Manufacturing: Bridging R&D and Commercialization | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
ASHUTOSH PRASAD
Founder and CEO
KoiReader Technologies, Inc.
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Ashutosh is an accomplished professional with a proven track record of over 25 years in the Logistics and Supply Chain industry. During his years in the industry, he has held prominent senior executive and global consulting roles at Big 4 firms, delivering exceptional value to enterprise customers across various verticals.
A renowned thought leader, he frequently speaks at premier Logistics and Supply Chain conferences, sharing his visionary perspectives. His impactful white papers and presentations are a further testament to his status as an authority in the field.
Some of his notable industry accomplishments:
- Pioneered Applied AI in Logistics & Supply Chain and filed 20+ Patents to deliver Operational Efficiency and accuracy to Distributors, Manufacturers, Retailers, Service Providers, and Shippers
- Developed Logistics, Supply Chain, and Industrial Automation KoiVision platform that was publicly endorsed by NVIDIA and PepsiCo (March 2023)
- Innovation for Logistics and Supply Chain industry showcased at G20’s Business 20 conference, the alliance of 19 leading industrialized and emerging economies and the European Union
- Authored National Logistics Policy for World’s 5th Largest Economy with a special focus on AI-powered Logistics and Supply Chain Automation (October 2022)
- Delivered industry-first innovations and established Digital Supply Chain business units at organizations such as PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young
- Served as Vice President at XPO Logistics and managed annual operating budget and digital innovation portfolio for the business unit
- Developed world’s most advanced Intelligent Label Scanning Technology (KoiScan™) that delivers over 99.4% accuracy even for damaged, faded, folded, overlapping, and distorted label conditions
- Created KoiReader Technologies that was named Gartner Cool Vendor 2020 in Supply Chain Execution and won awards across 4 continents
- Designed a 2D barcode standard for Supply Chain Asset and Inventory Visibility in partnership with GS1
- Panelist and Guest Speaker at MIT
- Past Roles: XPO, PwC, EY, Oracle, Blue Yonder / i2 Technologies
Session(s):
Poka Yoke to Agentic Orchestration: The AI Shift in Supply Chain Operations | Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
KRISTEN QUASEY
Architecture & Portfolio Sales Manager
Siemens
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Kristen Quasey drives Siemens' next generation automation portfolio that helps manufacturers modernize engineering and production workflows. In her role as an Architecture and Portfolio Sales Manager, Kristen works closely with customers and partners across the Americas regions to introduce software-defined automation solutions, intelligent generative AI assistants, and AI vision-based tools that accelerate engineering development, increase operational efficiency, and future-proof production. She is passionate about helping customers bridge traditional automation with modern, software-centric approaches and showcasing how emerging technologies can drive real operational impact.
Session(s):
Software-Defined Automation and the Future Factory | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT).jpg)
KEVIN REESE
Distinguished Robotics Safety Engineer
Agility Robotics
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Kevin Reese is a Distinguished Robotics Safety Engineer at Agility Robotics and the Project Leader for ISO 25785-1 within ISO/TC 299/WG 12, the international working group developing the first safety standard dedicated to dynamically stable industrial mobile robots which includes legged, wheeled balancing, and humanoid systems.
With a background spanning robotics safety strategy, industrial standards development, and real-world deployment, Kevin has been instrumental in shaping the emerging safety landscape for next-generation mobile robots. At Agility Robotics, he leads safety engineering for Digit, a bipedal robot designed for logistics and industrial tasks. His work bridges technical implementation and safety governance, ensuring safe integration of dynamically stable robots into industrial environments.
Kevin is deeply engaged in international standardization. As the Project Leader for ISO 25785-1, he is spearheading a new Type-C standard to address the safety requirements of robots that rely on active control for stability which is an increasingly critical category as legged and humanoid robots rapidly transition from emerging technologies to active roles in warehouses and industrial operations worldwide. The work of ISO 25785-1 under Kevin’s leadership addresses a critical gap left by prior standards like ANSI/RIA R15.08, and is paving the way for broader international consensus around safety requirements for this rapidly advancing field.
Kevin brings a unique systems-level perspective to safety working not only on the robots themselves but also on how they interact with people, infrastructure, and operational processes. He has partnered closely with EHS teams, vendors, and customers to ensure robots like Digit can be safely and effectively deployed in structured industrial spaces.
