Aaron Prather

Director, Robotics & Autonomous Systems Program, ASTM International

As the Director of Robotics and Autonomous Systems Program at ASTM International, I have years of experience in leading and supporting the growth and expansion of the robotics industry through standardization, workforce development, and research efforts. I have a strong background in R&D management, team building, and operations management, as well as a master's degree in business administration and a bachelor's degree in geographic information science.

In my current role, I work with researchers, manufacturers, integrators, and end users to develop support structures that speed up deployments regardless of industry. I also assist the F45 Committee on Robotics, Automation, and Autonomous Systems, which is responsible for creating and maintaining standards and best practices for the robotics sector. My mission is to help the robotics community achieve greater efficiency, safety, quality, and innovation through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Session(s):

Adrian Kumar

Global Head of Customer Supply Chain Innovation, DHL

Adrian Kumar is a Supply Chain executive who leads a team of 50+ engineers working over 500 projects a year worth over $10 billion in potential contract spend. Adrian consults with fortune 500 companies across all industries to design their fulfillment and distribution strategies. Solutions include conventional & automated warehouses, often having upward of 1000+ FTE’s with over 1M ft2 of warehouse space. Adrian is also responsible for DHL’s global facility design practice, training DHL’s global community of 300+ solutions designers.

Session(s):

Adrian Stoch

CEO, Hai Robotics

Session(s):

Andrew Singletary

CEO and Co-Founder, 3Laws

Dr. Andrew Singletary is the CEO and co-founder of 3Laws, a cutting-edge robotics software company specializing in safety software for autonomous vehicles, aircraft, and mobile robots. With a PhD in safety-critical control from Caltech, Andrew’s research has significantly advanced the understanding of how autonomous systems can be made safer and more reliable, preventing collisions and constraint violations in highly dynamic environments, earning him a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. At 3Laws, which is backed by Caltech and the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund, Andrew continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in autonomous mobility, ensuring that safety remains at the forefront of innovation.

Session(s):

Avi Barkay

President & CCO, Plus One Robotics

Avihou Barkay, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Plus One Robotics

Avihou Barkay is an accomplished technology executive with over two decades of experience in leading and scaling global businesses in the robotics, electronics, 3D printing, and telecom industries. His career is defined by a relentless commitment to customer centricity and an execution-oriented culture.

Currently, Avihou is President & Chief Commercial Officer at Plus One Robotics. He is responsible for all GTM activities as well as corporate development. He also advises US and Japanese startups. Prior to Plus One Robotics, Avihou was EVP and General Manager of North America at Caja Robotics. Previously, Avihou served as President at KLA’s PCB division in Asia after KLA acquired Orbotech for $3.4B. Prior to KLA, Avihou was an executive at Stratasys – 3D printing pioneer. There, he led numerous teams helping propel Stratasys into a $6B market-cap industry leader. Earlier in his career, Avihou held strategy, product, services, and post-merger-integration positions in technology companies. He holds an MBA from Kellogg School of Management.

Session(s):

Ben Waters

Co-founder and CEO, WiBotic Inc.

Ben is the CEO and co-founder of WiBotic, a company that develops wireless charging solutions and fleet-wide battery management software for industrial mobile platforms of all shapes and sizes. Their mission is to energize businesses with autonomous systems to grow and scale without limitation, while creating a workplace filled with brilliant people who are passionate about leadership. Ben has a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington, where he worked on wireless power technologies for implanted devices and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and physics from Columbia.

Session(s):

Brice Bucher

Sr. Manager of Product, Flexware Innovation

Brice is the Senior Manager of Product at Flexware Innovation, a systems integration and consulting firm based in Fishers, Indiana. Brice has spent his entire 30-year career developing and implementing software and integrated solutions in the manufacturing and industrial spaces. His latest passion is developing innovative products and solutions to help customers solve complex intralogistics challenges.

