New leadership in the global robotics federation.
The decision on the new chairman of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) was made by the Executive Board, which consists of representatives of national robotics associations, manufacturers and research institutions. Junji Tsuda, currently Chairman of the Board of Yaskawa Electric Corporation, has been elected as the new president. His appointment marks a continuation of the long tradition of leading the organization with experts from the robotics industry, and also confirms Japan's growing role in the global development of automation technology.
Tsuda replaces Joe Gemma, who served as president for two terms. In his speech, the new chairman emphasized the importance of communication with stakeholders around the world and announced continued support for IFR's mission to promote understanding of changes in the robotics industry. His candidacy was supported by members of the Board, which demonstrates broad recognition of his experience and leadership.
ABB Vice President: a new force in IFR management.
Steven Wyatt, Global Director of Marketing and Sales for ABB's Robotics division, has been appointed as the new Vice President of the International Federation of Robotics. His appointment highlights the growing importance of marketing and strategic skills in managing industry organizations. Before joining ABB in 2010, Wyatt held managerial positions in the industry. plastics worldwide.
Wyatt stated that his experience in global product and market management will help IFR expand the organization's influence. His role will include supporting the president in promotional activities, collaborating with partners, and building relationships with the industrial sector and public institutions.
The new leadership of the IFR is taking office against the backdrop of rapid development in the automation industry, where robotics is becoming a key element of digital transformation. Junji Tsuda emphasized that his main goal will be to strengthen cooperation between industrial sectors, research institutions, and government agencies in order to create new standards for safety and ethics in the use of robots. In particular, he wants to promote technical education and an innovative approach to integrating automation into small and medium-sized enterprises, which often have limited access to advanced solutions. Vice President Steven Wyatt emphasized the importance of communication with emerging markets, such as Southeast Asia and Africa, where the demand for robotics is growing faster than in traditional Western economies. Both leaders emphasize that the future of the IFR lies in expanding the organization’s influence beyond traditional technology centers and building a global community of innovators that will support the sustainable development of the industry.
A long road to leadership: Junji Tsuda's career
Junji Tsuda's career in the robotics industry dates back to the 1970s, when, after graduating from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, he began working at Yaskawa Electric Corporation. Over the years, he developed as an expert in the development of the American market, and since 2003 he has held key roles in consolidating the company's international operations. His experience includes both technological management and strategic decisions regarding global expansion.
Before taking office as IFR president, Tsuda served as vice president for two years, supporting Joe Gemma. This experience allowed him to gain a good understanding of the organization's structure and the goals of promoting robotics globally. His candidacy was seen as a natural step in continuing the IFR's mission, which aims to promote innovation and convince society of the benefits of automation.
