Rusty Ponce de Leon, incumbent Board member
President of Phase 1 Technology, a member of Stemmer Imaging
Stemmer Imaging
Rusty has been working in the machine vision and imaging industries for more than 35 years. He previously worked in the semiconductor industry, which provided him with an extensive understanding of today’s sensor-driven technology. As Phase 1 Technology’s President, he has been part of a team that has developed a strategy to provide essential services to technology driven Vision and Imaging companies. His time at Phase 1 Technology has given me firsthand experience working directly with End Users, OEMs, Integrators, Research centers, and Universities throughout his tenure. Because he works so closely with these types of customers, he has a unique perspective on how our industry operates and an in-depth knowledge of their product expectations and requirements.
He passionately believe the automation industry will have an ever-increasing role in our work related tasks, as well as our day to day lives. With his forward thinking perspective and experience, Rusty respectfully request your consideration for another term on the Vision Board of Directors.
Jeffrey Adolf, incumbent Board member
Vision Technology Lead
3M
A key component to any leadership committee is a diversity of skill sets and perspectives. Most members on the Vision TSB are either integrators or OEMs that play a critical role in the success and health of A3. While 3M does supply some components into the vision and robotics industry, my perspective is that of a vision end-user in a large manufacturing technology organization spanning a wide breadth of end markets. We create solutions to vision challenges from high-speed cosmetic web inspection in optical films to medical-grade functional testing to robotic automation in dirty abrasive plants. We leverage 3rd party solutions where possible, but also develop new-to-the-world technology where appropriate. This breadth of work positions him to understand the current vision ecosystem as well as upcoming technology trends.
Moreover, he personally faces these challenges daily. While much of his role is technology development and strategic direction, he also respond to customer-critical applications regularly. He has sat on a bucket on a converting line in Vietnam dealing with AI model drift that is generating customer complaints. He has flown on the red eye to Germany to meet with our business leaders that have a warehouse of questionable material that needs a same-day vision solution developed and in-place. I’ve felt the pain of real-life manufacturing that gives me a deeper appreciation for the problems our industry faces.
Jeffrey believes his technology expertise, wide-ranging inspection knowledge, and practical manufacturing experience could help guide the A3 organization to develop strategies that address the fundamental needs of industrial vision. Finally, he is energized to grow the world of automation and he couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with the leaders of this industry.
Ed Goffin, incumbent Board member
Vice President Product Marketing
Pleora Technologies
Ed has been involved in the machine vision and networking industries for 25 years, and for the past 11 years in marketing and product management roles with Pleora Technologies. He brings to the board experience and insight gained from helping a SME business in the machine vision industry expand its product portfolio as it navigates technology evolutions and strategically addresses new opportunities in emerging markets and geographies.
As a board member, he offers strategic marketing insight focusing on growth for our member companies and the wider vision industry so our individual businesses can thrive. This includes promoting our collective capabilities to new industries, applications, and end-users. Ed is a keen advocate for the machine vision industry and has been a regular speaker and author for machine vision, manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 events and publications.
He looks forward to working with the board and our member companies as we seek new ways to continue to grow the vision market.
Daniel Lau, incumbent Board member
Professor and Director of Graduate Studies
University of Kenntucky
Given Daniel's mix of industrial and academic experience in machine vision, he has a unique perspective on education as it relates to training our next generation of imaging experts. For instance, he has direct knowledge of the programming languages and soft skills being taught in the classrooms. He is also intimately familiar with the opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry such as through senior design sponsorships and job recruiting events. And as an entrepreneur, he is familiar with the challenges faced by startups attempting to monetize university IP.
James Anderson, incumbent Board member
Business Development Manager for Quality Control Solutions
SICK Inc.
James Anderson has been a dedicated member of the TSB, consistently raising important issues for manufacturers and users of machine vision devices. His efforts have focused on how the A3 can provide essential information and promote member companies and industries, establishing the A3 as the go-to source for Vision, Robotics, Motion Control, and AI resources. This helps customers make informed decisions in the automation industry.
With significant experience in machine vision and the broader world of automation, Jim has worked for SICK, a company that is a member of each of the underlying groups forming the A3. He has been involved in a wide range of projects, bringing a unique perspective to the group. As a TSB member, Jim has advocated for the membership and sought ways to expand our reach into new and growing markets. His continued involvement in the A3 Events Strategy Committee ensures that Vision and Imaging companies are well-represented as we move forward with new and exciting plans to promote automation.
