TROY – Technology business association Automation Alley announced at its Annual Meeting Tuesday that iRobot Corporation has
become the organization’s 1000th member.
“Starting with just 44 members in 1999, we are now 1,000 members
strong,” said Ken Rogers, executive director, Automation Alley. “This is a
goal that we’ve been striving for and with the ongoing support of Southeast
Michigan’s business community, we’ve been able to become the largest
technology business association in the state. It’s remarkable to look back
at the past 10 years to see the tremendous accomplishments the organization
has achieved.”
Founded in 1990 by Massachusetts Institute of Technology roboticists,
iRobot Corp. specializes in behavior-based robots that help people complete
tasks with improved results. Powered by iRobot’s unique AWARE Robot
Intelligence Systems, the company’s robots can navigate in complex and
dynamic real-world situations. To date, the company has sold more than 3
million iRobot Roomba(R) Vacuuming Robots worldwide, making it the
best-selling consumer robot in history. Also, more than 2,000 iRobot
PackBot Tactical Mobile Robots have been delivered to a broad range of
military and civilian customers around the world. These robots have
performed tens of thousands of missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Given the region’s strong technology sector and innovative atmosphere,
we are excited to become a member of Automation Alley and to contribute to
the Southeast Michigan business community,” said Joe Dyer, president of
iRobot Government and Industrial Robots. “Opening an office here is
something that iRobot has looked forward to for quite some time. TARDEC,
the universities, and the deep pool of engineering talent will accelerate
the capabilities of our robots. I have no doubt that our collaboration with
Automation Alley will be of great importance to iRobot’s growth in
Michigan.”
In addition, the voting membership approved the slate for the 2009
Automation Alley Board of Directors, who serve as the key decision-makers
within Automation Alley and are vital to the development of programs,
services, events and committees. Brian McGinnity, chief financial officer
at HIROTEC AMERICA, remains as President.
The following board members were elected to a one-year term:
Debra Homic Hoge, director of North America operations, world wide real
estate, General Motors Corporation
The following board members were re-elected for a three-year term:
Brian Balow, member, Dickinson Wright
Ed Donovan, senior vice president, Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce
Gary Gavin, vice president for key and large group sales, Blue Cross
Blue Shield
Scott Goemmel, executive vice president, PMV Technologies
Robert Hoover, program manager, BAE Systems
Robert Nichols, director of external affairs and associate to President
Stan Liberty, Kettering University
Remaining board members include:
Stephen Cassin, executive director, Macomb County
David Darbyshire, owner, DASI Solutions
Dennis Duncanson, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
Christine Estereicher, manager, state relations, Chrysler LLC
Greg Guidice, principal, RazorThreat
Brian Kundinger, president and CEO, Kundinger Controls
Michael McNalley, director business energy services, DTE Energy
Turkia Mullin, assistant county executive, Wayne County
Ken Rogers, executive director, Automation Alley
Dennis Toffolo, deputy county executive, Oakland County
Adam Wilburn, practice manager, RCM Technologies
Since its founding in 1999, Automation Alley has expanded to include
1,000 businesses, educational institutions and government entities,
covering an eight county area and the City of Detroit. Automation Alley
promotes regional prosperity through business attraction services,
exporting assistance, workforce development and technology acceleration.
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