ROBERT LITTLE

Founding & Leadership

In 1989, Robert co-founded ATI Industrial Automation and helped grow it from a startup into a company with more than $100 million in revenue and a strong reputation for robotic tool changers and force/torque sensing technology. ATI became a recognized leader in robotic end-effectors, serving customers across a wide range of industries and applications.

Following ATI’s acquisition by Novanta (Nasdaq: NOVT) in 2021, Robert led the business through the transition into a public company environment and later continued in an advisory role focused on robotics strategy. 

Industry Experience & Leadership

Over the years, Robert has gained broad exposure to robotic and manufacturing applications across a wide range of industries and customer environments. His experience includes sectors such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, defense, life sciences, and warehouse automation, along with applications such as assembly, welding, palletizing, and material handling.

Because ATI’s products served many robot types and applications, Robert developed a broad view of how customers think about automation, products, services, and long-term investment decisions. He has also spent years studying the robotics and manufacturing market at a macro level, including major sectors, trends, and market direction.

Robert remains active in the industry through his long relationship with the A3, Association for Advancing Automation. His broad network across the robotics community helps keep him closely connected to the people, companies, and trends shaping the market.