ANN ARBOR, MI — The Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the umbrella group for Robotic Industries Association (RIA), Advancing Vision + Imaging (AIA) and Motion Control Association (MCA), announced that its three associations have reached all time highs for membership. As of the end of July, RIA now has 334 company members, AIA is also at 334 members and MCA consists of 111 members.

“We are gratified that so many companies around the world place their confidence in A3 and its member associations to help them achieve their goals,” said Jeff Burnstein, President of A3. “Across the three associations we are now 779 company memberships strong. It’s a great time to be in the robotics, vision and motion control industries as more companies realize how important it is to automate their operations in order to compete globally.”

“RIA is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year as the advocate for the robotics industry,” said Stu Shepherd, Chairperson of the Board of RIA and CEO Americas – KUKA Robot Group. “This year has been particularly significant for RIA. Membership is on the rise with 10 percent increase since 2013 and RIA refreshed their brand with the launch of a new logo and website in July. The effort of RIA to grow the association signifies their dedication to serve and connect the global robotics community.”

“This year marks record membership for AIA as well as its 30th anniversary as an association,” said Steve Mott, Chairperson of the Board of AIA and Vice President of Components Express, Inc. “AIA’s strong membership indicates that the vision and imaging industry recognizes the value AIA brings as a trade association. AIA continues to serve the industry with events like THE Vision Show and programs like AIA’s vision standards. I am looking forward to seeing AIA’s continued growth and being part of the many important activities AIA has coming up on the horizon.”

“Over the last year MCA has experienced tremendous growth with a 19 percent increase in membership,” said John Hegel, Chairperson of the Board of MCA and President of American Control Electronics. “MCA has an active and engaged membership base and together we’re helping spread awareness of important motion control technologies. In addition to providing educational webinars, relevant market data, and key networking opportunities, MCA members are successfully reaching new automation buyers through our Automate trade show. MCA is dedicated to helping motion control companies develop new opportunities that will grow their business.”

For more information, please visit A3's websites: A3, RIA, AIA, and MCA.