About Us

Brian McMorris is the founder and President of Futura Automation. Mr McMorris is committed to Factory Automation and Robotics through a 40 year career. He did undergraduate engineering work at Oregon State University and received a BSBA, Cum Laude, in Marketing and Finance from Arizona State University. Mr. McMorris has automation manufacturing experience in a wide array of industries: building materials, electronics, food processing, machining, medical device, packaging machinery, semicon and wood products.

His expertise is in technical sales, support and project management of industrial automation: sensing, measurement and control, industrial robotics and AGVs / AGCs through management roles with Westinghouse, Omron/STI, SICK, Panasonic and Omron/Adept. Brian served on technical committees for ANSI (American National Standards Institute), the Robotics Industry Association (RIA) and NIST.

Mr McMorris set the mission for Futura Automation to help make American manufacturers globally competitive through the application of robotics and advanced automation using lean production processes.

tel: (612) 756-2390

Schedule a Meeting with Brian
email: brian(at)futura-automation.com

George Wilken is a 30 year+ veteran of manufacturing and machining, primarily in the aerospace industry in southern California. He is motivated and engaged in creating and driving change, leveraging lean consulting experience, manufacturing depth and knowledge to solve problems with a well defined business case. George graduated from the University of Phoenix with a BSIT, in Information Technology and Project Management.

George’s expertise includes developing machine learning algorithms to detect patterns to solve manufacturing and quality issues to root cause. He has professional expertise in Process Control Systems, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), Tooling Management Systems, CNC Machines (programming and maintenance), Industrial Automation (Robotic and non), Industrial Networks, CCTV and Access Control Hardware and implementation, Project Management and Implementation at Alcoa Aluminum and its aerospace fastener spinoff Arconic where George became a corporate manufacturing trouble-shooter, spending time at various plants around North America evaluating manufacturing issues and finding solutions.

tel: (714)-309-2810

Meet with George, see my availability
email: george(at)futura-automation.com

Kenny graduated from Cal Polytech’s San Luis Obispo well-regarded Mechantronics program in 2013. Since that time, Kenny has had a series of positions requiring increasing levels of skill as a sales manager including all sales of robot applications in Southern California, from Bakersfield through Tijuana. He worked with End Users and OEMs to understand their automation needs, connect with integrators when their expertise as necessary, and communicated with vendors to select the best hardware for automation solutions. In this process, Kenny has learned to work with Universal Robots, Epson Robots, and Denso Robots. He has completed programming courses for Universal Robots, Epson Robots.

In his previous stint with B&R Industrial Automation, Kenny managed a Sales funnel with a heavy focus on new customers and outreach. He designed control systems for OEMs using B&R control hardware: PLC, APC, HMI, Power Supplies, Motors, Trak. Kenny continuously communicated with new and existing customers to form collaborative partnerships when it comes to designing new control systems for their machines.

tel: 916-517-3192
email: kenny(at)futura-automation.com

Hariharan, working from his office in Dayton, Ohio, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of automation. As the founder of his consulting practice, InSync Robotics Limited, Hariharan brings a unique perspective to his new role with Futura. His journey in robotics began during his senior year project, where he designed and developed controls algorithms for a 6 degree of freedom pick and place robot. With a Ph.D. in Robotics from the University of Dayton and a strong academic background, Hariharan is well-equipped to contribute significantly to the advancement of automation technology.

Hariharan’s technical skills span various aspects of robotics, including industrial robotic arms, mobile robot platforms, and robotic arms for medical devices. His proficiency in controls, path and trajectory planning, and implementation of PID control for servo motors demonstrates his versatility in both hardware and software aspects of robotics. Additionally, Hariharan is adept in software packages such as Python, C++, Visual Studio, Linux, Arduino, and more.

Prior to joining Futura Automation, Hariharan held key positions as a Sr. Robotics Engineer and Team Lead, where he successfully implemented material handling robotic technologies for e-commerce applications. His contributions extend to roles at OSARO Inc and DESIN LLC, where he played a pivotal role in the development of motion planning algorithms, trajectory planners, and proprietary robotic technologies. Notably, Hariharan made significant contributions to consumer robotics through his involvement in the development of Obi, a dining robot designed to assist people.

tel: 937-750-4922
email: hari(at)futura-automation.com

Scott Burgett - Services Partner - Federal Way, WA - Motion & Process Control & SCADA

Scott Burgett is our Northwest Services Partner with an engineering and system integration focus (has a personal business, Elliot Integration and MTS Controls since 1997). Scott graduated in 1983 from General Motors Institute, Flint, MI with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering. He achieved his Masters degree from Oakland University, Rochester, MI, M.S. Systems Engineering (Electrical and Controls) in 1987 and a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering (Image Processing and Robotics) in 1991 from Oakland University, Rochester, MI.