Session(s):
Building Safer Physical AI: Certification, Robotics, and Agentic Control | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
HENDRIK RENTZSCH
Head of Department Machine Tool Technology
Fraunhofer IWU
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Hendrik Rentzsch studied mechanical engineering at Chemnitz University of Technology. From 2009 onwards, he worked there as a research assistant at the Institute for Machine Tools and Production Processes in the eniPROD cutting-edge technology cluster. He has been working at Fraunhofer IWU since 2015 and has been head of the Machine Tool Technology research department since 2021. In addition to researching innovative machine structures and digital property twins, his main focus is on the development of intelligent machine components and assistance systems.
Session(s):
Smart Machine Tools: Intelligent Components for Cognitive Production | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
BOB ROCHELLE
Principal
ArtsnRobots LLC
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Bob Rochelle is the Principal at ArtsNRobots LLC, an automation systems consulting firm based near Ann Arbor MI. With over 40 years experience in Industrial Robotics and Factory Automation as an engineer, project manager, sales professional and in various management roles, Bob has acquired a vast knowledge of most manufacturing processes and is recognized by the robotics industry as an authority on the positive impact that automation has on production, manufacturing labor and bottom-line performance. He is a regular speaker at conferences, tradeshows and is a freelance author for technical journals. He enjoys sharing his experiences at events like this one.
Session(s):
Getting Started with Industrial Robotics | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ
Senior Programs Manager
ARM Institute
Miguel Rodriguez is a Senior Programs Manager at the ARM Institute. In this role, Miguel is responsible for managing a multi-million-dollar portfolio of ARM’s Technology and Workforce Development projects and supporting the process by which they are selected. Through this work, Miguel helps to fulfill ARM’s mission of increasing U.S. global competitiveness by accelerating innovative technologies and workforce programs that make robots more accessible to U.S. manufacturers.
Prior to joining the ARM Institute, Miguel was the Vice President of Engineering for Rapid TPC, a Pittsburgh based startup that specializes in the manufacturing of thermoplastic composites parts at volume. His main responsibility there was to develop automated technologies to improve the manufacturing of composite parts to accelerate the business’ growth. Miguel also held the position of Systems Engineer at Seegrid Corporation, where he worked on a wide range of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) subsystems with the goal of improving their performance and enhancing their safety.
Miguel has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University in the City of New York. He was part of a team of inventors granted US Patent 10228189B1 for “Heating System for Composite Materials”.
Session(s):
Robotics for Manufacturing: Trends, Best Practices, and What You Need to Know | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
PAUL RYZNAR
Founder & CEO
LightGuide
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- Founder & CEO of LightGuide, Inc
- Engineer, inventor, entrepreneur
- Over 30 years in manufacturing
- Former VP of Operations at Detroit Diesel, Bosch, Energy Conversion Devices
- Spearheaded LightGuide’s invention in 2005, pioneering the use of projected augmented reality (AR) for industrial applications
- Lightguide is a proven, practical, and patented AR technology
Session(s):
Augmented Intelligence for the Connected Worker: AR and AI at the Frontline | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 3:30 PM (CDT)
JACOB SANCHEZ
Community and Education Manager
Igus Inc
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Jacob Sanchez is a manufacturing and automation professional and advocate for skilled trades, with more than a decade of hands on experience across aerospace, consumer goods, and medical manufacturing environments. His work spans CNC machining, automation integration, and large scale industry engagement, with a focus on strengthening how companies present, adopt, and scale modern manufacturing technologies.
Jacob has hosted major trade show programming for audiences exceeding 60,000 attendees and leads an educational metalworking series that reaches millions of manufacturing professionals online. Through his industry work and national shop visits, he highlights practical automation strategies while elevating the visibility of manufacturers and the people who power them.
In his role at igus inc, Jacob helps build communities of solution driven professionals focused on implementing practical, cost conscious automation systems that improve competitiveness and production efficiency. Across every platform and initiative, his focus remains on expanding access to opportunity and ensuring the next generation of manufacturing talent is actively included in shaping the future of the industry.
Session(s):
How to Transition Your Business From Using Collaborative Robots to Collaborative Solutions | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 2:30 PM (CDT)
JOHN SARINICK
VP Sales & Business Development
Dori AI
John Sarinick is a veteran commercial executive and advisory leader with over two decades of experience driving growth, profitability, and digital transformation within the engineered-to-order automation and industrial systems sectors.
