International Federation of Robotics names new president and VP
October 31, 2013
By Manufacturing AUTOMATION
Arturo Baroncelli, with Comau Robotics in Italy, was recently named the new president of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), replacing former president Dr. Shinsuke Sakakibara of Fanuc, who held the position for two years.
Sakakibara will retire from the IFR executive board and general assembly, but will still represent Fanuc within the Robot Suppliers Group.
“The worldwide visibility of the robotics industry continued to increase remarkably during the presidency of Dr. Sakakibara,” said Baroncelli. “I want to continue this and I want to raise a positive image and understanding of robotics. Robots create jobs. Robots increase the competiveness and productivity of manufacturing companies all over the world, creating successful enterprises, which raises employment. Robots are becoming easier to use and hence also help small and medium-sized companies to improve their production processes.”
Baroncelli has been in the robotics industry since 1985 and with Comau S.p.a. since 1988, where he is now segment manager director in Comau Robotics.
Joe Gemma, with Staubli in the U.S., was elected IFR vice-president.
“Automation and robotics is the only way companies can truly compete on the world stage and at the same time have the flexibility to adapt to the dynamic manufacturing environment today and tomorrow,” said Gemma. “The future is through embracing this technology and sharing the advances it represents. The IFR plays a critical role in spearheading this effort globally.”
Gemma has been in the automation industry for more than 25 years and at Staubli since 1997, where he is currently CEO of Staubli Corporation in Duncan, S.C.
