Global Trade Group to Promote Adoption of AI in industrial Automation

Global Trade

July 8, 2021

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has created a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology Strategy Board of leading AI experts, part of a major initiative to promote education and adoption of the applications of artificial intelligence in automation industries.

This new board 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 comprise senior executives from leading AI and technology companies. This is the first time the global trade association has added a technology group to its leadership since adding motion control in 2006. A3 represents 1,100 companies from across the automation industry.

Artificial intelligence is layering atop robotics, vision, motion control, and other automation technologies to create new solutions, great flexibility, and expanding opportunities. Big tech companies — once focused more on phones than factory floors — now view manufacturing, robotics and industrial automation as key segments of their business.

“Artificial intelligence — in many shapes and forms — will be the stitching that weaves together a new age of industry,” says 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-Robotics at GE Research, who has chaired and played a leading role in the A3’s AI efforts to date. Companies such as Amazon, GE, Google, Intel, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Siemens and others have helped guide A3’s initiatives. Robert Huschka, A3’s vice president of education strategies, will serve as the association’s liaison to the new board.

The Association for Advancing Automation is the global advocate for the benefits of automating. A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is done.

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • EFC Welcomes Agence Omega as New CEMRA Member

    EFC Welcomes Agence Omega as New CEMRA Member

    Serving the province of Quebec, Agence Omega is an independent manufacturer representative agency dedicated to delivering exceptional service and enhancing the customer experience. They bridge the gap between end-users and installers, offering innovative, efficient, and user-friendly products through the electrical and lighting channels. With a strong commitment to distributors, specifiers, and contractors, Agence Omega provides… Read More…

  • Anne Harrigan Retiring After More Than 35 Years With EFC

    Anne Harrigan Retiring After More Than 35 Years With EFC

    It is with great reverence and honour that after more than 35 years of dedicated service, EFC announces the retirement of Anne Harrigan, Vice President of Business Intelligence, effective April 2025. Anne came to EFC from EEMAC (Electrical & Electronic Manufacturers Association of Canada) and in 1989 was promoted to Manager of Statistical Services, becoming… Read More…


Peers & Profiles