Recently, John brought his deep industry expertise to Dori AI, where he leverages cutting-edge computer vision technology to revolutionize operational efficiency, workplace safety, and data-driven visibility across industrial and logistics applications. Prior to joining Dori AI, he founded Sales Impact Advisors, LLC, a boutique commercial excellence advisory partnering with CEOs, founders, and private equity operators to unlock revenue and margin growth.
John’s foundational experience includes a highly successful 12-year tenure as Chief Sales Officer and Vice President of Logistic Systems at BEUMER Corporation. In this role, he headed the North American commercial strategy, scaling the Logistics Systems division from $40M to over $115M while delivering record profitability. Crucially, he served as the executive sponsor for North America data analytics and robotics initiatives, directly overseeing the expansion of the company’s advanced solution portfolio. This extensive background in material handling, automated sortation, and systems engineering perfectly positioned him to champion the integration of AI-driven video analytics on the modern factory and warehouse floor.
John holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics from SUNY at Buffalo.
Session(s):
Seeing is Solving: Advances in Smart Inspection | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
NOAM SCHAFER
Director of Partnerships
General Robotics
Noam Schafer leads partnerships at General Robotics. He focuses on bringing the GRID robotics platform to market through strategic alliances with global system integrators, technology partners, robot OEMs, and research institutions. Before General Robotics, Noam held roles spanning product, strategy, and go-to-market at companies across the technology sector. He holds an MBA from the University of Michigan.
Session(s):
Brains and Brawn: Why Physical AI Needs Private 5G to Succeed in the Factory | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
CYRUS SHAOUL
Chief Evangelist
Leela AI
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Cyrus is an entrepreneur and computational neuroscientist specializing in cognitive modeling. Before founding Leela AI, he co-founded and served as CTO of Digital Garage, guiding it from startup to a successful IPO. (BSc MIT, PhD University of Alberta)
Session(s):
From Blind Spots to Insights: How Vision AI Drives Improvement | Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
STUART SINGER
CEO
Schneider Optics, Inc.
Stuart Singer is a distinguished figure in the field of optical engineering and management, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Schneider Optics, Inc. With a remarkable career spanning over 45 years, Stuart brings a wealth of expertise in optical engineering, lens design, and technical sales across diverse industries.
Prior to his current role, Stuart held key positions at Schneider Optics, including Senior Vice President & CTO, where he spearheaded technological innovation and strategic direction for seven years. Before joining Schneider Optics, Stuart served as the Optical Engineering Manager at Loral Fairchild Systems (formerly Fairchild Reconnaissance and Surveillance Systems) for 14 years, showcasing his adeptness in managing complex optical projects.
Stuart's contributions extend beyond corporate roles, as he also served as the Senior Technical Director of Ruda Cardinal, Inc., where he played a pivotal role in designing intricate optical systems. As a Fellow Member of the Optical Engineering Society – (SPIE), Stuart has actively contributed to the advancement of optical technology and shared his expertise through numerous technical papers and lectures.
Stuart's achievements in the field have been recognized with prestigious awards, including a National Emmy Award in 2012 for his pivotal role in developing an IRND Filter for Digital Motion Picture Cameras, highlighting his significant impact on the motion picture and television industries. His dedication to advancing optical engineering and his extensive experience make him a respected leader in the field.
Session(s):
Advanced Optics for Vision | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
NICHOLAS SISCHKA
Director, Imaging
Edmund Optics
Nick Sischka is the Director of Imaging at Edmund Optics, specializing in optics for machine vision and robotics. In addition to teaching the basic optics course for the A3's Certified Vision Professional certification, he is the chair of the NextGen committee, which strives to get young people interested in factory automation. He has a bachelor's degree in Optical Sciences and Engineering from the University of Arizona.
Session(s):
Beginning Optics for Machine Vision | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
CHRISTOPHER SMITH
CEO, Founder
Slip Robotics
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Chris Smith is the CEO & Co-Founder of Slip Robotics. Chris has over a decade of experience in robotics and industrial engineering, including leading factory simulation and analytics at Tesla, and managing inbound warehousing at Cummins. Chris holds an MBA and Masters in Technology from Brigham Young University.
