In the fast-evolving world of automation and robotics, the fresh perspectives of pioneering minds are shaping the future of manufacturing and technology. In this exclusive interview I did for the IMTS+ Original Series “Moving On, Moving Up,” we spotlight three remarkable leaders who are driving innovation and growth in robotics and automation. Let’s get to know them a bit more and how they started their automation journeys. Meet the Minds Behind Automation Stacey Harimoto: Senior Engineer at FANUC America Stacey’s passion for STEM began early in her life in Michigan, where she engaged with robotics in middle and high school. Her educational journey led her to Washington University in St. Louis, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.  While working part-time at General Motors, Stacey gained valuable professional experience through various internships, including one at L&L Products (a chemical manufacturing plant) and another at FANUC America. Through these internships, she gained many insights into different manufacturing aspects and worked hands-on with robots and different technologies.  Her dedication and skill earned her a full-time position at FANUC, where she has since been involved in significant projects, including the design and build of demonstration cells for trade shows like IMTS. Rylan Pyciak: President and Owner at Cleveland Automation Systems Ryan’s journey in automation started in a small town in Southern Ohio, where his interest in mechanics and mechatronics blossomed through working on cars, bikes, and farm equipment. His passion for fixing things led him to study engineering, specifically systems and controls. His education was supplemented by various internships and a co-op at Rockwell Automation.   Post-graduation, Rylan’s entrepreneurial spirit drove him to start as an independent contractor specializing in PLC programming, robotics, and integration, eventually inspiring him to found Cleveland Automation Systems, a system integrator that tackles complex problems across different industries that other integrators might avoid.  “We focus on small turnkey cells to full-line integrations,” says Rylan. “While focusing on educating our customers to enhance their manufacturing capabilities.” Mikkel Viager, Co-Founder, Principal Advisor, Robotics and Automation at HowToRobot Mikkel grew up in Denmark, the origin land of LEGO, where his journey in engineering and manufacturing started. His fascination with building led him to pursue a technical education, culminating in a focus on robotics and automation at the university level. An internship at a national research institute provided hands-on experience in building robotic cells.  After school, he got a job for about five or six years and then wanted to pursue something on his own to see if he could help people get started with robots. During that time, he met a few individuals with whom he would later co-found HowToRobot, a platform that matched buyers of automation solutions with the right suppliers.  Mikkel’s role involves advising clients on integrating robotics into their production processes effectively.  “We offer both an online platform and a consultancy branch, helping companies worldwide to optimize their automation opportunities,” says Mikkel. “We pride ourselves on being an unbiased advisor, ensuring clients get the best fit for their automation.”  Trends and Innovations in Robotics and Automation Once we became more familiar with one another, I asked the group what their personal favorites were in regard to trends and innovations that they saw changing the game for the industry’s future.  Mikkel highlighted a shift he was seeing in manufacturers’ approach to automation, focusing on solving real production issues rather than just adopting technology for its novelty. “It’s a good trend to see – people automating for the right reasons.”  He also notes the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision in quality inspection, enabling more advanced solutions with fewer resources. “AI brings a lot of computational power to the game, and that means that this machine learning that we have seen for quite some time now has gotten a huge bump up, and now we’re actually able to do a lot more on a lot less equipment,” he says.  Stacey also mentioned AI with her interest in software, particularly in logistics applications where unknown variables require significant computational power. She mentioned how FANUC’s portfolio includes a suite of vision and AI products that enhance motion, safety, and productivity. She emphasized the ongoing development needed in hardware and software to handle diverse and unpredictable tasks in logistics.   Rylan expressed his excitement for vision-guided robotics in mixed-use applications, which opens doors for smaller manufacturers by reducing the cost and complexity of automation. “These kinds of customers are looking for part variations and mix-use solutions,” explains Rylan. “Not necessarily that single-use solution that we would normally see in traditional automation when you think of Ford or a General Motors facility.” This technology enables small companies to adopt automation solutions previously accessible only to larger enterprises, improving ROI and making it a lot more reasonable for those who don’t necessarily have big budgets to spend. Exciting Current Projects I then wanted to know what each guest was focusing on currently.  Rylan kicked it off with some vague details about an innovative project he’s working on that combines robotics and lasers for 3D metal printing. This cutting-edge technology, which didn’t exist a decade ago, exemplifies the rapid advancements in automation and robotics.   