A3 Creates AI Technology Strategy Board

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has created a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology Strategy Board. The board is part of an initiative to promote education and adoption of the applications of artificial intelligence in automation industries, and, within A3, places AI leadership at the same level as A3’s existing technology groups: robotics, vision and imaging, and motion control and motors.

The AI Technology Strategy Board will be composed of senior executives from leading AI and technology companies, A3 said in a press release. It is the first time the global trade association has added a technology group to its leadership since adding motion control in 2006.

“Artificial intelligence — in many shapes and forms — will be the stitching that weaves together a new age of industry,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of A3. “As the global trade group of the automation industry, we need to help prepare our members to seize this potential.”

The creation of the technology strategy board is the culmination of a three-year effort to educate and inform automation leaders about the growing importance of artificial intelligence. The board’s chairman is John Lizzi, executive leader for robotics at GE Research. Robert Huschka, A3’s vice president of education strategies, will serve as the association’s liaison to the new board.

AI technologies will play a central role at A3’s two major trade shows in 2022, The Automate Show & Conference, June 6-9, in Detroit, Mich., and The Vision Show, October 11-13, in Boston, Mass., A3 said.