Session(s):

Carole Franklin

Director of Standards Development, Robotics, Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

Carole Franklin is the Director of Standards Development, Robotics, for the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). She leads A3’s standards development activities in developing the ANSI and ISO Robot Safety Standards. Before joining RIA, Carole spent over four years with management consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, where she led projects on business process improvement, internal communications, and executive communications. Prior to Booz Allen, Carole worked for Ford Motor Company for ten years in the market research department, where she led consumer research projects and tracking studies. Carole holds BA and MBA degrees from the University of Michigan.

Session(s):

Craig Salvalaggio

President, Applied Manufacturing Technologies

Craig Salvalaggio has served the role as the Chief Operating Officer of AMT for the past 3 years which has recently allowed him to take on the additional responsibilities as Company President.

He leads overall operations of Applied Manufacturing Technologies along with sales, engineering, and talent management. His technical skills in automation and robotics combined with his leadership ability, led to his current role. His strategic mission is to continue driving growth and diversity of both the systems and services market segments. Craig brings over 20 years of automation experience to AMT and holds a BS in mechanical engineering from Lake Superior State University, a masters in operations management, and an MBA from Kettering University. Craig is actively involved in the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) as a board of director on the Robotics Tech Sector Board, committee member, and the Co-Chair of the Certified Integrator Committee. Craig is regular speaker and panelist on a variety of industry association events providing technical insights into emerging technologies, culture, and talent management.

Session(s):

Daniel Theobald

Founder, Chairman; Cofounder, President, Vecna Robotics; Mass Robotics

Daniel has decades of experience leading research scientists and teams of engineers in developing cutting edge robotics technology. He has 67 issued patents and over 30 patents pending. In 2018 he founded Vecna Robotics, now a global leader in autonomous solutions for the logistics industry. In 2014 he co-founded MassRobotics, a non-profit dedicated to the global advancement of the robotics industry. He is dedicated to the idea that technology can be used to improve life for everyone on the planet. His current projects include leading research on his farm, Twisted Fields, focusing on merging sustainable agriculture and community-led technology.

Session(s):

Denise Stafford

Business Development Manager, KUKA Robotics Corp.

In her role as Business Development Manager for KUKA Robotics, Ms. Stafford works with local sales and account management to provide customers in North America with innovative automation solutions using AMRs and other advanced technologies. She offers valuable insight for both KUKA and their customers on a wide range of topics, such as Industry 4.0, mobility, and human-robot collaboration.

A KUKA employee since 2008, her role with the company has evolved over time to include a variety of key positions, including head of Service Robotics Research for KUKA Laboratories and as a Key Account Manager. Prior to KUKA, Ms. Stafford was the patent coordinator for AKsys GmbH, where she set up the company’s patent department, with a focus on ensuring company processes and formulas were legally compliant. She also served as a patent engineer for REINZ-Dichtungs-GmbH.

Ms. Stafford obtained a Master of Science degree in Business Administration and Economics from the University of Hagen after completing her graduate studies In Industrial Engineering at the Ulm University of Applied Sciences. She enjoys exploring her new home, the City of Detroit, connecting with her neighbors, traveling and golfing with her husband.

Session(s):

Graham Davis

Product Enablement Manager, OTTO by Rockwell Automation

Graham Davis has twenty years of experience in the robotics and automation industry and joined the OTTO by Rockwell Automation team over nine years ago. As part of the Applications Engineering team, he has helped design material transport systems and pushed the boundaries of what AMRs can achieve. Now, as OTTO's Product Enablement Manager, Graham leads a team dedicated to demonstrating the potential of AMRs and guiding customers on how to effectively integrate the cutting-edge technology into their operations. Graham holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from McMaster University and a Distribution Operations Analysis and Design Certificate from Georgia Tech.

Session(s):

Greg Meyne

VP, Consulting, enVista

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):

Jason Nehf

Channel Development Director, MiR (Mobile Industrial Robots)

Jason currently is the acting Director of Channel Development at MiR and is responsible for management of the distribution and system integrator network for the Americas region. He has been at MiR for the past 2 years, but has over 25 years of experience in the Industrial Automation and Robotics industry. He has served on the board at AHTD and is an active member A3.

