The Robotic Industries Association (RIA) Membership Committee recently convened to plan future activities for the association. In the past, the Membership Committee has contributed greatly to many new programs and services that have benefited robot manufacturers, users, system integrators, component suppliers, research groups, and consulting firms, while promoting the industry as a whole. "Ask the Experts" is one such free service that was recently created on RIA's web site, www.robotics.org, where over 150 volunteers from Member companies offer answers to user's questions on all aspects of robotics.

ATI's Catherine Morris, Senior Account Manager at ATI and veteran chair on the RIA Membership Committee for several years says, "RIA is the one association where competitors meet together and actually 'leave their logos' at the door. All committees, as well as the Board of Directors and RIA staff, work together to try to grow our industry which benefits all of us in the end. Robotics Online (www.robotics.org) is the most frequented site for anyone looking for automation solutions. A great benefit from using the website is the popular Request for Quote (RFQ) section. Using the RFQ section allows dozens of high-qualified integrators, and robot companies to provide immediate feedback
to customer projects."

ATI will also be exhibiting at the upcoming Automate 2011 show on March 21-24, in Chicago, IL. Formerly the International Robots, Vision, & Motion Control Show, Automate will be the premier event to discover the broadest automation solutions available. The show will feature dynamic keynote speakers covering topical issues, interactive hands-on demonstrations and a top notch educational conference. ATI will have all of their latest advances in robotic end-effectors and automation tooling on display. The show is also co-located with the ProMat 2011 show where attendees can learn about the latest developments for the material handling and logistics industries.