Jeff Burnstein, President of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), will testify at a hearing in front of the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee - Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade on Wednesday, September 14, at 10:30 a.m. in Washington, D.C. The hearing is titled “Disrupter Series: Advanced Robotics.”

“I welcome the opportunity to represent A3 membership in front of this congressional body,” said Burnstein. “The robotics and automation industry has an important story to tell. A3’s members within RIA, AIA and MCMA are disrupting many different industries across the United States and around the world. I look forward to telling these stories to the esteemed members of the committee.”

For more information on the hearing and how to access the testimony, please see the following press release:

DISRUPTER SERIES: #SubCMT to Examine Advanced Robotics NEXT WEEK

Subcommittee Will Explore How the Current State of Robotics is Impacting the Economy as well as Trade and Commerce  

WASHINGTON, DC - September 7, 2016 – The Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, chaired by Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), has scheduled a hearing for Wednesday, September 14, at 10:30 a.m. in room 2322 of the Rayburn House Office Building. The hearing is entitled “Disrupter Series: Advanced Robotics.”

The Disrupter Series continues next week with an examination of advanced robotics, exploring the way this field is modernizing our economy, improving safety and efficiency, and boosting trade and commerce. The modern workplace has transformed as advanced robotic technology evolves. For example, voice command and facial recognition technology has enabled devices to perform everyday tasks – such as adding meetings to calendars or sending texts to family – to completing more advanced assignments like performing medical procedures on injured veterans. 

“Advanced robotic technology has been a game-changer for the U.S. economy. The integration of these technologies into the economy – whether on the farm, in a factory, or in the board room, has reduced costs while increasing possibilities and safety for businesses and consumers,” said Chairman Burgess. “Advanced robotic automation has disrupted the American marketplace and reshaped our economy by simplifying basic daily conveniences to executing complex military missions. I look forward to next week’s hearing and learning from panelists how these technologies will benefit our economy and what consumer protections should be considered moving forward.”  

“We’ve come a long way since Mr. Roboto topped the charts,” added full committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI). “Without question, advanced robotics is disrupting the global economy as we know it. Automation technology has ushered in a new era of possibilities previously considered science fiction until a few years ago. It’s also providing students in Southwest Michigan and across the country the opportunity to participate in robotics programs that teach the value of science, engineering, teamwork, and technology in a fun environment. Next week will provide a great opportunity to explore ways that advanced robotics can create new opportunities for business and commerce while also improving the quality of life for Americans with disabilities and chronic illness.”   

Throughout the last year, the subcommittee’s Disrupter Series has provided an opportunity for the committee to better understand how federal policies both help and hinder economic growth of emerging technologies. The series has helped shape the drafting of thoughtful, targeted legislation to ensure our policies are modernized for the 21st century and put innovation first. Next week’s hearing builds upon previous discussions of mobile health care apps, the Internet of Things, sharing economy, drones, mobile payments, 3D printing, and digital currency.

The Majority Memorandum, a witness list, and witness testimony will be available here as they are posted.  

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