2026 Industrial Automation Trends: What to Expect in the Coming Year

Mike Lashbrook, Vice President, Digital Solutions, JR Automation

With a background in automotive, operations leadership, corporate strategy, and automation, Mike has accumulated over 25 years industry experience in Automotive and Industrial Automation industries. He currently serves as Vice President of Digital Solutions for JR Automation, leading the organization’s suite of software products and services that help customers make the transition to Industry 4.0.

Stu Shepherd, President, Shepherd Solutions Inc.

Stu Shepherd has over 46-years’ experience transforming manufacturing in the Americas through his leadership in the robotic automation industry. He graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering Technology. His past experiences include automation integration roles at General Motors, and sales and top leadership roles at FANUC America Corporation, KUKA AG, Güdel AG, Universal Robots A/S, and consulting with Gain & Co. and HowToRobot.com. He is the co-founder and president of Shepherd Solutions, Inc. Based in Rochester, Michigan, Stu provides clients with valuable advisory and consulting services focused on the creation and execution of new business development, sales and marketing performance improvements, aftermarket growth, and customer loyalty optimization. Stu is a past chairperson at both the Robotic Industries Association (now known as the A3 Robotics Strategy Board) and Association for Advancing Automation (A3), current A3 Robotics Strategy Board member, and R15.05 Robot Safety Committee member. He is also an American Welding Society (AWS) member serving on the D16 Robotic and Automatic Welding Committee. Lastly, Stu has been internationally recognized for his contributions to the robotics automation industry as the 2025 recipient of the Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Award for Leadership.

Julia Astrid Riemenschneider, Head of Project Excellence, SCIO Automation

Julia Astrid Riemenschneider is a recognized leader in the robotics, AI, machine vision, and industrial automation sectors, with over 10 years of international experience across Europe and North America. She built her expertise at industry leaders like Leuze electronic, VITRONIC Machine Vision, and Universal Robots, where she defined European channel strategies. Most recently, she served as CEO for United Robotics Group Americas and Rethink Robotics, leading US operations and the successful market relaunch of Rethink Robotics. Julia now focuses on Project Excellence and M&A operations for North America at the SCIO Automation Group. Named one of the 10 Women Shaping the Future of Robotics by the IFR in 2025, she provides a unique and holistic perspective on the market outlook for 2026.

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.

Jim Beretta, President, Customer Attraction

Jim Beretta is president at Customer Attraction, a Marketing Consulting company specializing in the automation and robotics industry. He is best known as the driving force behind marketing and branding for one of North America’s largest automation integrators, with over 20 years in the automation industry. He operates his marketing consultancy and works with Automation manufacturers, distributors, robot companies and the automation community around the world. Jim is a speaker and moderator at industry conferences and is an expert at marketing and branding. He is also a member of A3 Robotics.