Presenters
Tom Ryden,
Executive Director, MassRobotics
Thomas Ryden is the Executive Director of MassRobotics, a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the robotics community and help grow the next generation of robotics, AI and connected device companies. MassRobotics runs the world’s largest independent robotics and IoT focused co-working space. Prior to joining MassRobotics, Mr. Ryden was the founder and CEO/COO of VGo Communications where he helped launch the VGo telepresence robot. Previously, Mr. Ryden was Director of Sales & Marketing for iRobot Corporation, overseeing the development of some of iRobot’s most successful products. Mr. Ryden serves on the Tufts University Computer Science Advisory Board, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Robotics Engineering Advisory Board, the Mechatronics & Robotics Engineering (MRE) Education Advisory Board, serves as Board co-chair of the Global Robotics Cluster (GRC) and on the Robotics Technical Advisory Panel for ASME. He is an advisor to a number of robotics start-ups. Mr. Ryden has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Vermont and an MBA from Bentley University.
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Executive Vice President, Association for Advancing Automation (A3)
Alex Shikany is the Executive Vice President of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the leading trade association for robotics, vision and imaging, motion control, and artificial intelligence. In this role, he oversees A3’s internal operations, serves as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, and leads strategic initiatives to enhance member value and industry impact. Since joining A3 in 2012, Alex has been instrumental in driving growth, including the rebranding that unified four organizations under the A3 umbrella and expanding membership to over 1,380 companies worldwide. A recognized thought leader and sought-after speaker, Alex is passionate about advancing the global adoption of automation technologies. He holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance from Michigan State University and brings over a decade of experience in market strategy, brand development, and industry leadership to his role.
Moderator
Tim Culverhouse
Tim is the Editorial Director of Robotics247.com and has served in this role since 2023. His mission is to provide valuable information and insights to robotics professionals and decision-makers, and to help them solve business challenges.