Session(s):
Fast-Tracking the Future: Simplifying Trailer Loading and Unloading for Real-World ROI | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
BRENDAN STERNE
Chief Product Officer
Vention
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Brendan is a product and engineering leader with extensive experience in digital-enabled manufacturing and technology-driven marketplaces. He currently serves as the Chief Product Officer at Vention, where he leads efforts to simplify industrial automation through intuitive software and plug-and-play hardware solutions. Brendan's expertise spans startups to large enterprises, with a strong background in software development, automation, and scaling product-led growth.
Session(s):
Getting Industrial Automation Right the First Time | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 2:30 PM (CDT)
CHRIS STEVENS
President, U.S. Automation
Siemens Digital Industries
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Chris Stevens is President of U.S. Automation for Siemens Digital Industries, leading the organization’s strategy, growth, and transformation across all automation sectors in the United States. In this role, Chris drives innovation, operational excellence, and customer success, ensuring Siemens remains the trusted partner for manufacturers and industrial clients nationwide.
His leadership is defined by a relentless focus on solving customer challenges, accelerating digital transformation, and fostering a culture of excellence and responsiveness. Chris champions Siemens’ commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower customers to thrive in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
Chris is a leading national voice on the integration of industrial software and automation, and the unique ability of that combination to create new sources of customer value – faster and more scalably than traditional siloed approaches. His leading-edge perspectives on AI-powered workforce enablement and the untapped transformative power of manufacturing data make him a sought-after speaker at industry gatherings.
He began his career as a sales and program manager in automotive assembly and testing equipment. He later joined Siemens’ industrial software business, where he held positions of increasing responsibility over more than 20 years, ultimately serving as Vice President of strategic verticals. Chris then moved into the US Automation business, where he now serves as its president.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University.
Chris and his wife reside in the Detroit metro area with their three children, with whom he enjoys every available moment outside of work.
Session(s):
The Automation Impact: AI, Automation, and the Human Element | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 9:00 AM (CDT)
AHMAD STOKES
Director of Automotive Sales
VisionNav Robotics
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Ahmad is a forward-thinking automation innovator with deep expertise in deploying autonomous vehicle systems within industrial and warehouse environments. With a background spanning fluid automation, machine vision and vehicle autonomy, he has helped drive the transition from manual industrial equipment to smart, self-navigating solutions. At the intersection of hardware, software and operations, Ahmad excels at translating complex automation technologies into real-world business value—enhancing safety, throughput and cost-efficiency in material handling.
Session(s):
Forklifts on Autopilot: Deploying Autonomous Material-Handling Solutions in Manufacturing | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT).jpg)
LINDSEY SULLIVAN
Technical Marketing Manager
CCS America
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Lindsey Sullivan has spent 10 years as an engineer evaluating machine vision applications in every industry. She started as a Sales Engineer at Keyence before moving to an Application Engineer at CCS America, Inc., a machine vision lighting company. In her current role as Technical Marketing Manager, she is sharing her expertise so that industrial automation companies can design high-accuracy systems without troubleshooting lighting challenges after machines are built.
Session(s):
Lighting at the Speed of Automation: Designing for 1,000 fps and Beyond | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 3:30 PM (CDT)
ARA SURENIAN
Business Manager, Production Logistics
OTTO by Rockwell Automation
Ara Surenian is Manager of Rockwell Automation’s Production Logistics business unit where he develops approaches to integrate advanced motion and robotics hardware and software solutions to help customers automate and optimize end-to-end material movement for future-ready factories. Previously, he oversaw the company’s production planning and scheduling software portfolio. With four decades of experience in plant operations, lean manufacturing, and digital transformation, Ara has consistently delivered significant contributions across a variety of manufacturing sectors.
Session(s):
From Siloed to Streamlined: Rockwell Boosts Space Utilization by 70% with Production Logistics | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
NICHOLAS SUSCH
Principal Engineer, Measurements, Engineering Associate
Corning, Inc.
Nick has been an engineer with Corning Incorporated for 31 years specializing in the development of custom measurements and inspection systems. He utilizes technologies such as machine vision and laser displacement in unique systems, designed, built, and implemented to inspect and measure numerous different artifacts and processes in the manufacture of Corning's multitude of products. Nick has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Rochester.
