Kick off each morning at the Motion + Power Technology Expo with What’s Brewing Power Breakfasts, a dynamic series of expert-led discussions designed to fuel your knowledge and connections.
These engaging sessions bring together industry leaders to explore key trends shaping the future of power transmission, including opportunities in robotics development, the latest aerospace innovations, and developments in trade & tariffs. Enjoy breakfast while gaining valuable perspective to help drive your business forward.
What’s Brewing in Robotics: Breakfast and Panel
Tuesday, October 21
8:00 am - 10:00 am
This expert panel will explore the future of robotics. The discussion will cover key challenges and opportunities in the development of robots, particularly how safety, reliability, and cost considerations will shape electro-mechanical actuation systems. With the increasing demand for humanoid robots, the panel will delve into the projected growth of these technologies, addressing whether the forecasted numbers of robots will materialize. Through expert insights, the panel will provide a comprehensive view of the future of robots, exploring both the opportunities and challenges ahead, and the vital contributions of mechanical drive systems and gear manufacturing to this evolving field.
Panelists
Randy Howie is Managing Partner of New York Robotics (NYR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the robotics and physical AI industry. Under his leadership, NYR is developing a tri-state hub while aligning the resources of the broader New York region with the global robotics ecosystem. Under Howie’s leadership and vision a core focus of New York Robotic’s strategy has been to foster international “innovation corridors,” with strong ties to Europe (particularly France and Germany) and Asia (notably Japan and Korea).
Prior to founding NYR, Howie was Founder and CEO of Black Diamond Software (BDS), a boutique consulting firm he led for 25 years. Specializing in advanced software development, BDS became IBM’s first Tier One supplier of expert advisory services for its Rational Software brand, establishing the firm as a trusted partner to many of the world’s largest corporations.
Earlier in his career, Howie served as Vice President of Engineering at Artificial Intelligence Technologies (AIT), a pioneering AI startup, where he gained early exposure to the challenges and opportunities of commercializing artificial intelligence. Before that, he was a lead engineer at Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of United Technologies, where he helped create one of the earliest “Factory of the Future” initiatives. That effort transformed an empty facility into a highly automated environment with early six-axis robots, automated guided vehicles, and advanced scheduling systems for jet engine manufacturing.
Howie holds a Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University’s renowned Robotics Institute, where he patented AI algorithms for job shop scheduling. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, with a minor in Public Policy, from Carnegie Mellon.
Robert Kufner is the President & CEO of Designatronics Inc., one of the world’s leading producers of small to medium size power transmission products. His U.S. based workforce of 200 employees distributed through four product brands (SDP/SI, QTC, QBC, Wybur Tools) focuses on developing and delivering transformational and innovative geared product solutions in the Robotics, Med Device, and Aerospace / Defense markets.
From his early days as an engineer and robotics programmer at Volvo Truck, Robert has had a passion for discovering new ways robots can positively impact operational performance and the world around him. A believer in the power of technology to accelerate progress in manufacturing, Robert is leading Designatronics to harness data science and intelligent automation for force generation to overcome the companies labor and quality challenges. As the Chairman of the AGMA Emerging Technology Committee on Robotics and Automation, he hopes to shine a light on this important topic.
Robert earned an MBA from Penn State University – Berhend Campus in Erie, Pennsylvania and an Engineering Technology degree from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.
Alex Shikany is the Executive Vice President of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the leading trade association for robotics, vision and imaging, motion control, and artificial intelligence. In this role, he oversees A3’s operations, serves as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, and leads strategic initiatives to enhance member value and industry impact. Since joining A3 in 2012, Alex has been instrumental in driving growth, including the rebranding that unified four organizations under the A3 umbrella and expanding membership to over 1,400 companies worldwide. A recognized thought leader and sought-after speaker, Alex is passionate about advancing the global adoption of automation technologies. He holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance from Michigan State University and brings over a decade of experience in market strategy, brand development, and industry leadership to his role.
Mitch Tolson is a 9x founder with 35 years of entrepreneur experience, 27 of those within engineering, 20 within robotics and 9 within manufacturing. Ex PACCAR, Microsoft, Fresh Consulting, Mitch is currently the founder and CEO of Ally Robotics developing construction automation technology as well as General Manager of Robotics and AI at Genie Lift – building the world’s largest fleet of construction robots. With a handful of patents Mitch has developed consumer electronics (Microsoft Surface, Band, Phone, HoloLens), folding motorcycles, two stroke engines, vehicle electrical harnesses, semi truck parts, mobile robots, robotic arms and actuators. Mitch has developed and supported live site deployments of over 100 software applications ranging from financial management systems, to automated BOM generators to API services that serviced 10's of thousands of concurrent users. Mitch also loves to coach other founders and executives, FIRST Robotics Teams, football and lacrosse and is an active player-coach wrestler. Mitch has 4 kids and lives in the woods with the bears, bobcats and eagles.