Mr. Burgett is a licensed electrical contractor (MTS-Services) in Washington state since 2008. He has extensive experience developing OEM products including robotic paint automation, robotic prep/sanding automation, robotic sealer application, industrial bridge cranes, industrial water jet cutting equipment, mobile engine powered articulated lifts/cranes, mobile engine powered high-pressure washers and VFD 18-pulse rectifiers. Mr. Burgett has 30+ years of experience managing all phases of technical projects involving robotic automation, conveyors/material handling, electrical power distribution, manufacturing automation, process control systems, data networks and enterprise systems ranging in size for the automotive, aerospace, mining, wood/paper industries, data centers and building automation.

Additional skills include: Proficiency with scheduling/resource management tools, quality management tools and office software tools.

Click here for Scott’s Capability Profile:

tel: (612) 756-2390
email: tech(at)futura-automation.com

Futura Automation’s wood industry expert. B.S. from Oregon State University and a Masters in Engineering from the University of Colorado with a focus in Product Development and Lean and Agile Management. Journeyman Electrical License. Was the Engineering Manager for Ventek/USNR (Eugene, OR) for 13 years focusing on automation and vision systems for the wood products industry. Before that was an engineer at McDiarmid Controls (Eugene, OR) for 9 years working on automation projects for various industries including agriculture, mining, chemicals, and packaging.

Experienced in Rockwell Automation, Siemens, and other PLC systems we have the ability to assist in whatever control system you might have. We also have experience building custom control systems in C++ as well as developing unique vision systems for product inspection systems.

On behalf of Futura Automation’s clients, Devin has a UL508A listed panel shop that offers a full range of services, from design to a completed and certified finished panel. Devin is also very experienced with custom vision systems. We can help you navigate through all the different options and find the solution that best fits your needs.

tel: (541) 968-5182
email: devin(at)orelectricservice.com

Don’s passion is solving problems in the industrial automation arena, and over the course of 30+ years in the industrial hardware and software spaces, he has been successful working on multi-million dollar projects, finding bold and profitable new applications for existing methods and technologies, and maximizing resources and effectiveness in the most challenging situations.

As a controls engineer, Don honed his skills for programming PLC’s and HMI’s. Don has robot programming experience in the automotive assembly process, optimizing the work path and tooling for cycle time improvement. Don also has experience specifying, programming, and configuring process hardware in the most challenging applications including machine vision and sensors.

Don works with our clients to understand KPI and ROI goals and can help integrate factory floor generated production data with customer ERP systems.

tel: 913-558-7718
email: don(at)futura-automation.com

TED PALMER - SERVICE PARTNER - KANSAS CITY, MO - MOTION & PROCESS CONTROL / SCADA

Ted Palmer has been a member of the Futura team since 2020. He is experienced in motion controls, process controls and electrical systems focusing on custom equipment. Ted also has a wide range of automation and programming skills. He graduated from the University of Missouri — Rolla with a Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering with a controls emphasis.

Ted established his own electrical controls business, “360 Consulting” in 1999. His focus was and is PLC-based control systems. Ted has expertise as follows. See his “Capability Profile” for more detail:

Sr. Engineer responsible for all aspects of projects. Concept design, electrical drawings, PLC programming, HMI programming, Database/Data collection programming, MRP interface.

Responsible for parts ordering, panel build coordination, commissioning of systems.

Responsible for all aspects of the business. Sales, purchasing, invoicing.

Managed 5 engineers time, projects.

Click here for Ted’s Capability Profile:

tel: (612) 756-2390
email: tech(at)futura-automation.com

Trevor McLeran Futura Automation in 2022 to provide engineering design, programming and startup services on the West Coast of the USA. He aims to bring his passion, skills, and strong work ethic to companies of all sizes and industries. Trevor offers the following capabilities to F-A’s clients:

Design and engineer electro-mechanical systems and machinery.

Configure and Program Robots and Cobots: Fanuc, ABB, Motoman / Yaskawa, Kawasaki

Creates and maintains documentation such as BOMs, specifications, service requirements, etc.

Creates electrical schematics, control architecture and mechanical designs for fabrication of support equipment.

