ANN ARBOR, MI — Registration is open for the Association for Advancing Automation Business Forum from Feb. 3- at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort in Orlando, Fla.

More than 500 global leaders from the robotics, machine vision, motion controls, motors and other automation industries are expected to attend.

Among the featured speakers are James Kuffner, director, Google Robotics; John Markoff, senior writer, New York Times, and author of the upcoming book Machines of Loving Grace: The Quest for Common Ground Between Humans and Robots; Luke Williams, associate professor of innovation at NYU’s Stern School of Business and author of Disrupt: Think the Unthinkable to Spark Transformation in Your Business; Robin Murphy, Raytheon Professor of Computer Science and Engineering Faculty Fellow, Texas A&M; Dennis Snow, formerly with the Disney Institute and author of Lessons From the Mouse: A Guide for Applying Disney World’s Secrets of Success to Your Organization, Your Career, and Your Life; and Alan Beaulieu, principal, ITR Economics and co-author of the recent book Prosperity in The Age of Decline: How to Lead Your Business and Preserve Wealth Through the Coming Business Cycles.

“The A3 Business Forum has become the world’s leading annual networking event for automation professionals,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of A3. “Attending the forum is a tremendous way to gain business insights that help companies become more successful, as well as networking with potential suppliers, partners and customers.”

In addition to business presentations, the forum features breakout sessions on specific topics related to technologies impacting the robotics, vision, and motion control and motors industries.

“One of the reasons the Forum is always our top rated event of the year is the blend of business and technology issues we cover,” said Burnstein. “One of the many topics I’m really looking forward to hearing about focuses on search and rescue robots. The recent DARPA Robotics Challenge really highlighted the advances we’re seeing in developing robots to assist in situations such as the Fukushima nuclear disaster.”

Early bird discounted registration is available through Aug. 31. For more information and to register for the Forum visit the A3 Business Forum site. Membership in Robotic Industries Association, AIA – Advancing Vision + Imaging or the Motion Control and Motor Association is required in order to attend the Forum.