Randy Howie is Managing Partner of New York Robotics (NYR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the robotics and physical AI industry. Under his leadership, NYR is developing a tri-state hub while aligning the resources of the broader New York region with the global robotics ecosystem. Under Howie’s leadership and vision a core focus of New York Robotic’s strategy has been to foster international “innovation corridors,” with strong ties to Europe (particularly France and Germany) and Asia (notably Japan and Korea).
Prior to founding NYR, Howie was Founder and CEO of Black Diamond Software (BDS), a boutique consulting firm he led for 25 years. Specializing in advanced software development, BDS became IBM’s first Tier One supplier of expert advisory services for its Rational Software brand, establishing the firm as a trusted partner to many of the world’s largest corporations.
Earlier in his career, Howie served as Vice President of Engineering at Artificial Intelligence Technologies (AIT), a pioneering AI startup, where he gained early exposure to the challenges and opportunities of commercializing artificial intelligence. Before that, he was a lead engineer at Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of United Technologies, where he helped create one of the earliest “Factory of the Future” initiatives. That effort transformed an empty facility into a highly automated environment with early six-axis robots, automated guided vehicles, and advanced scheduling systems for jet engine manufacturing.
Howie holds a Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University’s renowned Robotics Institute, where he patented AI algorithms for job shop scheduling. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, with a minor in Public Policy, from Carnegie Mellon.
Robert Kufner is the President & CEO of Designatronics Inc., one of the world’s leading producers of small to medium size power transmission products. His U.S. based workforce of 200 employees distributed through four product brands (SDP/SI, QTC, QBC, Wybur Tools) focuses on developing and delivering transformational and innovative geared product solutions in the Robotics, Med Device, and Aerospace / Defense markets.
From his early days as an engineer and robotics programmer at Volvo Truck, Robert has had a passion for discovering new ways robots can positively impact operational performance and the world around him. A believer in the power of technology to accelerate progress in manufacturing, Robert is leading Designatronics to harness data science and intelligent automation for force generation to overcome the companies labor and quality challenges. As the Chairman of the AGMA Emerging Technology Committee on Robotics and Automation, he hopes to shine a light on this important topic.
Robert earned an MBA from Penn State University – Berhend Campus in Erie, Pennsylvania and an Engineering Technology degree from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.
Alex Shikany is the Executive Vice President of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the leading trade association for robotics, vision and imaging, motion control, and artificial intelligence. In this role, he oversees A3’s operations, serves as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, and leads strategic initiatives to enhance member value and industry impact. Since joining A3 in 2012, Alex has been instrumental in driving growth, including the rebranding that unified four organizations under the A3 umbrella and expanding membership to over 1,400 companies worldwide. A recognized thought leader and sought-after speaker, Alex is passionate about advancing the global adoption of automation technologies. He holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance from Michigan State University and brings over a decade of experience in market strategy, brand development, and industry leadership to his role.
Mitch Tolson is a 9x founder with 35 years of entrepreneur experience, 27 of those within engineering, 20 within robotics and 9 within manufacturing. Ex PACCAR, Microsoft, Fresh Consulting, Mitch is currently the founder and CEO of Ally Robotics developing construction automation technology as well as General Manager of Robotics and AI at Genie Lift – building the world’s largest fleet of construction robots. With a handful of patents Mitch has developed consumer electronics (Microsoft Surface, Band, Phone, HoloLens), folding motorcycles, two stroke engines, vehicle electrical harnesses, semi truck parts, mobile robots, robotic arms and actuators. Mitch has developed and supported live site deployments of over 100 software applications ranging from financial management systems, to automated BOM generators to API services that serviced 10's of thousands of concurrent users. Mitch also loves to coach other founders and executives, FIRST Robotics Teams, football and lacrosse and is an active player-coach wrestler. Mitch has 4 kids and lives in the woods with the bears, bobcats and eagles.