Re-elect James Anderson to the TSB to continue benefiting from his expertise, dedication, and vision for the future of automation.
David Mayers
Sales Director - North America
IDS Imaging Inc.
Over 15 years in the industry with multiple machine vision camera companies (Point Grey, FLIR and now IDS Imaging) has given David diverse experiences with different applications and challenges in automation. He is currently running the North American business for IDS Imaging which is based in Germany. He is focused on industry trends, strategy, market and product feedback as well as sales strategy which gives me many insights which I believe can be valuable contributions to the A3 board. He has been on the board for just about a year now and have enjoyed the brief chances of contributing that he has had so far and hope to continue serving for years to come.
Greg Trainor
Senior Director of Global Business Development
Banner Engineering
Greg brings over three decades of expertise in industrial automation, with a specialized focus on optical products and machine vision systems, along with a proven track record in driving global business in high-growth sectors like CPG, Life Sciences, and Robotics. His experience will enable him to offer valuable insights, foster strategic partnerships, and guide the board in leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance our market leadership in automated machine vision.
Ashutosh Prasad
CEO
KoiReader Technologies, Inc.
Driven by the pioneering Applied AI work I have led at KoiReader Technologies, I am confident that my unique qualifications make me an ideal candidate for the A3 Technology Strategy Board.
By nominating me, A3 would gain a leader who has filed over 20 patents related to automation and developed an industry-leading Digital Operations Platform, publicly endorsed by NVIDIA and PepsiCo. According to NVIDIA’s executive leadership, the KoiVision Platform has accelerated AI adoption, driving significant time and cost savings in Manufacturing, Logistics, Retail, CPG, and many other industries.
Industry statistics show that over 30 to 45% of Enterprise AI-led automation projects fail to move from POC to production. Many leaders are unsure about what is real in AI and where to start. I addressed this harsh reality as a panelist at MIT in Cambridge in Q4 2023 at an event sponsored by GS1.
In this challenging environment, I have combined my pioneering AI work with over two decades of experience in Management, Strategy, Operations, Technology, and Innovation Consulting. I crafted an AI Operating Model that enables rapid value creation through network implementations at Fortune 50 corporations. This model is a culmination of knowledge gained from leadership roles at XPO, PwC, EY, Oracle, Blue Yonder, and a three-part thesis I have created for driving global GDP growth through “Simulation, Visualization, and Automation.” This AI Operating Model and Digital Operations methodology transcends traditional methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kanban, etc. for value creation, and we are currently executing second part of this thesis.
Our implementations are LIVE in production at Fortune 500 accounts, resulting in up to $2 million savings per facility due to improved accuracy, efficiency, and real-time industrial engineering enablement. Aggregating these savings across 28 facilities, the net savings exceed $50 million from a single application in our platform.
This is not just about technology implementation; it is about reimagining how industries operate. I excel at crafting strategies that are both visionary and pragmatic. My ability to anticipate future trends and align technology with business objectives is evident in our platform's success.
Furthermore, my engagements as a keynote speaker at the Carbonated Beverage Institute and as a guest speaker at events sponsored by Siemens, Intel, MIT’s CTIL, Automate Show, NVIDIA GTC (2025), and Manifest Show (2025) showcase my ability to collaborate across sectors.
The success I have delivered by creating an industry playbook has made me a sought-after leader in the automation space across the world’s five major economies. For example, I was invited to author automation chapter for the National Logistics Policy of the world’s fifth-largest economy, which was later launched by the Prime Minister. Additionally, the KoiVision Platform was showcased at G20/B20 in 2023, recognizing our innovative work.
We are not simply following trends in the AI automation world, but we are setting them. BIG, BOLD, GAME-CHANGING is the need of the hour to drive an operational efficiency revolution through automation that will ultimately uplift world economy through global GDP growth.
A3's commitment to driving technological innovation and thought leadership aligns perfectly with my vision for the industry's future. Nominating me means bringing a director who thrives on turning futuristic tech into today's reality, aligning with A3’s strategic goals.
