Joe Gemma, chief revenue officer at Wauseon Machine, a provider of automation, tube-forming technologies, precision machining and fabrication, headquartered in Wauseon, Ohio, was awarded the prestigious Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Award for 2024, recognizing his exceptional leadership and contributions to the automation industry.
The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) recognized Joe Gemma alongside two other industry pioneers for their significant impact within the field. This award, named after the late Joseph F. Engelberger, who is regarded as the father of industrial robotics, celebrates excellence in technology development, application, education and leadership in robotics.
Established in 1977, the award has been presented to 139 individuals globally. The award was presented at the Automate conference in Chicago on May 8.
Gemma's recognition in leadership underscores his profound impact on the automation sector throughout his distinguished career. His tenure includes pivotal roles as a board member of the Robotics Industries Association (RIA), currently part of A3, and as the president of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).
Jeff Burnstein, president of A3, commended this year’s Engelberger Robotics Awards honorees, stating, “Joe Gemma’s valuable leadership and contributions over the past 35+ years have been instrumental as we bring greater innovations to users worldwide.”
At Wauseon Machine, Gemma has been a pivotal figure since joining in 2022, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his time working for both system integrators and robotics OEMs. His responsibilities as CRO focus on leading the front end of the business, building on his extensive background in engineering, project management, business development and sales management.
Upon receiving the award, Gemma expressed his gratitude, saying, “This recognition goes out to all the people I have worked with through the years. It is an honor to accept this award on their behalf. I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to share the passion that many of us have for what automation means and what it does for manufacturing, for people, and for the world in general.”
Wauseon Machine started as a small contract machine shop in 1983 and celebrated its 40th year in business in 2023. Wauseon Machine has five separate focus plants located in Wauseon, Ohio; Delta, Ohio; and Greenville, South Carolina.
