RoboBusiness session to explore outdoor autonomy ecosystem
ASI CEO Mel Torrie will lead a session at RoboBusiness 2026 on designing a robotics ecosystem for outdoor autonomy. He will discuss how integrating autonomous vehicles with mobile robotics can improve safety and efficiency in rugged environments. Torrie, who founded ASI in 2000, has pioneered automation in mining, agriculture, construction, and logistics.
Torrie's personal history connects directly to his professional focus. Growing up on an Alberta farm motivated him to automate tractors, and he later earned an MS in electrical engineering at Utah State University. He began robotics research 28 years ago.
ASI was founded in 2000 and has grown through partnerships with major field robotics OEMs rather than outside investment. The company provides vendor-agnostic automation across mining, agriculture, construction, and logistics sectors.
Outdoor autonomy could significantly reshape hazardous industries like mining and construction, potentially reducing worker exposure to dangerous environments. If autonomous vehicles and mobile robots work collaboratively, companies may see compounding safety and productivity gains. However, the transition could also raise questions about workforce displacement and new technical skill requirements. The broader impact will depend on how quickly these systems prove reliable in rugged, unpredictable conditions.