text: RIA Announces New Group of Certified Robot Integrators, Robotic Industries Associat
  Press release date: June 20, 2012 (Ann Arbor, Michigan) Ellison Technologies Automation, Intelligrated Systems Inc., and Progressive Machine & Design (PMD) are the newest group of robotic integrators to receive the new Certified Robot Integrator designation from the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industry's trade group.
  "We are very happy to welcome these three companies to our growing group of Certified Robot Integrators," said Jeff Burnstein, President of RIA. "In order to become certified, integrators go through a rigorous process which includes an on-site audit, safety training and hands-on testing of key personnel among other important criteria. Based on feedback from the industry, we believe that achieving certification will be valuable to integrators looking to showcase their capabilities and experience to users and suppliers alike.
  "Additionally, the program allows integrators to benchmark their own processes against best industry practices, allowing them to identify areas in which they can improve. This also helps the industry by strengthening the overall integrator channel," Burnstein explained.
  The new RIA Certified Robot Integrator program was officially announced in late January at the Robotics Industry Forum in Orlando. A total of seven integrators have now received the RIA Certified Robot Integrator designation.
  Each certified integrator will need to be recertified every two years. Detailed information on the certification program and the certified robot integrators can be found on a special section of Robotics Online. Integrators interested in becoming certified also can contact Jeff Burnstein at 734/994-6088.
  Here is what each of the new Certified Robot Integrators said about the program:
  Ellison Technologies Automation, Council Bluffs, Iowa "This is a great honor for our company as it displays the sort of attitude and drive that our employees have," said John Burg, President of Ellison Technologies Automation. "We have been integrating robots for almost thirty years and to be recognized by the RIA as one of the first companies earning this distinction is important in our continued growth plan. This certification will give us instant credibility in new markets and with our customers."
  Intelligrated Systems, Inc., St. Louis, MIssouri "The RIA certification verifies our ability to integrate robotic systems successfully," said Earl Wolhrab, Palletizing and Robotics Systems Product Manager, Intelligrated. "Prior to RIA's certification program, customers had a difficult time identifying integrators that meet both business and robotic expertise requirements. Now, this accreditation can be the standard by which end users evaluate their potential vendors to minimize risk and ensure successful implementations."
  Progressive Machine & Design, Victor, New York "PMD is proud to be a member of the select group of RIA Certified Robotic Integrators," said Carl Gurnett, Business Development Manager at PMD. "Our clientele is typically on the leading edge in their industries and value partners of the same mindset. This will reinforce with our clients that PMD is committed to maintaining a high level of investment in both our personnel and technologies."
  Founded in 1974, RIA now represents more than 280 robot manufacturers, system integrators, component suppliers, end user, consulting firms, research groups, and educational institutions. RIA is best known for its biennial Automate Show & Conference (next event slated for January 21-24, 2013 in Chicago); the ANSI/RIA National Robot Safety Standard and annual National Robot Safety Conference (September 24-26, 2012 in Indianapolis); and the annual Robotics Industry Forum (February 20-22, 2013, Orlando). The association also provides quarterly robotics statistics and has a content-rich Robotics Online website attracting hundreds of thousands of visits a year from throughout the world. For more details on RIA, visit www.robotics.org or call 734/994-6088.
  "Robotics customers, of course, still need to conduct their own due diligence on the suppliers they select," said Burnstein. "RIA cannot guarantee the work of any integrator or recommend which integrators to choose. We have more than 50 system integrator members and look forward to having more of them go through the certification process in the near future."