Session(s):
Metrology and 2D Calibration Techniques | Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 9:00 AM (CDT)
ARIANE SUTOR
Founder and Leader, Unified Elements
Siemens
Dr. Ariane Sutor is the founder and leader of the internal venture Unified Elements, where she pioneered this innovative engineering solution for supervision and control. Unified Elements enhances the software-defined automation portfolio alongside SIMATIC AX and lays the foundation for Generative AI.
With 20 years’ experience in industrial research, innovation and business responsibility, Dr. Sutor brings extensive expertise to the table. Prior to her current role, she held significant positions in Factory Automation Technology and Innovation and at Siemens Research and Pre-development, including leading a research group for AI. Dr. Sutor holds a PhD in mathematics and has a strong foundation in mathematics and economics.
Session(s):
Software-Defined Automation and the Future Factory | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
ROBERT TAIT
Partner
Optical Metrology Solutions
Robert Tait began doing optical inspection well before the advent of machine vision, back when film ruled. He captured events at 10,000 frames per second, including chickens being launched at Mach?1 into aircraft windshields, using printed or projected images and a ruler to analyze the physics involved. He is old enough to have used vidicon cameras, before solid-state cameras became ubiquitous.
A strong background in film photography, developed since high school, provided a solid foundation in optical systems and lighting, ensuring maximum image quality—which, in turn, makes the processing side of automated inspection more robust. He worked in research and development at the University of Dayton, the University of Michigan (Industrial Technology Institute), Intelligent Reasoning Systems, and GE Global Research (before it was split into separate organizations).
His projects sent him to the bottom of a (training) nuclear reactor to track robotic inspection vehicles in 3D, and to the tops of wind towers to install equipment that remotely monitored frame crack growth. These projects required travel to many locations across the United States, as well as China, the UK, Germany, Singapore, India, and Japan.
Robert retired from GE in 2017 and formed a consulting company with fellow GE retiree Kevin Harding called Optical Metrology Solutions, where he continues to take on projects and solve inspection problems to this day.
Session(s):
Advanced Vision System Integration | Friday, June 26, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
WENDY TAN WHITE
CEO
Intrinsic
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Wendy Tan White is the CEO of Intrinsic, an Alphabet company dedicated to democratizing access to robotics and AI. Intrinsic's first product, Flowstate, enables the easy design, deployment, and reuse of robotic AI solutions.
Before leading Intrinsic, Wendy was a Vice President at X, Alphabet's Moonshot Factory, where she stewarded mature projects. A long-time technology innovator, entrepreneur, and investor, she co-founded and served as CEO of Moonfruit, the first SAAS website builder, which was acquired in 2012. Her investment experience includes roles as a Partner at the venture arm of BGF, $2.5bn growth capital fund, and a General Partner at Entrepreneur First, a global deep tech accelerator.
Wendy's contributions to technology and business were recognized in 2016 when she was awarded an MBE by the Queen. She holds several board and advisory positions, including Chair of Imperial College USA’s Advisory Board, and is a visiting Clore Innovation professor at RCA.
She holds a BEng in Computer Science from Imperial College, an MSc from Cranfield, an MA from Central St Martins, and an honorary doctorate from Salford University.
Session(s):
The State of the Automation Industry: Leadership Roundtable | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 9:00 AM (CDT)
KRISHNA TULUGU
Simulation Engineer, Global Manufacturing Engineering
BorgWarner
Krishna has more than 18 years of experience in the automotive manufacturing industry with 12 of those years at BorgWarner. He worked as a Manufacturing Design Engineer prior to his simulation work at BorgWarner. Krishna has simulated multiple new and existing assembly lines involving transfer cases, clutch modules and battery lines. His work as a Simulation Engineer has helped in the identification and resolution of various opportunities with the assembly lines before they were launched. In addition, his simulations have been a driver in improved efficiency, cost-savings, risk reduction, and accelerated decision-making.
Session(s):
Predict, Simulate, Act: GenAI-Assisted Operations and Maintenance with a Living Factory Twin | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
BRIAN URLACHER
Former Linebacker
Chicago Bears
Brian Urlacher's journey began in the small town of Lovington, New Mexico, where he developed his passion for football and laid the foundation for a remarkable athletic career. Growing up in a modest household, Brian faced financial challenges, with his mother working two jobs to support the family. Despite these hardships, he remained focused on his dreams and aspirations.
