Robert Little

CEO

Apex, North Carolina, United States44 yrs 11 mos experience

Highly Stable

Key Highlights

Expert in robotics strategy and automation.
Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams.
Strong advocate for robotics in industry growth.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a Robotics Strategy Expert with extensive experience in automation and manufacturing.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

RoboticsAutomationStrategyManufacturingSalesProduct Management

Other Skills

Sales EngineeringCross-functional Team LeadershipMarketing StrategySales StrategyEngineeringSolidworksEngineering ManagementAutomotiveLean ManufacturingProduct DevelopmentFMEAMachiningContinuous ImprovementDesign for ManufacturingCAD

About

As Chief of Robotics Strategy at Novanta, I focus on identifying the best opportunities in robotics—technologies, applications, and markets—and guiding our teams toward practical, long-term growth. My work centers on advancing automation in surgery, logistics, and manufacturing, always with a focus on what will serve customers now and in the future. During my leadership at ATI Industrial Automation, the most important lessons came from working closely with customers and colleagues. Success came not from rigid plans, but from adapting quickly, building trust, and staying focused on solving real-world problems. That mindset—practical, responsive, and customer-driven—continues to shape how I approach robotics strategy today.

Experience

Novanta inc.

Chief of Robotics Strategy

Nov 2023 – Present · 2 yrs 4 mos · Apex, North Carolina, United States · On-site

Sales EngineeringProduct ManagementRoboticsAutomation

Ati industrial automation

6 roles

President and General Manager

Sep 2021 – Nov 2023 · 2 yrs 2 mos

Sales EngineeringProduct ManagementManufacturingSales

CEO & President

Oct 2012 – Sep 2021 · 8 yrs 11 mos

ManufacturingSalesSales EngineeringProduct Management

COO

Oct 2008 – Oct 2012 · 4 yrs

ManufacturingSalesSales EngineeringProduct Management

Sales and Product Manager

Promoted

Oct 1997 – Oct 2008 · 11 yrs

ManufacturingSalesSales EngineeringProduct Management

Product Manager

Promoted

Oct 1993 – Oct 1997 · 4 yrs

SalesSales EngineeringProduct Management

Senior Engineer

Sep 1989 – Oct 1993 · 4 yrs 1 mo

SalesProduct Management

A3 - association for advancing automation

Robotics Technology Strategy Board Member

Jan 2021 – Present · 5 yrs 2 mos · United States

As a member of the Robotics Technology Strategy Board for the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), I help guide the strategic direction of the robotics industry in North America. The board works closely with A3 leadership to identify key trends, shape public policy positions, and influence the association’s priorities in standards, education, and events.
We provide insight on emerging technologies—from AI and autonomy to robotic safety and integration—ensuring that A3 remains aligned with the evolving needs of robotics users, suppliers, and integrators. Board members are elected by A3’s robotics membership and serve two-year terms.
It’s an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of automation across industries, support the development of industry-wide best practices, and advocate for robotics as a driver of productivity and growth.

Cross-functional Team LeadershipMarketing StrategySales StrategyRoboticsStrategy