Session(s):

John Santagate

Senior Vice President, Körber Supply Chain Software

John Santagate is the Vice President of Robotics at Körber Supply Chain. In this role, John is responsible for defining and executing the autonomous mobile robot strategy for Körber Supply Chain in North America. Prior to joining Körber, John was a Research Director for Robotics at IDC where he provided market trends and forecasts for service robotics, business process evolution through the use of service robots, and the integration of robotics into business processes and business IT architecture. John has an MBA from Rutgers with a concentration in Supply Chain Management and a Bachelors degree from the University of Massachusetts with dual concentrations in Finance and Management. In addition to serving as the VP of Robotics at Körber, John is an adjunct instructor at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell teaching a course in supply chain and logistics.

Session(s):

John Simmons

VP of Technology and Operations, InOrbit

John is an accomplished Operations and Product leader with extensive experience deploying and managing technology at scale. After spending 20 years supporting mission critical distributed technology solutions at IBM, Toshiba, and Bossa Nova Robotics, John is now applying the lessons he learned in deployment, scalability, and operational efficiency to robotics and operations. As InOrbit’s VP of Technology and Operations, John leads the advancement of InOrbit’s best in class RobOps platform leveraging his extensive experience with autonomous mobile robots. John is passionate about improving the lives of people through the application of emerging technology.

Session(s):

Kris Doane

Business Development, AsReader, Inc.

As a Solution Architect, Consultant, and Program Manager with over 17 years of experience in the Retail, Security, and Financial industries, Kris Doane has successfully implemented scalable solutions across North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Along with his demonstrated ability to train business units and leaders to succeed at system adoption and change management, he has delivered companies true visibility into their business, improved managed processes, increased financial efficiency, and empowered new business strategies.

Session(s):

Mark Lewandowski

Director - Robotics & Machine Safety, Procter & Gamble

Mark Lewandowski is the Director of Robotics and Machine Safety for Procter & Gamble’s Global Engineering division. He is a passionate advocate for robotics and automation in his company and for the robotics industry around the world. He has 35 years of robotics, machine controls, and machine safety experience with Procter & Gamble in high-speed converting, packaging, and robotics applications. Mark leads the P&G Robotics and Machine Safety team that is responsible for deploying robotics and automation across the company.

Mark is also very active in the robotics industry around the world. He is a member of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) Robotics Technology Strategy Board, Chair Emeritus of the A3 Robotics Standards Development Committee, Chair of the A3 Robotics Standards Approval Committee, and participates in several industry standard development groups for robotics, mobile robotics, and machine safety in the U.S. and globally.

Session(s):

Matt Leitch

Head of Product for Mobile Robotics, Ocado Intelligent Automation

Matt Leitch is a highly energetic leader who has managed operations and developed strategies on the battlefield and in the corporate world. Matt served six years in the U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot and troop commander, honing his focus and strategic thinking before beginning a successful career in the automation and robotics industry. As Head of Product for mobile robotics at Ocado Intelligent Automation (OIA), Matt and his team focus on creating cost-effective and performant mobile robots and software that create quick time to value for operators. OIA is a market leader in AMRs and software execution for retailers, e-commerce, and third-party logistics (3PL) companies. Matt helps customers fulfill their visions for automation and improve business operations by defining where to leverage these innovations in the supply chain. Matt holds a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina. When he’s not refining autonomous warehouse solutions, you can find Matt in the sky, keeping his flying skills sharp.

Session(s):

Matthew Wicks

VP/GM Zebra Robotics Automation, Zebra Technologies

Matt has more than 25 years of experience in the logistics industry with expertise in the areas of traditional MHE, robotics, controls and software integration. He has extensive experience in the field of advanced robotic solution development, integration and design. Matt is a thought leader in the robotics industry, holds numerous robotics patents and is a featured speaker at various robotics industry events. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri – Rolla (Missouri S&T) and serves on the Board of Directors for the Association for Advancing Automation (A3).

