Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) is a not-for-profit trade association headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, serving as the global advocate for the benefits of automating. Its core mission is to promote automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is conducted.

A3 represents over 1,400 organizations across key market segments including robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine vision and imaging, and motion control and motors. The association provides a range of services, including sponsoring major trade shows like Automate, organizing conferences and networking events, developing industry standards, collecting market statistics, generating research, and offering certification programs, webinars, and educational activities. A3 also acts as a voice for the automation industry, advocating to policymakers.

In 2024, A3 celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of evolution from its origins as the Robotic Industries Association (RIA). Jeff Burnstein serves as the President, with Alex Shikany promoted to Executive Vice President in January 2025. The organization continues to be a prominent force in the industry, with its Automate 2026 show attracting over 50,000 registrants and 1,230 exhibitors, highlighting advancements in humanoid robots and industrial AI. Recent initiatives include publishing whitepapers on software-defined factory floors and AI governance, and proposing a national robotics strategy to strengthen U.S. competitiveness.