He also informed us that he’s working on other cool projects, but thanks to NDAs, he can’t go into too much detail.  Stacey is keeping herself busy helping design and build demonstration cells for trade shows, such as IMTS. She described an automated storage and retrieval solution (ASRS) that she is working on with fellow engineers. It features a vertical wall with bins, a CRX-10iA collaborative robot, and FANUC’s PMi-AP, or Power Motion i-Model A Plus, CNC system. This demonstration highlights the ease of use and advanced capabilities of FANUC’s automation solutions during IMTS in Chicago.   Mikkel was able to talk about a significant project automating logistics for Denmark’s super hospitals. This involves deploying fleets of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to handle various internal logistics tasks, from food delivery to waste management. The project also includes ensuring employee and patient comfort with the robots through interactive and personalized features.  Workforce Development: Bridging the Skills Gap Similar to the last conversation we had for this series, we’re struggling to find talent. When I asked each guest how to attract the next generation, they all agreed that awareness was important.  Stacey emphasized the importance of educating the workforce to work smarter, not harder. She highlighted how FANUC America partners with over 1,600 schools to create a pipeline of trained employees, offering curriculums and real-world advanced automation products to equip individuals with the skills needed for modern manufacturing roles.   She also mentioned the benefits of robotics, which eliminate dangerous, repetitive tasks and allow workers to take on more intelligent and fulfilling roles.  Rylan agreed with Stacey and advocated for changing the perception that robotics and automation take jobs, highlighting their role in improving job quality.   He stressed the importance of engaging younger generations through STEM education and robotics competitions. Additionally, he called for upgrading production facilities to make more attractive workplaces, similar to tech companies like Apple and Google.  Mikkel mentioned apprenticeships and hands-on experiences, including student jobs, which introduce young people to the industry. He also highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between older generations with hands-on craftsmanship knowledge and younger generations skilled in digital systems. Mikkel believes in the potential of robotics to enhance productivity while preserving valuable manual expertise.  Supporting Educators and Sparking Interest in STEM So, how do we ignite that spark? When I asked each of the guests how they would bring more awareness to younger generations, they each mentioned “exposure.” Mikkel suggested that providing early exposure to robotics, even at a basic level, can really spark curiosity and interest in STEM subjects. He mentioned the initiatives in Denmark where students and community members can volunteer and participate in LEGO competitions, fostering a passion for engineering and automation.  Stacey underscored the importance of exposure to robotics from a young age. She mentioned how FANUC supports robotic competitions for children, encouraging them to explore and engage with technology.  She believes that broadening access to robotics education can inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators. “It’s not just what technology can do, but how does it do it? How can we help them feel like they can partake in it?” What the Future Holds Concluding the conversation, I asked the group for their predictions.  Stacey foresees robots becoming easier to use, program, and deploy in the field. “Younger generations will be able to program robots with icon-based programming.” Rylan is curious to see how far AI will take us, but he also mentioned standards, specifications, and safety. “So much is going on and so fast, we need to know the safest, best, and most efficient way to deploy robotics.”  Mikkel is excited to see how AI and the vision components coming into the market will enable more robots to adapt more independently and offer more flexibility.   It’s a very exciting time, and Rylan, Stacey, and Mikkel’s experiences highlight the transformative potential of automation and robotics in various industries. They emphasize the importance of education, innovation, and collaboration for the future of manufacturing.   One of the most impactful ways to inspire the next generation to pursue STEM careers is by sharing the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS with students and educators. This immersive experience introduces young minds to the exciting world of manufacturing and technology through hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and live demonstrations of cutting-edge innovations. By connecting students with the possibilities of STEM in a tangible and engaging way, the Student Summit ignites curiosity and showcases the boundless opportunities in these fields, creating a pathway to future success.  IMTS 2026 - The International Manufacturing Technology Show takes place Sept. 14-19, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. 
In the fast-evolving world of automation and robotics, fresh perspectives and pioneering minds are shaping the future of manufacturing and technology. This exclusive interview for the IMTS+ Original Series “Moving On, Moving Up” spotlights three remarkable leaders driving innovation and growth in robotics and automation. Let’s get to know them a bit more and how they started their automation journeys.