Expertise. Experience. Vision.

A visionary with more than 40 years of robotic and automation systems experience, Tom Petronis has grown the organization from a four-person team to an international company that provides end-of-arm tooling and connectivity solutions to a multitude of industries spanning several continents.

As CEO and chairman, Petronis strives to maintain the organization's competitive advantage amid a rapidly changing environment. Under his leadership, Applied Robotics has identified and pursued emerging markets, most recently in the life sciences industry, as well as expanded its services to meet industrial automation needs in Europe, Japan and South America. Having obtained ISO-9001 certification in 1998, Applied Robotics' international business currently accounts for about half of the company's $10 million annual revenue.

Petronis has also been instrumental in the design and development of several key automation solutions. Among his many contributions, Petronis co-invented the company's XChange Robotic Hand Changing system and the QuickSTOP Robotic Collision Sensor product lines, as well as designed the company's revolutionary cam latching mechanism. He currently holds three U.S. patents for his inventions.

Before joining Applied Robotics in 1983, Petronis worked for General Electric's automation development and robotic groups in Schenectady, N.Y. During his tenure, he was responsible for developing solutions for a wide spectrum of industrial automation problems. Most notably, he developed several high speed lines for cutting and stacking steel laminations used in the manufacture of large power transformers.

With more than 30 years of design and automation experience, Cliff Annis has built a reputation for being both a talented design engineer and highly-respected leader.

As president and chief operating officer, Annis is responsible for directing, administering and coordinating the strategic objectives of the organization. His foresight to get the right people in the right position to grow the company has been critical to Applied Robotics' sustained growth and profitability. Under his leadership, Applied Robotics' revenue has increased to more than $10 million annually, with the company having reported a 22 percent increase in revenue from 2002 to 2003.

In addition to his leadership, Annis has been instrumental in the design and manufacturing of several key product lines for the organization. Among his many accomplishments, Annis was responsible for co-inventing Applied Robotics' Sigma product line. These tool changers, which are used in heavy duty material handling and spot welding applications, are the cornerstone of the company's success and remain a key service solution for the organization today.

Joining the company in 1984, Annis worked his way through the ranks holding such positions as designer, manager of design, vice president of engineering, and company vice president. Prior to joining Applied Robotics, Annis spent several years at General Electric in Schenectady, N.Y., providing design engineering support for the steam turbine and automation equipment divisions. He also worked in design engineering at Knolls Atomic Laboratory in Niskayuna, N.Y.

An accomplished professional with more than 20 years of sales experience, Jim Fitzgerald's strategic vision and results-driven approach to marketing have been instrumental to the growth and profitability of the organization.

As vice president, Fitzgerald leads the organization's national and international marketing initiatives, as well as coordinates all national sales efforts. His primary responsibilities include fiscal forecasting and compliance, new product development, product pricing and market analysis.

Since joining Applied Robotics in 1995, Fitzgerald has proven his ability to effectively analyze organizational problems, and develop efficient and productive solutions. To his credit, Fitzgerald has overhauled Applied Robotics' forecasting system, improved delivery time and streamlined the organization's Michigan branch office, which significantly reduced the organization's overhead expenses, and increased customer service and revenue. As a result of his leadership, Applied Robotics has been able to maintain its gross margin and revenue levels during times when the market was consecutively running at a 30 percent deficit.

Prior to joining Applied Robotics, Fitzgerald worked for Royce W. Day Companies, a material handling company located in Voorheesville, N.Y. During his tenure, Fitzgerald was promoted to president of J.F. Kolenberg Associates, Inc., a subsidiary of Royce W. Day, where he was in charge of the sales and service of industrial batteries and recharge equipment for the material handling and telecom industries.

With more than 20 years of accounting experience, Steven Graubart is responsible for directing the organization's national and international financial planning activities, accounting practices, internal controls, information services activities and human resource functions.

As CFO, Graubart oversees Applied Robotics' investments, cash management and foreign currency transactions, and is responsible for minimizing the risks associated with conducting business internationally.

Graubart also directs budgeting, audit, tax, accounting, real estate, long range forecasting and insurance activities for Applied Robotics and its subsidiaries. Leading the finance and information services departments, he is responsible for increasing investment opportunities for the company, as well as helping to shape strategies and provide instrumental financial analysis to result in significant savings to help lead the company well into the future.

Graubart also oversees human resources, where he is responsible for training, recruitment and benefit packages. A proven negotiator, Graubart is known for his sound fiscal practices and company-wide cost reduction strategies which, in the past, have achieved and surpassed corporate margin objectives.

Before joining Applied Robotics in 2006, Graubart spent eight years as the CFO for Rupprecht & Patashnick Co., in Albany, N.Y.

Published author and holder of nine U.S. patents, engineering manager, Clay C. Cooper brings an unmatched level of expertise to Applied Robotics. With a background rich in developing and implementing unique production systems, Cooper has created over 150 custom engineered systems targeted for a variety of specific markets.

He brings a comprehensive means to looking at any opportunity. From concept through installation, Cooper's approach includes cost-saving, labor-efficient strategies and a history of working closely with key personnel during the early design phase, helping to ensure success post installation.

Prior to joining Applied Robotics, Cooper headed his own engineering consulting firm, CC&E, specializing in providing clients with comprehensive systems to improve their overall operations. His focus was on increasing efficiency and reducing labor through the design of individualized systems. When commercially available equipment wasn't found, Cooper found himself custom designing systems for his clients. His solutions-based approach is mission critical to Applied Robotics.

Cooper's background also includes being promoted through seven levels of engineering at Cluett, Peabody & Company in Troy, N.Y., including electrical technician, engineering technician, electrical controls engineer, systems design engineer, supervisory system design engineer, projects manager and finally, general manager of the Engineering and Research Division.

As a co-professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Cooper taught classes in "Modular Automation Concepts."