What’s Brewing in Aerospace and Defense: Breakfast and Panel
Wednesday, October 22
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Join us for a series of short presentations from a panel of experts as they explore the latest innovations in aerospace. This session will focus on emerging topics, including new plane designs, advancements in eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing), and the future of air mobility. We will also discuss how manufacturing is approaching training for these advanced vehicles. Gain insights into how these innovations are shaping the aerospace and defense industries, from cutting-edge technologies to economic implications, and the impacts to the power transmission industry.
Panelists
Mr. Angel moved into this position in January 2025. He is responsible for convening key AAM stakeholders to foster collaborative efforts aligning with Ohio’s industry strategy while attracting, expanding, and retaining AAM partners, companies, and suppliers. Angel has a distinguished career in aviation, aerospace, military, and innovation. He was most recently the Director of Projects and Business Development for Aerospace & Defense for the Dayton Development Coalition (DDC), part of the JobsOhio network of regional economic development partners. He also served 27 years in the United States Air Force.
National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE)
Located at the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport, NAAMCE supports the expanding work of manufacturers and operators of advanced air mobility vehicles, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Dr. John P. Keogh has been an integral part of LIFT since April 2018, initially joining to advance technologies vital for the Department of Defense and national security. With a robust background spanning 20 years in R&D, synthetic and analytical chemistry, materials science, and various engineering disciplines, John has evolved through several pivotal roles at LIFT, from Development Engineer to his current position as Vice President of Technology.
Starting as the first engineer in LIFT's high bay, John spearheaded the installation and commissioning of critical equipment, setting the foundation for both the digital and physical elements of advanced materials and manufacturing process development that is at the heart of LIFT’s charter. His promotion to Senior Development Engineer saw him lead the establishment of LIFT's robotic wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) platform, significantly enhancing our capabilities in additive manufacturing, later followed by the development of a novel robotic multi-wire plasma-arc-welding directed-energy-deposition (PAW-DED) system – a manifold change in capabilities for large format metal additive manufacturing.
As Engineering Manager, he tackled the challenge of process development in a young company, fostering a culture of autonomy, mastery, and purpose, while managing key personnel and projects. His leadership as Director and subsequently Senior Director of Engineering involved defining LIFT's technology roadmap, leading to the creation of the Advanced Metallics Production and Processing (AMPP), Ceramics Manufacturing Center (CerMaC), and Hypersonics and Extreme Environment Testing (HEET) initiatives.
In his new role as Vice President of Technology, John leads all digital and physical aspects of engineering at LIFT, alongside strategic planning and business development with Noel Mack, LIFT’s CTO. He is currently spearheading LIFT's Materials Informed Digital Acceleration Suite (MIDAS) for Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME), further expanding AMPP, and actively developing CerMaC and HEET. His vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping LIFT's technology strategy, driving innovations that support both industry and national security.
Dr. Keogh earned his Ph.D. in 2018 from the University of Arizona, focusing on analytical, physical, and astrochemistry. He also holds an M.A. in Chemistry, and B.S. degrees in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Molecular Cellular Biology & Molecular Biophysics. His contributions to the field are well-documented through numerous publications, speaking invitations, committee appointments, and recognitions.
Dr. Thompson leads the CCAT Advanced Technology Center, which includes technology, talent development, and training teams, leading them to become a unified powerhouse that delivers end-to-end services to manufacturers, supporting their technology adoption journey. Dr. Thompson holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Rhode Island. She previously served as an Associate Director of the Pratt & Whitney Institute for Advanced Systems Engineering at the University of Connecticut where she led the development and execution of their graduate systems engineering programs. Her research in digital engineering, complex systems, and MBSE has been funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Defense, AFRL, and NIUVT. Her technical expertise spans model-based systems engineering (MBSE), digital engineering, smart and energy-efficient manufacturing and facilities, supply chain design and operation, and engineering education. She serves on multiple technical advisory boards and industry coalitions, further amplifying CCAT’s mission to accelerate innovation through public-private collaboration.
The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) is an innovative applied technology organization that is mission-driven to support manufacturers in addressing supply chain resiliency, developing the industrial workforce, and scaling technology adoption within both small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) and OEMs. As an applied technology demonstration and training center, CCAT validates, demonstrates, and assists with the adoption of leading-edge technologies to enable a resilient manufacturing supply chain & industrial base, while providing vital training & upskilling. CCAT is a low-cost provider that can quickly deploy resources, expand teams, bring on service providers and partners, and execute program goals and objectives at high speed and with agility.
