Roger Christian – I first heard about the ARM Institute from my good friend, and colleague Eric Nieves and was excited to internally promote Yaskawa becoming a member and volunteer to lead our participation. Being involved in Robotics for 35 years, I viewed ARM’s charter of bridging the gap between advanced university research and eventual commercialization as exciting and long overdue.

At the time, Yaskawa was already a member of the ROS Industrial Consortium, and was also aware of the momentum building in open-source software and new low cost 3D vision sensors, as well as how the confluence of these tools would accelerate the adoption of robots in un-structured, high mix, low volume manufacturing. We believed that the ARM Institute represented the catalyst needed to accelerate this movement by developing a member community that included academia, manufacturing leaders, automation suppliers (like Yaskawa), and start-ups that could work together on real projects with a clear roadmap supported by the US Federal Government. Yaskawa joined as soon as we could!

Suzy Teele – Yaskawa is involved in several ARM projects with other member organizations. Can you share some insight on what it is like to participate in an ARM project?

Roger Christian – We are proudly participating in eight projects. Yaskawa is engaged in each as a team member (sub-recipient) versus project lead.

The project call process is fast-paced and requires a strong business case and team to win. Working with the ARM Member organizations and their people is the most rewarding part for me. The raw talent of the consortium members is incredible. I don’t know where one could find better mix of advanced manufacturing experts on the planet.

I am also an active member of the TAC (Technical Advisory Committee), which is both challenging and exciting. The TAC provides a great way for me to give back to the industry that has treated me so well.

There are many advantages depending on your level of participation – the more you participate the more you get out of the consortium.

Suzy Teele – ARM certainly benefits from you and your organization’s expertise. What benefits does Yaskawa Motoman receive as an ARM member?

Roger Christian – There are many advantages depending on your level of participation – the more you participate the more you get out of the consortium. For Yaskawa the benefits include – in order – 1) member collaboration and connections, 2) opportunity to be part of advanced technology development, 3) commercialization opportunities of consortium development IP, and 4) finally, helping our US manufacturing base become globally competitive. The ARM member community, including the Institute’s wonderful staff and Department of Defense sponsors, have become part of the Yaskawa ecosystem and part of my daily passion and enjoyment.

Suzy Teele – ARM’s annual meeting is planned for Oct 13-15.  You have attended all ARM annual meetings to date. What are you looking forward to most at the upcoming event?

Roger Christian – I will really miss the face-to-face interactions, but appreciate the need to have this meeting virtual. One of the best ways to meet new companies and industry experts is through the ARM Annual Meeting. The most profitable interactions occur during lunch or at breaks – meeting new people and companies is truly great for our organization. I will say the “new-normal” does work if you make the effort to follow-up with connections you make at these meetings, virtual or not.

Suzy Teele – Yaskawa Motoman is a worldwide leader in industrial robotics. Can you briefly share information on new or upcoming robotic solutions that manufacturers and other should know about?

Roger Christian – Yaskawa has introduced many new and exciting products. They include: