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 Date:6/22/2010 The Robotic Industries Association’s (RIA) |
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New RIA Chair Refreshes Organization’s Mission The Robotic Industries Association’s (RIA) newly selected chair, Dean Elkins, envisions robotic deployment beyond upon envisioned purposes. Further, he intends to amplify the RIA message through RIA events and activities, Bennett Brumson reports. In January 2010, the Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Robotic Industries Association (RIA) selected its new chair: Dean Elkins, senior general manager of Motoman Inc., of West Carrollton, Ohio. Elkins immediately established his priorities. “My hope is to proliferate usage of robots in emerging markets and growing markets and to re-energize RIA’s trade shows and other industry events such as webinars,” says Elkins, who succeeds Richard Litt, chair of the Davenport, Iowa-headquartered Genesis Systems Group LLC. RIA re-branded the International Robots, Vision & Motion Control Show to Automate 2011, to be held March 21-24, 2011 in Chicago, hoping to reach out to non-metal industries that might represent non-traditional markets for robotics, explained Elkins, adding that these non-metal industries include consumer product good manufacturing, food/beverage and pharmaceuticals, primarily in case packing and palletizing applications. Automate 2011 promises to be the kind of expo Elkins has in mind. His vision is based on a European model. European trade shows are comprehensive, solution-based events, he explains, where attendees seek to solve a problem germane to their production or quality needs and not merely to witness how a robot can move in three-dimensional space. He adds: “Automate 2011 will be a solution-based trade show that showcases robot manufacturers and integrators who solve real manufacturing problems in today’s marketplace. By reaching out to a very broad section of markets, [the event] will embrace testing and sensing technologies as well as many mainstream applications.” So far, RIA members planning to attend include ABB Inc., ATI Industrial Automation, Denso Robotics, EPSON Robots, FANUC Robotics America Inc., Genesis Systems Group LLC, Intercon 1, Jabez Technologies Inc., Kawasaki Robotics (USA) Inc., KUKA Robotics Corporation, Motoman Inc., PIAB Vacuum Products, Precise Automation Inc., Reis Robotics USA Inc., SICK Inc., Stäubli Robotics, Toshiba Machine Company America and Vaccon Company Inc. New Markets The recent recession has taken its toll on the robotic industry’s major source of business, the automotive sector. While that market is starting to rebound, in terms of robotics deployment, other markets are emerging, including solar and wind energy. “Alternative energy is a bright spot for the robotics industry,” contends Elkins. He also sees major growth in food and beverage applications such as case packing and palletizing. “Growth in laboratory automation applications such as high volume blood screening and DNA testing are promising, too,” he continues. Further, Elkins anticipates maturation of robotics as assist devices in medical applications. “I see more helper robots, especially medical and surgical robots that help patient positioning in cancer treatment.” Elkins cites the da Vinci robototic technology as an example. “It helps surgeons obtain a higher degree of accuracy during procedures. The use of assistant robots will continue to grow and be an important source of business for RIA members.” Focus on Education The educational market should also garner increased RIA attention during Elkin’s incumbency. “RIA is targeting vocational technical education schools to grow their ranks in our membership. Like system integrators, vocational schools provide considerable value to end users,” declares Elkins. “Vocational technology schools train future integrators and users of robots. Among the ways we’re trying to attract vocational schools to RIA membership is by providing educational programs aimed at their students to teach them the specifics of the ANSI/RIA R15.06 national robot safety standard. We’re also working on several new benefits for the students and the schools.” RIA works with robot manufacturers to ensure robotics is a part of the curriculum offered in vocational technical schools and high schools. “RIA can expose vocational technology school and high school students to robotics through webinars and by making educational resources available to their schools. Students can attend seminars or symposia to learn from robotic industry experts,” Elkins posits. Interactive Events Elkins places high importance on webinars, interactive seminars and workshops transmitted over the Internet. RIA’s recent webinar, “Career Opportunities in Robotics,” designed for students and engineers, included speakers like Jim Devaprasad, professor of Engineering and Technology and director of the Robotics Center at Lake Superior State University in Sault Sainte Marie, Mich. Other recent RIA events included:
Each event was part of the first annual National Robotics Week (April 10-18) and will soon be available at the Association’s Web site (www.robotics.org). But not all of the week’s events were geared toward industrial applications. Other topics included the Robot Block Party, a symposium on robot ethics; the RoboCup U.S. Open, where autonomous robots played soccer; and Robotics for Kids. Expect to see more webinars during Elkins’ RIA leadership, as he recognizes the importance of vocational education and research. “RIA’s board of directors include researcher members,” he says. “We look to attract such members to promote white paper submissions and funding of special projects that will be shared by the entire robotics industry.” In addition, Elkins wants to nurture stronger ties between RIA and the 33-member Congressional Robotics Caucus, co-chaired by Representatives Michael Doyle (D-Pennsylvania) and Philip Gingrey (R-Georgia). End Users and Integrators Elkins praises predecessor Litt, who remains on RIA’s board as past chair. “His election as RIA chair reveals how integrators are critical to the robotics industry. RIA is not just about robot manufacturers. It’s also about users, integrators and component suppliers,” asserts Elkins. “Litt’s international industry experience, and his personal business acumen, demonstrates that integrators are vital to the existence of robot manufacturers and end users. Without integrators, end users would be without engineered manufacturing solutions.” Elkins deems end users’ needs as critically important. “Industry would like to assimilate the current safety standard into a global standard. RIA is very much involved in that process,” he says. “Safety is end users’ paramount concern, and RIA provides them with information on the safety standard’s specifications. RIA conducts many safety seminars related to robotic functionality and the pros and cons of placing a specific robot into a specific environment or application.” As manufacturing continues to shift to low-cost areas of the world, robot makers and integrators follow. “Many corporations are setting up shop in Brazil, China, or India. Robots are increasingly used in these countries to augment quality and to produce products in a cost-efficient way,” Elkins notes. “As the world screams for high quality products, robots aid in that quality fulfillment, even in low-cost markets.” Experience Counts Elkins has been in the robotics industry for 30 years and with Motoman for more than 20 years, holding various international sales and management positions. “I helped Motoman set up offices in North America and helped guide our expansion to Mexico and Canada, as well as Latin America,” he relates. Elkins has been active in RIA since 2000. “I served as chair of RIA’s Membership Committee, where I was involved in marketing activities. In 2000, I joined the RIA board as a member at large, then as second and first vice president, now as chair. I also served on the Automation Technology Council’s board.” Peering into the future, he says, “I look forward to new membership initiatives that demonstrate the value of RIA. Having a revitalized, solutions-oriented trade show will attract membership because companies actively involved in automation will want to be part of the world’s largest robotics trade group.” Author Bennett Brumson is contributing editor for RIA’s Robotics Online, which provides information to help engineers, managers and executives apply and justify robotics and flexible automation. Founded in 1974, RIA (www.robotics.org) is the only trade group in North America organized specifically to serve the robotics industry. Member companies include leading robot manufacturers, users, system integrators, component suppliers, research groups and consulting firms. |