When the opportunity to play college football arose, Brian received just one offer—from the University of New Mexico. Excited and grateful, he embraced the chance to further his education and pursue his passion for the sport. This opportunity not only allowed him to showcase his talents on a larger stage but also represented a significant milestone in his life, breaking barriers that would eventually lead him to a successful career in the NFL.
Urlacher's story is one of determination, perseverance, and gratitude, illustrating how he overcame obstacles to achieve his goals while honoring the sacrifices made by his family. His journey from Lovington to becoming a celebrated football player serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of hard work and seizing opportunities when they arise.
Brian Urlacher is indeed one of the most celebrated linebackers in NFL history, having played his entire 13-year career with the Chicago Bears from 2000 to 2012. Known for his impressive athleticism, intelligence on the field, and leadership, Urlacher was instrumental in the Bears' defense during his tenure.
He was named to the Pro Bowl eight times and earned All-Pro honors five times, showcasing his consistent excellence. In 2005, he was awarded the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, further solidifying his status as one of the league's elite defenders.
Urlacher's impact on the game was recognized when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a first-ballot selection in 2018. His legacy remains strong in Chicago, where he is celebrated as one of the franchise's all-time greats.
Brian's commitment to philanthropy is evident through his extensive support of various charity organizations, showcasing his dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others. His involvement with organizations like the Special Olympics, Wounded Warriors, and Make-A-Wish highlights his desire to uplift those in need, whether they are facing physical challenges, recovering from service, or experiencing health crises.
Brian's passion for animals is evident in his dedication to organizations like Yaqui Animal Rescue and Healing Hearts Animal Rescue. By volunteering his time and raising awareness for these causes, he plays an important role in promoting animal welfare and helping to provide safe havens for pets in need. His efforts not only support the well-being of animals but also educate the community about the importance of rescue and adoption.
In addition to his charitable endeavors, Brian balances his philanthropic efforts with family life in Arizona, where he lives with his wife, Jennipher. Brian has 3 children; Pamela, Riley and Kennedy.
Session(s):
Built to Win: The Mindset Behind Championship Performance | Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 9:00 AM (CDT)
ANIKET VASHISHT
Senior Solution Architect
Amazon Web Services
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Aniket is currently working at AWS as a Senior Solution Architect and based out of Detroit MI. Aniket supports Amazon Web Services Manufacturing and Industrial Customers across US Central for Industry 4.0 workloads.
In the current role, Aniket helps manufacturing and industrial customers navigate the complex landscape of OT-IT integration and utilize the best of cloud & AI technology.
Aniket has over 12 years of diverse experience in oil and gas, building automation, OEM Manufacturing, Startup & Cloud provider. Having working on the plant floor himself, Aniket can co-relate well the OT world, which in turn helps him connect well with the M&I community.
Aniket’s goal and vision are to make work in the manufacturing and industrial space as attractive as IT and Finance for future generations.
Session(s):
Leveraging Autonomous AI Agents for Control System Design Engineering | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
FRANCIS VATAKENCHERRY
Product and Solutions Development Team Leader
Siemens
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Francis Vatakencherry brings over 30 years of industry and solution domain experience across discrete and process manufacturing. As a customer journey leader at Siemens, he partners with manufacturers to meet them where they are and guide pragmatic digital transformation. His work focuses on closed-loop digital twins, AI-driven asset intelligence, and IT/OT convergence — turning operational data into continuous optimization across engineering and operations. Francis has led end-to-end digital transformation initiatives with Fortune 500 companies, delivering measurable improvements in performance, reliability, and sustainability through smart, connected factory outcomes.
Session(s):
Predict, Simulate, Act: GenAI-Assisted Operations and Maintenance with a Living Factory Twin | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 10:15 AM (CDT)
KEVEN WANG
CEO
UnitX Inc
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Keven Wang is the co-founder & CEO of UnitX, a leading AI machine vision company automating visual inspection in factories. Keven graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Computer Science concentrating on AI. Keven has visited 200+ factories worldwide helping to improve yield and quality, and holds patents in AI technology for visual inspection.