Georgy Das
Director of Systems & Training
Midwest Optical Systems
As a board member, Georgy would bring a strategic mindset rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a passion for finding better ways to do things. His experience leading technology adoption at Midwest Optical Systems has taught him the importance of listening to all team members, understanding their concerns, and using those insights to drive meaningful change. He believes that while it’s important to maintain continuity, real breakthroughs come from questioning old methods and being willing to explore how we can improve—not just incrementally, but exponentially.
One of his key goals is to ensure that the voices of smaller companies are heard within our organization. Often, it feels as though the larger players dominate industry conversations, and he wants to be an advocate for the smaller teams who bring fresh ideas and face different challenges. Additionally, he is passionate about finding innovative ways to bring people together, whether through conferences, events, or educational platforms, to share the groundbreaking technologies and innovations our member companies are creating.
With a blend of operational experience, technological insight, and a passion for inclusive growth, he is eager to contribute to shaping the future of the machine vision industry through a position on the board.
Jason Covar
General Manager
The Imaging Source
Jason’s deep expertise in machine vision and imaging, paired with over a decade of leadership at The Imaging Source, positions him as a highly qualified candidate for the A3 Vision & Imaging Technology Strategy Board. As General Manager, Jason has consistently led strategic growth initiatives, helping establish The Imaging Source as a prominent manufacturer in the industry. His even-keeled temperament and commitment to clear, results-driven communication have enabled him to build trusted relationships across various levels, from OEMs and integrators to end-users and research institutions.
Jason’s unique perspective stems from his hands-on experience in managing complex challenges and guiding technical innovation. His strategic vision aligns with A3’s mission, especially as he remains deeply engaged with industry trends and customer needs. His background spans both technical and commercial roles, giving him a well-rounded view of the market dynamics and emerging opportunities that shape our industry. Jason’s balanced approach to problem-solving, combined with his ability to inspire collaboration, would allow him to effectively support A3’s objectives in an evolving technological landscape.
As a board member, Jason aims to contribute a thoughtful, unbiased voice to discussions, advocating for advancements that not only meet current demands but also anticipate the future needs of the machine vision industry. His dedication to fostering innovation and his proven track record of successful outcomes make him an asset for A3, and he respectfully requests your consideration for a position on the Vision & Imaging Technology Strategy Board.
James Finch
Chief Operating Officer
Eigen Innovations
Along with an absolute passion and curiosity for all things manufacturing and automation, James brings a wealth of direct experience leading manufacturing quality and process development with major global manufacturers, as well as start-up leadership in the machine vision sector with Eigen Innovations. He has been active in the machine vision community by participating in and speaking at several trade events over the past 3 years including Automate, Automatica, Vision Stuttgart, AME Grand Rapids, and more. He is excited at the potential to join the Vision and Imaging Strategy Board to continue to promote and drive engagement in the automation community.
Oliver Grass
Managing Director Industrial Machine Vision
Headwall Photonics - inno-spec GmbH (a Headwall Group company)
As founder and CEO of inno-spec GmbH, acquired by Headwall in 2024 and now a Headwall Group company, Oliver led the company to become a leading manufacturer of industrial hyperspectral imaging systems used in high-volume recycling, industrial sorting, and quality testing. He is responsible for the combined industrial-imaging and machine-vision expertise and products of the Headwall Group, overseeing innovative new products that will advance machine-vision capabilities and benefit many industries.
Drew Jurney
Director - Strategic Product Development
Keyence Corporation of America
Drew brings over a decade of experience in product development and market research for a global leader in machine vision technology. Leveraging his experience with a broad product portfolio that spans many technology categories, will allow him to engage and contribute to technical discussions on a variety of topics. Additionally, his deep understanding of the industry/market will allow him to ensure the board’s decisions align with the needs, requirements, and direction of the vision community. If elected, he looks forward to taking a collaborative approach with the other board members, and representing the vision community, to ensure the vision industry continues to evolve and advance.
Frank Jakubec
Head of Global Market Segment
Balluf Inc.
Frank's experience in leading global market strategies for Semicon & Electronics has equipped him with the ability to identify emerging trends and technologies that can shape the future of automation. He understands the importance of innovation from both a technical and commercial standpoint. His background in machine vision technology and leadership roles allow him to offer a balanced perspective that integrates technical expertise with strategic business insights. He is passionate about driving industry standards, promoting education, and ensuring the sector continues to evolve.
