Robotics Industry Pioneer Retires After Nearly Four Decades

After nearly 40 years of promoting the growth of robotics in manufacturing, industry veteran John Burg will retire from Acieta, the robotic integration company he founded. Burg intends to maintain a relationship with the company, offering consultation on special projects as Acieta’s founder emeritus.

Burg established Acieta in 1983 while working as a machine tool distributor. He and his father, Marlo Burg, developed a fascination with robots used in machine shops, so they started Automated Concepts Inc. with eight employees and desktop computers. The company grew, merged with other companies and ultimately changed its name to Acieta in 2014.

Under Burg’s leadership, Acieta has grown to become one of the largest robotic integrators in North America, according to the company. Acieta says that he worked directly with thousands of clients over his career to create a positive future for North American manufacturing.

“John has been a guiding light for the robotics and automation industry since he and his father launched Automated Concepts nearly 40 years ago. He has been an incredible mentor to me throughout my career at FANUC, as he has been with countless others in our field,” says Mike Cicco, president and CEO, FANUC America. “FANUC and my team are honored to have worked with John all these years, and I’m so happy to see him about to start the next chapter of his life.”

In 2002, the Robotic Industries Association (now called the Association for Advancing Automation, or A3 Robotics) presented Burg with one of the world’s most prestigious robotics honors, the Engelberger Robotics Award.

 “As a board member for eight years, John helped to set the strategic course for the industry and our association,” says Jeff Burnstein, president of A3 Robotics. “He was extremely active in helping us launch our Certified Robot Integrator Program and has been sharing his expertise by training current and potential robotics users at major industry conferences. He’s a big part of why the robotics industry has grown so rapidly.”

Burg has always been a visionary, looking for ways to apply robots for small companies as well as large ones. Acieta Chairman and CEO Robby Komljenovic says that Burg’s robotic expertise has helped give many manufacturers a competitive advantage, and that Burg has been a believer in the transformative power of automation long before the industry was talking about robots.

Burg’s advice to young people entering the robotics industry is simple. “There are so many opportunities to grow a career in robotics, but you have to be willing to give your full support to the customers,” Burg explains. “You have the potential to improve their operations and make their lives better. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Be honest and helpful, and you’ll enjoy what you do.”

Acieta will transition Burg’s responsibilities to Greg Morehouse, who has been with Acieta for over seven years in senior leadership roles within the procurement, project management and sales departments. Most recently, Morehouse has been Acieta’s executive vice president where he’s led operations teams to develop robotics projects for customers.