Robotics Industry Association Membership Surges

Robotic Industries Association, the only North American trade association dedicated solely to robotics, has five categories of membership, including one for users which accounts for a growing segment of the 270-plus companies and institutions that belong to RIA.

“RIA places great emphases on reaching companies that currently use or are considering using robots,” says Jeff Burnstein, RIA president. “Users join the Association to network with suppliers, integrators and experts who can help them find solutions to their challenges.”

Users help drive RIA activities through participation on committees as well as on the RIA Board of Directors. Among the Directors this year are representatives from the U.S. Postal Service, General Motors, Pepperidge Farm, Procter & Gamble and Spirit AeroSystems.

RIA has more than 30 new members so far this year. They include:

• Advanced Technology Solutions
• Agile Planet
• Argus Machine Company
• BRIC Engineered Systems
• C.F. Martin
• DRM
• Durabotics
• Dynomax
• Edgewater Automation
• Florida Institute of Technology (sponsored by Stäubli)
• Frito-Lay
• George Brown College
• Industrial College of the Armed Forces
• JMP Engineering
• Kellogg Community College
• KL Automation Products
• Klein Tools
• Lanier Technical College (sponsored by Stäubli)
• MPI Incorporated
• Ohio University (sponsored by ATI Industrial Robotics)
• Robotiq Gripper Company
• Sommer Automatic
• Stryker MicroDexterity
• Tech-Con Automation
• Troax
• Unitec Innovations
• University of Dayton (sponsored by SAS Automation)
• University of South Carolina Upstate
• (sponsored by Stäubli)
• US Callaway Golf
• Visual Components

RIA’s mission is to improve the regional, national and global competitiveness of North American manufacturing and service sectors through promotion, education and enhancement of robotics and related automation.

“A significant number of RIA’s members are companies that use robots,” Burnstein says. “These members can be found on the Board, in committees, in Ask the Experts and as speakers for Association events like our National Robot Safety Conference. Thanks to this mix, RIA reflects current business issues in this dynamic industry.”

A guide to suppliers, integrators, consultants and educators is provided by RIA in Robotics Online (www.robotics.org). The website includes a Member Control Panel (dashboard) used regularly by members who post information, respond to inquiries and gather intelligence on the industry. Every year, RIA holds the annual Robotics Industry Forum (January 18-20, Orlando, Florida) for members only. This high-level networking event takes place in conjunction with business conferences for Automated Imaging Association and Motion Control Association. These and other activities ensure members have an inside track on drivers and conditions that shape the industry.