The program allows integrators to benchmark their own processes against best industry practices, helping them to identify areas in which they can improve.

(Ann Arbor, Michigan - October 31, 2012) Ten leading system integrators have now received the new Certified Robot Integrator designation from the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industry's trade group.

"This is a major milestone for our program which we launched in January of this year," said Jeff Burnstein, President of RIA. "In order to become certified, integrators go through a rigorous process which includes an on-site audit, safety training and hands-on testing of key personnel among other important criteria. Based on feedback from certified integrators, we believe that achieving certification is already proving extremely valuable to integrators as a way to showcase their capabilities and experience to users and suppliers alike.

"Additionally, the program allows integrators to benchmark their own processes against best industry practices, helping them to identify areas in which they can improve. This also helps the industry by strengthening the overall integrator channel," Burnstein explained.

Each certified integrator will need to be recertified every two years. Detailed information on the certification program and the certified robot integrators can be found on a special section of Robotics Online (www.robotics.org). Integrators interested in becoming certified also can contact Jeff Burnstein at jburnstein@robotics.org or 734/994-6088.

Burnstein noted that several of the certified integrators will be among the more than 30 system integrators who will demonstrate solutions at Automate 2013 in Chicago, January 21-24, 2013. "This is a great chance for companies considering robots to talk to leading integrators and find out more about proven automation solutions."

The two newest RIA Certified Robot Integrators had this to say:

*QComp Technologies, Inc., Greenville, Wisconsin

"RIA certification confirms the higher standards that QComp has maintained as our routine practice," said Tom Doyle, President, QComp Technologies. "Having our engineers pass the testing at the Expert level shows the dedication and competence of the QComp staff and our internal emphasis on training. Benchmarking our processes and engineering competence against other top robotic integrators helps establish QComp's place in the market as an experienced, competent and customer focused integrator."

*Wynright Robotics Solutions, Elk Grove, Illinois

"The RIA Certified Robot Integrator designation has become an important confirmation of an organization's expertise in robotics," said Tim Criswell, President, Wynright Robotics Solutions. "The rigorous audit that is required to attain it signifies the serious commitment that has made towards achieving and maintaining high standards, which, in turn, helps clients make a more informed selection of providers. Wynright is proud to be among the handful of integrators who have earned this designation, and will continue working each day to be worthy of the prestigious endorsement by the RIA."

The other eight RIA Certified Robot Integrators are:

*Ellison Technologies Automation - Council Bluffs, Iowa

*Genesis Systems Group - Davenport, Iowa

*Intelligrated Systems Inc. - Saint Louis, Missouri

*JR Automation Technologies, Inc. - Holland, Michigan

*Motion Controls Robotics, Inc. - Fremont, Ohio

*Progressive Machine & Design, LLC - Spartanburg, South Carolina

*Tennessee Rand Company - Chattanooga, Tennessee

*Wolf Robotics - Fort Collins, Colorado

Founded in 1974, RIA now represents more than 300 robot manufacturers, system integrators, component suppliers, end user, consulting firms, research groups, and educational institutions. RIA is best known for its biennial Automate Show & Conference (next event slated for January 21-24, 2013 in Chicago); the ANSI/RIA National Robot Safety Standard; and the annual Robotics Industry Forum (February 20-22, 2013, Orlando). The association also provides quarterly robotics statistics and has a content-rich Robotics Online website attracting hundreds of thousands of visits a year from throughout the world. For more details on RIA, visit Robotics Online or call 734/994-6088.

"Robotics customers, of course, still need to conduct their own due diligence on the suppliers they select," said Burnstein. "RIA cannot guarantee the work of any integrator or recommend which integrators to choose. We have more than 50 system integrator members and look forward to having more of them go through the certification process in the near future."