Surface Finishing Unlocked: How Real-World Automation Leads to Measurable ROI in High-Mix Manufacturing

Michelle Lo, Manager, Robotic Engineering Operations, GrayMatter Robotics

Michelle Lo is a strategic leader with an entrepreneurial mindset and over 10 years of experience in solution architecting and project management across engineering disciplines. As Manager of Robotic Engineering Operations at GrayMatter Robotics, Michelle leads cross-functional teams that design, implement, and optimize AI-powered robotic systems for surface finishing solutions in high-mix manufacturing environments. With extensive experience in automotive and manufacturing industries, Michelle has developed deep expertise in plastic injection molding, materials engineering, and quality assurance processes. During her tenure at Faraday Future and Tesla, she managed appearance quality development for various materials including plastic injection molding, working closely with engineering teams and suppliers to optimize manufacturing processes and ensure product harmony. Michelle holds a dual educational background with a Bachelor of Engineering Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Western University and an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management from the prestigious Ivey Business School. She has further enhanced her analytical capabilities through graduate coursework in Business Analytics & Data Science at Ivey Business School, bringing a unique combination of technical expertise and business acumen to manufacturing challenges.

Beyond her corporate roles, Michelle has contributed to the startup ecosystem as a mentor and advisor through FLIK (Female Laboratory of Innovative Knowledge) and as a Venture Scout with Rebel One, where she specialized in sustainability-focused investments and manufacturing innovations.

Brandon McCracken, Chief Operating Officer, Lawrence Brothers, Inc.

Brandon McCracken serves as the chief operating officer at Lawrence Brothers, Inc. in Bluefield, Virginia, where he has been a key leader for the past eight years. With a strong foundation in business from his studies at Virginia Intermont College, Brandon brings strategic insight and operational expertise to his role. Outside of work, Brandon is an avid golfer and cherishes spending quality time with his family.

Nick Orf, Global Application Engineering Leader, 3M Abrasive Systems Division

Nick Orf leads a Global Application Engineering team within 3M’s Abrasive Systems Division, specializing in new product development and robotic automation of abrasive processes. With 30 years in the abrasive industry, Nick focuses on testing, training, and customer deployment of 3M’s abrasive portfolio through robotic and fixed-automation methods. He and his team collaborate closely with robotics partners to engineer optimal abrasive processes for manufacturers expanding automation. Nick holds a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is based at 3M’s Customer Abrasive Methods Center in St. Paul, MN.