Mr. Angel moved into this position in January 2025. He is responsible for convening key AAM stakeholders to foster collaborative efforts aligning with Ohio’s industry strategy while attracting, expanding, and retaining AAM partners, companies, and suppliers. Angel has a distinguished career in aviation, aerospace, military, and innovation. He was most recently the Director of Projects and Business Development for Aerospace & Defense for the Dayton Development Coalition (DDC), part of the JobsOhio network of regional economic development partners. He also served 27 years in the United States Air Force.
National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE)
Located at the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport, NAAMCE supports the expanding work of manufacturers and operators of advanced air mobility vehicles, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Dr. John P. Keogh has been an integral part of LIFT since April 2018, initially joining to advance technologies vital for the Department of Defense and national security. With a robust background spanning 20 years in R&D, synthetic and analytical chemistry, materials science, and various engineering disciplines, John has evolved through several pivotal roles at LIFT, from Development Engineer to his current position as Vice President of Technology.
Starting as the first engineer in LIFT's high bay, John spearheaded the installation and commissioning of critical equipment, setting the foundation for both the digital and physical elements of advanced materials and manufacturing process development that is at the heart of LIFT’s charter. His promotion to Senior Development Engineer saw him lead the establishment of LIFT's robotic wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) platform, significantly enhancing our capabilities in additive manufacturing, later followed by the development of a novel robotic multi-wire plasma-arc-welding directed-energy-deposition (PAW-DED) system – a manifold change in capabilities for large format metal additive manufacturing.
As Engineering Manager, he tackled the challenge of process development in a young company, fostering a culture of autonomy, mastery, and purpose, while managing key personnel and projects. His leadership as Director and subsequently Senior Director of Engineering involved defining LIFT's technology roadmap, leading to the creation of the Advanced Metallics Production and Processing (AMPP), Ceramics Manufacturing Center (CerMaC), and Hypersonics and Extreme Environment Testing (HEET) initiatives.
In his new role as Vice President of Technology, John leads all digital and physical aspects of engineering at LIFT, alongside strategic planning and business development with Noel Mack, LIFT’s CTO. He is currently spearheading LIFT's Materials Informed Digital Acceleration Suite (MIDAS) for Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME), further expanding AMPP, and actively developing CerMaC and HEET. His vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping LIFT's technology strategy, driving innovations that support both industry and national security.
Dr. Keogh earned his Ph.D. in 2018 from the University of Arizona, focusing on analytical, physical, and astrochemistry. He also holds an M.A. in Chemistry, and B.S. degrees in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Molecular Cellular Biology & Molecular Biophysics. His contributions to the field are well-documented through numerous publications, speaking invitations, committee appointments, and recognitions.
Dr. Thompson leads the CCAT Advanced Technology Center, which includes technology, talent development, and training teams, leading them to become a unified powerhouse that delivers end-to-end services to manufacturers, supporting their technology adoption journey. Dr. Thompson holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Rhode Island. She previously served as an Associate Director of the Pratt & Whitney Institute for Advanced Systems Engineering at the University of Connecticut where she led the development and execution of their graduate systems engineering programs. Her research in digital engineering, complex systems, and MBSE has been funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Defense, AFRL, and NIUVT. Her technical expertise spans model-based systems engineering (MBSE), digital engineering, smart and energy-efficient manufacturing and facilities, supply chain design and operation, and engineering education. She serves on multiple technical advisory boards and industry coalitions, further amplifying CCAT’s mission to accelerate innovation through public-private collaboration.
The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) is an innovative applied technology organization that is mission-driven to support manufacturers in addressing supply chain resiliency, developing the industrial workforce, and scaling technology adoption within both small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) and OEMs. As an applied technology demonstration and training center, CCAT validates, demonstrates, and assists with the adoption of leading-edge technologies to enable a resilient manufacturing supply chain & industrial base, while providing vital training & upskilling. CCAT is a low-cost provider that can quickly deploy resources, expand teams, bring on service providers and partners, and execute program goals and objectives at high speed and with agility.
What’s Brewing in Trade & Tariffs: Breakfast and Panel
Thursday, October 23
8:00 am - 10:00 am
In this session, manufacturing leaders from the transportation industry and trade experts will provide their insights on recent developments and practical steps that companies can take to understand and successfully navigate the many trade and tariff changes while also taking advantage of new opportunities for investments in U.S. manufacturing. Specific topics to be addressed include:
- Calculating and minimizing your tariff bill and managing your supply chain in an era of constant change.