Session(s):

Michael Bearman

Chief Legal & Safety Officer, Vecna Robotics

Michael is the Chief Legal & Safety Officer at Vecna Robotics. He has years of experience in mobile robotic safety, interoperability, and standards. He is the convenor for the ISO working group on robot interoperability, co-drafter of the MassRobotics Interop Standard, a member of the executive subcommittee for ASTM Committee 45 on Robotics, Automation & Autonomous Systems, and a participating member on A3's R15.08 committee on industrial mobile robot safety. He has overseen the deployment, software & hardware support, and safety of autonomous forklift systems at Vecna Robotics since its founding.

Session(s):

Mico Perales

President, US Positronix

Mico Perales is an experienced entrepreneur, having led commercialization efforts for multiple early-stage tech companies, including an ag-tech equipment and photovoltaics company. Mico has focused on building and innovating physical products with the potential to transform society.

Mico is President of US Positronix, a developer of a smart flooring solution that magnetically levitates and autonomously transports cargo across warehouse facilities. He has engaged a wide range of companies from multiple industries and across the supply chain, including carriers, 3PLs, system integrators, and manufacturers. He has developed deep insights into the use cases, and benefits of maglev technology within warehouse automation.

Mico holds an MS and BS from MIT in Electrical Engineering, and an MBA from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business.

Session(s):

Mukesh Ranjan

VP of Product, Dexterity

Mukesh Ranjan is Dexterity's Vice President of Product. He joined the company in 2023 to expand the company's product portfolio to include new applications for AI-powered warehouse solutions and enterprise software.

Mukesh is a seasoned product leader with over 15 years of experience in building native AI/ML SaaS products for B2B enterprises with responsible and explainable AI at the core. He previously acted as the SVP of Product at Noodle.ai (AI/ML Products and Platform for Supply Chain & Manufacturing) as held leadership and operating roles at Intel and Kearney.

Mukesh holds a PhD in Computer Science & Engineering from the University of Cincinnati as well as an MBA from U.C. Berkley's Haas School of Business.

Session(s):

O.P. Skaaksrud

Vice President IT, Operations Technology Innovation, FedEx

OP Skaaksrud leads the FedEx Operations Technology Innovation team, overseeing Autonomous Vehicles, Robotics, and Internet of Things solutions. Throughout his tenure, he’s leveraged technology into game-changing business value including the ubiquitous FedEx shipping label, the collaborative IoT platform, SenseAware®, and the data-driven learning sensor network, SenseAware ID.

With over 160 US domestic and international patents, OP is a prolific innovator across a broad spectrum of technology areas including artificial intelligence, machine vision, sensor technologies, the Internet of Things, and robotics.

OP holds an MBA from the Purdue Krannert School of Management with dual concentration in Operations Management and Management Information Systems, and a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wyoming.

Session(s):

Paul Whitney

COO & Vice President, AsReader, Inc.

Paul is a positive, outgoing communicator with a passion for bridging gaps between people and cultures, be it language or technology. Having lived in Japan for years, Paul has spent the past two decades bringing innovative Japanese technologies to the West. The past nine years have focused on AutoID/IoT, with an emphasis on RFID. Incorporating these technologies into Robotics with Wearable UHF RFID, particularly Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), has proven to be game changing for all involved. Another emerging technology from Japan is a new “Linear Planar Motor.” It’s like taking the 1D magnetic train tracks and making it 2D, allowing you to move Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) across a plane using magnetic flooring. This allows quiet, continuous movement, without the need to recharge any batteries. Stop by the booth and presentation to visit with Paul and discuss these innovative technologies and more. He holds an Advanced BA from Occidental College in Los Angeles and a Kokusai-bu Certificate from Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan.

