Executives from multiple motion control companies have launched a new trade association to serve the interests of motor, drive and controls companies. Known as the Motion Control Association (MCA), the new trade group will promote the use of “mechatronics,” which combines mechanical and electronic motion control technologies. Mechatronics currently accounts for more than $44 billion in annual sales globally, according to the MCA formation announcement.MCA will be a source for industry statistics, and it plans to develop and coordinate industry standards, provide educational programs, host executive-level business conferences and become the leading resource for motion control technology. Motion Control Online, a Web resource for the industry, was launched in October 2006. The Web site provides users of motion control an online buyer's guide, articles and technical papers, new product information, user tips, an 'ask-the-experts' forum, career center and bookstore.ATC umbrellaMCA is part of the Automation Technologies Council, a trade organization composed of the Robotic Industries Association and Automated Imaging Association. MCA's Board of Directors include: Chris Davis, Baumuller; Sandy Holden, Rockwell Automation; Arun Jain, Siemens Energy & Automation; Dan Jones, Incremotion Associates; John Mazurkiewicz, Baldor; Kevin McNicholas, Applied Motion Products; Jason Struthers, Parker Hannifin Corp.; Andy Urda, Yaskawa Electric America; and Andrew Vogl, Danaher Motion. Charter MCA members include Applied Motion Products, Baldor Electric, Baumuller Inc., Danaher Industrial Controls, Danaher Motion, Exlar Corp., Incremotion Associates, Maxon Precision Motors, Nook Industries Inc., Omron Electronics, Panasonic Electric Works Corp. of America, Parker Hannifin Corp., Pilz Automation Safety L.P., Renco Encoders Inc., Rockwell Automation, Siemens Energy & Automation, Tol-O-Matic and Yaskawa Electric America Inc. Automated Imaging Associationwww.machinevisiononline.orgMotion Control Onlinewww.motioncontrolonline.orgRobotic Industries Associationwww.roboticsonline.com
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