Session(s):
Seeing is Solving: Advances in Smart Inspection | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
MASAHITO WATANABE
Chairman
Japan Industrial Imaging Association
The Representative Director of the Japan Industrial Imaging Association (JIIA).
He began his career in the import and export of optical measurement equipment and has worked in industrial imaging for many years. His experience includes supporting the deployment of high-performance cameras for machine vision, medical imaging, and security applications, as well as contributing to the international standardization of the CoaXPress interface. He currently serves as Business Development Manager at Prodrive Technologies Japan.
Session(s):
Updates on Machine Vision Standards | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
RICKY WATTS
General Manager and Sr. Director, Industrial and Robotics Division
Intel Corp.
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With over 30 years of global experience, Ricky Watts is a seasoned technology leader driving innovation at the intersection of industrial, telecommunications, and embedded systems. As General Manager and Senior Director of Intel’s Industrial and Robotic Division, he leads efforts to accelerate the adoption of smart manufacturing and robotics by advancing next-generation connectivity, automation, and software-defined edge infrastructure.
Ricky’s work spans product marketing, business development, and strategy across critical sectors, including control automation, energy, medical devices, and transportation. He is deeply involved in enabling autonomous systems and collaborative robotics, helping industry partners deploy AI-powered solutions on Intel’s edge-ready silicon and software.
His international experience—across Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa—brings a uniquely global perspective to market transformation. Prior to Intel, he held leadership roles at Motorola, British Telecom, Aircom International, and Wind River Systems, where he built a strong foundation in ecosystem collaboration and industrial innovation.
Session(s):
Vision-Guided Robotics and Intelligent Inspection: Deploying Machine Vision in Manufacturing | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)Vision-Guided Robotics and Intelligent Inspection: Powering Next-Generation Automation with Unified Compute and AI | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 8:00 AM (CDT)
AGNES WEIERSHAEUSER
Senior Application Engineer
MVTec, LLC
Agnes joined MVTec headquarters in 2013 as an Application Engineer to provide technical support to MVTec's international distributor network, develop vision solutions and conduct product trainings for MVTec's worldwide customer base using MVTec's software products. In 2016, she became Assistant Team Leader for the Solutions & Services team, where she managed the team's junior engineers. Agnes joined MVTec's North American subsidiary in 2017. She is responsible for presales and postsales technical services and to support growing the local team. Prior to her work with MVTec, Agnes was a Master student and Scientific Assistant at the Technical University in Munich. During her studies, she developed vision algorithms to model the infrared sensing pit organ of different snakes. Agnes has more than 12 years experience in developing vision software applications.
Session(s):
From Hype to Hands-On: Practical Deep Learning for Industrial Vision | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 3:30 PM (CDT)
PERRY WEST
President
Automated Vision Systems, Inc.
Perry West is the founder and president of Automated Vision Systems, Inc., a leading consulting firm in machine vision. He founded Automated Vision Systems in 1981 at the start of the machine vision revolution. He works in application development, system design and development, business opportunities, and education and training.
Among his areas of experience with machine vision are structured light imaging, high-precision stereo gauging, high-volume food sorting for shape, size, and color, sub-micron measurements, interferometry, part recognition and classification, assembly verification, optical character recognition, measurement of very large objects, and display inspection.
In addition to his work in machine vision, Mr. West has experience in engineering management, manufacturing management, software development, computer memory design and testing, acoustic inspection, LED development, and microwaves.
Mr. West speaks extensively on machine vision and automation, and is the author of many technical and magazine articles on machine vision. He has taught hundreds of courses on the subject, and has chaired a number of conferences on machine vision for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and the Automated Imaging Association (now A3).
Mr. West received his BSEE from the University of California at Berkeley. Before founding Automated Vision Systems, he held positions with EG&G Reticon, Fairchild Semiconductor, Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, and Watkins-Johnson. He is a past President of the Machine Vision Association of SME. He has been recognized with the 1990 MVA/SME Chairman’s award, and is the 2003 recipient of the Automated Imaging Association’s annual Achievement award. He is active in supporting A3’s CVP program as well as teaching a two of its courses.