Session(s):

Rick Lynch

Sales Manager, Advanced Control Solutions (ACS)

Rick Lynch joined Advanced Control Solutions (ACS) in 2001 and has been in automation sales for 25+ years primarily focusing on robotics and machine vision. Rick leads one of the ACS sales teams that covers TN, MS, and AL.

Session(s):

Samil Özden

CEO, Co-Founder, Milvus Robotics

Samil Özden graduated from METU with a B.A.Sc. Master degrees in Mechanical Engineering and has since specialized in autonomous mobile robot (AMR) solutions. While working as a research assistant, he co-founded Milvus Robotics with the goal of developing innovative robotics technologies in 2011. Through his initiatives, Milvus Robotics has grown into a prominent solutions provider in the robotics industry, known for advancing automation and efficiency across various sectors.

Session(s):

Saurabh Chandra

CEO, Ati Motors

Surabh Chandra founded Ati Motors in 2017 to revolutionize material movement in factories and warehouses through autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Driven by a first-principles approach to design, his leadership has enabled Ati Motors to solve complex operational challenges that redefine efficiency and automation in the industrial sector.

With over two decades of experience in building and scaling technology companies, Saurabh combines engineering expertise with a visionary approach to robotics and automation. His work continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in industrial innovation.

Session(s):

Steven Schwartzberg

Manager, Advanced Technology & Innovation, FedEx

Steven Schwartzberg is currently a Manager of Advanced Technology and Innovation at FedEx, and a life-long catalyst for innovation. He’s worked in strategy consulting and product development in consumer and financial services and joined FedEx in product management over a decade ago. At FedEx Steven co-founded a forum to focus FedEx efforts to unlock the power of its operations to serve the ever-changing e-commerce market, eventually growing to work on FedEx’s broader global strategy.

That strategy requires profitable growth, and Steven identified the need to think differently about operations – which led to a focus on how robotics can help pave the way to that future growth. For over five years, Steven has championed the future-changing potential of robotics and AI while becoming an expert in both current operations and future possibilities.

Steven has an Economics degree from Harvard University, holds an MBA from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina, and is eager to find more catalysts among peers at conferences like this.

Session(s):

Tim DeRosett

Director of Product, Brooks Automation

Tim DeRosett is the Director of Product at Brooks Automation, where he leads product strategy and product management for the PreciseFlex Collaborative Robots business.

Tim has 20+ years of experience bringing advanced technology solutions to manufacturing. Prior to joining Brooks, Tim served as Dir of Product Management at Jabil, VP of Industrial Automation at Aethon, Inc.; and was the co-founder of Blue Ocean Robotics, LLC; as well as the director of strategic initiatives at YASKAWA Motoman. He previously held several positions at Adept Technology. Tim has been advisor to startups, established companies and investors. Additionally, he served on the board of directors for the Robotics Industries Association (RIA).

Session(s):

Ujjwal Kumar

President, DI Automation Americas, Siemens Industry, Inc.

Ujjwal Kumar serves as President of Automation for Siemens Digital Industries in the Americas, where he drives business growth, operational performance, and customer outcomes across the region. Siemens Digital Industries brings together a broad portfolio of automation, software, and services to help manufacturers advance their digital transformation.

With more than 25 years of experience across multiple industries and global organizations, Ujjwal has built, transformed, and scaled industrial businesses worldwide. His leadership background includes global P&L ownership, product portfolio evolution, and operational turnarounds, always guided by a consistent focus on applying the right technology to solve real, high-impact industrial challenges. At Siemens, this approach translates into delivering measurable customer outcomes by aligning innovation with practical, scalable execution.

Ujjwal believes the next era of manufacturing will be defined by human–machine collaboration, bringing people, automation, and data together to improve productivity, safety, and resilience. He is a strong advocate for physical AI and for building trusted partnerships that turn advanced technologies into real-world industrial solutions customers can deploy with confidence.

Ujjwal holds an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, and a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. He is based in Boston, Massachusetts.

Session(s):