- What’s going on with the U.S.-Mexico Canada Agreement and manufacturing in North America.
- Historic opportunities under trade and investment deals with Japan, the EU, and Korea and how to take advantage of them.
Panelists
For more than 20 years, Nate Bolin has advised and represented US and global clients on export controls, economic sanctions, trade remedies, customs and tariffs, and related areas of national security and international trade laws. Nate has extensive experience with the trade and national security laws and policies governing advanced and emerging technologies in the aerospace, advanced materials, chemicals, defense, medical, oil and gas, semiconductor, telecommunications, and transportation industries. He also regularly helps clients successfully navigate the complex CFIUS process and national security issues involving investments and cross-border transactions. For more information on Nate, please visit here.
Thomas (“Tom”) Yaczik is Vice President, Legal Americas for Trelleborg Corporation, a member of the Trelleborg Group. A Michigan native and distinguished graduate of the University of Michigan, Tom has over 25 years of experience leading and advising on the diverse range of issues facing companies throughout the aerospace, energy, transportation, advanced manufacturing and materials, and defense industries. At Trelleborg, Tom leads and provides legal advice in connection with critical issues in the areas of corporate, commercial, litigation, labor and employment, intellectual property, supply chain, and export controls, trade, and tariffs at Trelleborg’s over 25 manufacturing facilities and 50 legal entities across North and South America.
Trelleborg was founded in 1905 in Sweden and today is one of the world’s largest suppliers of non-tire rubber products and other advanced materials and components for countless downstream industries and consumers. Trelleborg comprises three main business areas: Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions and Trelleborg Medical Solutions. Trelleborg products and services include Engineered Polymer Solutions, Anti-Vibration Solutions, Industrial Sealing Solutions, Rubber Technology, Supply Chain Optimization, Advanced Materials, Precision Engineering, Industrial Automation, Smart Manufacturing, and Aerospace. Trelleborg has over 10,000 employees and is active in over 40 countries globally.
For more than 20 years, Nate Bolin has advised and represented US and global clients on export controls, economic sanctions, trade remedies, customs and tariffs, and related areas of national security and international trade laws. Nate has extensive experience with the trade and national security laws and policies governing advanced and emerging technologies in the aerospace, advanced materials, chemicals, defense, medical, oil and gas, semiconductor, telecommunications, and transportation industries. He also regularly helps clients successfully navigate the complex CFIUS process and national security issues involving investments and cross-border transactions. For more information on Nate, please visit here.
Thomas (“Tom”) Yaczik is Vice President, Legal Americas for Trelleborg Corporation, a member of the Trelleborg Group. A Michigan native and distinguished graduate of the University of Michigan, Tom has over 25 years of experience leading and advising on the diverse range of issues facing companies throughout the aerospace, energy, transportation, advanced manufacturing and materials, and defense industries. At Trelleborg, Tom leads and provides legal advice in connection with critical issues in the areas of corporate, commercial, litigation, labor and employment, intellectual property, supply chain, and export controls, trade, and tariffs at Trelleborg’s over 25 manufacturing facilities and 50 legal entities across North and South America.
Trelleborg was founded in 1905 in Sweden and today is one of the world’s largest suppliers of non-tire rubber products and other advanced materials and components for countless downstream industries and consumers. Trelleborg comprises three main business areas: Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions and Trelleborg Medical Solutions. Trelleborg products and services include Engineered Polymer Solutions, Anti-Vibration Solutions, Industrial Sealing Solutions, Rubber Technology, Supply Chain Optimization, Advanced Materials, Precision Engineering, Industrial Automation, Smart Manufacturing, and Aerospace. Trelleborg has over 10,000 employees and is active in over 40 countries globally.
| Late October 20 – Onsite | ||
|---|---|---|
| Member | Non-Member | |
| What's Brewing – 3 Day Pass | $260 | $285 |
| What's Brewing – Individual Session | $95 | $105 |
| Super Saver May 15 – July 15 | Early Bird July 16 – September 16 | Advance September 17 – October 20 | Late October 20 – Onsite | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member | Non-Member | Member | Non-Member | Member | Non-Member | Member | Non-Member | |
| What's Brewing – 3 Day Pass | $175 | $205 | $205 | $230 | $230 | $260 | $260 | $285 |
| What's Brewing – Individual Session | $65 | $75 | $75 | $85 | $85 | $95 | $95 | $105 |
*If you are a full FTM attendee, these breakfast sessions are included in your registration.