Automate Preview Series: Automate Now: How to Get Started with Your Robotics and Automation Projects

Dan Demers, Senior Director, Business Development, Congatec

Dan Demers is the Senior Director of Business Development at Congatec, Inc. He holds a B.B.S degree in International Business from Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and an M.B.A. from Ashford University, Clinton, Iowa. Mr. Demers has over 25 years of experience in embedded computing having worked with Fortune 500 companies in the Industrial, Medical, and Communications markets.

Bernd Heinrichs, Chief Growth Officer, NEURA Robotics

Dr. Bernd Heinrichs is an accomplished and forward-thinking leader with a passion for driving business and technological innovation, who brings more than 30 years of management experience from corporate groups and medium-sized companies. At NEURA Robotics he has strengthened the top management team since October 2023 as Chief Growth Officer (CGO)

Dr. Heinrichs was previously Co-CEO of the robotics company Wandelbots and was responsible for digital transformation at Robert Bosch GmbH as Executive Vice President until 2021, after more than 20 years in various management positions at Cisco.

His main goal is to take the rapid growth of the NEURA partner network to the next level in a stable and reliable way to meet the exploding demand for NEURA's innovative solutions.

Mitch Hayes, President - Kardex Solutions AutoStore, Kardex

With over 17 years of experience in the delivery of technical projects, Mitch Hayes is passionate about delivering innovative and efficient solutions for customers that are ready to automate their operation. As the head of Kardex Solutions LLC, he oversees the strategic direction, growth, and performance of the business unit, which provides AutoStore and complimentary subsystems for customers of all sizes throughout North America.

With an extensive background in project delivery, Mitch is driven by the mission of creating a top-tier workplace for his team that delivers extraordinary value for customers and partners. He brings diverse perspectives and experiences to his educational seminars.

Jeff Timanus, VP Software Engineering, Vention

Jeff is a technology leader with a proven track record of spearheading software engineering endeavors and driving organizational success. As the Vice President of Software Engineering at Vention, he oversees a dynamic team focused on pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions. With over two decades of experience in the software industry, including notable stints at Autodesk and Google, Jeff brings expertise in Javascript, C++, Agile Methodologies, OpenGL, Software Design, and more. He excels in navigating complex technical challenges and guiding teams toward successful outcomes. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Mathematics in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo.

KC Kim, Director of Sales, Doosan Robotics Americas

KC Kim currently serves as the Director of Sales Strategy at Doosan Robotics Americas. Prior to this role, he has held positions as Global Product Manager and Business Development Manager at top-tier robotics firms. KC holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Rutgers University-New Brunswick and is presently working towards an MBA at Tepper Business School, Carnegie Mellon University.

Kai Kreos-Nemcok, Global Head of Sales, wheel.me

Kai leads the commercial and global sales team at wheel.me. She has been with wheel.me since March 2022 leading the company to new markets and helping some of the biggest companies in the world succeed with automation. Before moving into tech she worked in consultancy and project management for both the private and public sector.