Session(s):
Introduction to Machine Learning | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 10:30 AM (CDT)High-Speed, Real-Time Machine Vision | Monday, June 22, 2026 - 3:30 PM (CDT)
Vision System Design | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 10:30 AM (CDT)
JIM WILEY
Product Manager
Parker Hannifin
Jim Wiley is a Product Manager for servo and stepper drives with Parker Hannifin Corporation's Electromechanical and Drives Division, where he has spent his entire twenty-year motion control career. After graduating from Carnegie Mellon University with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Jim joined Parker's Daedal Division as an engineer.
Session(s):
Positioner Selection and Motor Sizing | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 3:15 PM (CDT)CMCP Course Review and Exam Prep | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 1:15 PM (CDT)
GRAHAM WLOCH
Director of Business Development
Visual Components
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Graham Wloch’s journey demonstrates the evolution of simulation software from a novel innovation to an indispensable necessity in the modern business landscape. With over a decade of experience, he has dedicated his career to understanding customer challenges and delivering tailored solutions that drive success. His expertise lies not only in technical proficiency but also in the strategic cultivation of relationships, fostering a strong community within Visual Components.
In a time where adaptability is vital, Graham has consistently been at the forefront of growth, reshaping sales strategies and uncovering new business opportunities. His ability to combine technical expertise with business intelligence has led to revitalized revenue streams and the establishment of robust partner networks. Year after year, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to surpass sales targets and lead change initiatives that redefine industry standards.
At his core, Graham embodies integrity, honesty, dedication, and passion. These qualities have guided his approach to professional success. Whether driving sales, mentoring teams, or pioneering new solutions, his unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that software isn’t merely a tool but a fundamental pillar of business advancement.
Session(s):
Automation in 3D: The New Standard for Smart Manufacturing | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 11:15 AM (CDT)
LENSON WONG
Vice President
Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation
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Lenson Wong is Vice-President of the Wisecarver Automation Division at Bishop-Wisecarver responsible for Product Development Engineering and Custom Automation System Development. Previously, he was the Founder and CEO of Symation, an automation systems integrator specializing in advanced motion and vision automation systems. Since founding Symation in 2014, he built a customer base of over 100 clients and spearheaded projects involving motion control, image processing, and machine learning for semiconductor, alternative energy and agriculture industries.
Prior to Symation, Lenson held key leadership roles at Moog and Berkeley Process Control, where he managed large scale engineering projects and directed Program Management, IT, Marketing and Applications Engineering functions. His expertise spans automated inspection systems, industrial controls, and large-scale engineering solutions, including automation for offshore oil pipelines and nuclear reactor inspections.
Lenson holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from Duke University. He holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Passionate about mentorship and education, he has been a guest lecturer at UC Berkeley's Mechanical Engineering program.
With a career dedicated to innovation in automation, Lenson Wong continues to drive technological advancements in industrial automation and mentors the next generation of automation professionals.
Session(s):
AI-Driven Troubleshooting Mentors: Enhancing Service Expertise and Reducing Downtime | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 1:30 PM (CDT)
ALLYSON WYATT
Sr. Applications Engineer
Allient
Allyson is a Senior Solutions Engineer at Allient with a B.S. in Physics and a decade of experience in applications engineering. Throughout her career, Allyson has specialized in bridging the gap between theoretical physics and high-performance motion control. She is most passionate about deconstructing motor equations to show how subtle design changes drive significant performance gains. A firm believer in a "physics-first" approach, Allyson enjoys empowering fellow engineers to master the fundamental mechanics behind the motion.
Session(s):
Basic Machine Design and the Physics of Motion | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - 9:00 AM (CDT)
LINIR ZAMIR
Lead AI Development
Telit Cinterion
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Linir Zamir is Lead AI Development at Telit Cinterion, responsible for developing different software solutions as part of deviceWISE. Now leading the technology of deviceWISE Visual Inspection, Linir developed the deviceWISE Visual Inspection solution for real-time object and anomaly detection on assembly lines. Linir has a Ph.D. and Master's in Computer Science from Florida Atlantic University.
Session(s):
Agentic AI on the Edge for IIoT | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 3:30 PM (CDT)
DAVID ZERKLER
President/Owner
Helm Vision Systems
David Zerkler has been in the machine vision business for 15 years as a technical communicator, educator, and entrepreneur. He has been teaching the CVP Advanced Image Processing course for 5 years. He built and led the training department for Matrox Imaging and Zebra's machine vision division. He's currently in the research stage of a new machine vision integration & training company, Helm Vision Systems.
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