A3 Expands Introduction to Industrial Robotics Course with Business Case for Automation

New ROI module helps learners evaluate when and where automation makes business sense

ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has expanded its Introduction to Industrial Robotics course with a new module focused on the business case for automation, helping learners go beyond understanding how robotics works to evaluating where automation can create value and ROI.

Designed for beginners with no technical background, A3’s self-paced Introduction to Industrial Robotics course provides a practical foundation for people entering the field as well as professionals involved in operations and business decisions.

The new module takes learners through the financial and strategic considerations behind an automation project. Topics include project costs, ROI and payback, potential productivity and quality improvements, and workforce impacts. Learners are also introduced to early project planning, from developing an RFP to selecting a system integrator.

“The strongest automation investments start with understanding the challenge you’re trying to solve,” said Christelle Keefer, director of training and certification at A3. “Learning about the technology is an important first step, but people also need to know how to evaluate where automation makes sense. Adding the business case gives learners practical tools to help make those decisions and determine ROI.”

The module incorporates A3’s Robot System Value Calculator, allowing learners to apply the concepts to a potential robot system and estimate ROI and payback.

The updated course is available now at: www.automate.org/robotics/introduction-to-industrial-robotics.

About A3

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) is the leading global advocate for the benefits of automating. A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is done. Members of A3 represent more than 1,450 manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, academic institutions, research groups and consulting firms that drive automation forward worldwide.

A3 hosts a number of industry-leading events, including, the Advanced Vision & AI Conference (September 23-24, 2026, in Santa Clara, CA), the International Robot Safety Conference (November 3-5, 2026, in Detroit, MI), the A3 Business Forum (January 18-20, 2027, in Orlando, FL) and Automate (May 10-13, 2027, in Las Vegas, NV).