Builds physical systems such as electrical panels, pump skids, pinch rollers, etc.

Repairs and maintains prototype machinery for pilot operations.

tel: (612) 756-2390
email: tech(at)futura-automation.com

Taylor helps fast growing manufacturing companies save money and increase production through his creative engineering and corrective maintenance solutions.

Taylor executes projects from simple to multi-platform, multi-project needs of varying speed and complexity. He has diverse background in food/beverage/oil/gas/nuclear manufacturing environments and can deliver solutions quickly and efficiently.

Taylor has experience with a wide range of robots including Fanuc and Omron

tel: 612-756-2390

email: tech(at)futura-automation.com

David Check is one of our Field Service Engineers and Robot Techs for the Great Lakes Area. He recently began his own project business and has now joined Futura Automation. Here are David’s capabilities:

Robot Technician & Programming (ABB, Fanuc, KUKA Smart Pad entry), Electrician Blueprints, Electrical

Assembly, Repair & Installation of Robotics, Electrical, Hydraulics Pneumatics Systems

Launch of new Projects, Machines, and New Capital Equipment

Knowledge of NEC, and Local codes, OSHA 10/30/hr. Training

Welding Mig, Arc (Stick), Tig & Gas Welding, Torching, Plasma Cutting

3-phase & Single-phase electric motors installation and repair (Low & High voltage), Light curtains, Optical/Fiber Optics & AC/DC Switches

Electrical Distribution, Medium/High voltage Switchgears, 120/240/480/13,000VAC-24, 5, 0VDC, AC&DC VFD drives, AC/DC motor controls

Robotic Systems ABB, Fanuc, Robotic Welding, Laser Welding

Root Cause Analysis, PLC’s (Rockwell Slick 500, 5000 RS Logix)- PLC Troubleshooting Only

Fanuc Robot Certification

Fanuc IRVision Certification

ABB Robot Certification

OSHA Safety Certification

tel: (612) 756-2390
email: tech(at)futura-automation.com

Jordan Radley is a multi-talented automation consultant and diligent entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the industrial instrumentation & process control industry. He graduated from Perry Technical Institute’s instrumentation & automation program with honors and has continued his education through regular factory training & work experience .

With a background of 15+ years in sales & customer service and by understanding the great potential additive manufacturing brings to the industrial sector, Jordan has helped create QuikJig, the additive manufacturing division of Futura Automation that utilizes cutting edge 3D printing technology. Jordan consolidated a network of engineering & manufacturing service providers to offer full-service custom manufacturing solutions for a multitude of industries across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Mr.Radley brings his combined business experience and eager can-do attitude to Futura Automation and QuickJig to offer solutions of the future for customer’s present applications.

tel: 509-868-9248
email: jordan(at)futura-automation.com

Mr. Jerry Bitler has 35+ years of experience in the PLC and motion controls industry with a most recent specialty in plastic molding and extruding processes. PLC programming (Rockwell, Siemens, Automation Direct), motion control (Servotronix, SXTI, Galil), embedded IoT & IIoT systems including MODBUS and Weintek’s EasyBuilder and EasyAccess.

tel: (612) 756-2390
email: tech(at)futura-automation.com

Ms Shelby Donlin is the Director of Customer Services for Futura Automation. She supervises customer order execution and supplier relationships, including purchasing and accounts payable. Ms Donlin works with the manufacturing consulting team to make sure business processes are optimized and utilized consistently for the benefit of our clients.

Ms. Donlin attended Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ and University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS. She has 10 years of business experience including hospitality as a server in a quality restaurant, 6 Smith in Wayzata, MN. She has customer service and executive assistant skills from time with Anchor Plastics, an injection molding OEM in Plymouth, MN. Ms. Donlin has a Minnesota Real Estate license and works with Edina Realty. She is also a Beachbody counselor for lifetime health and fitness.

tel: (612) 590-1592
email: shelby(at)futura-automation.com

Pat Farrell - Service Partner - Park City, UT - Motion Control, Mechanical Engineering

Pat Farrell, originally from Michigan and now in Park City, UT, has a wide range of mechanical and controls engineering experience through his career. Pat attended University of Michigan receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree, Engineering Science – College of Engineering. He has worked for Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley), owned his own business, Perfect Conveyor, designing and manufacturing unique conveyor systems for SunSource and MSI Tec and as a Automation Support Specialist for Pro Automation in Utah and Colorado. Pat currently operates an engineering LLC, AutoByte, as a partner at Futura Automation.

Click Here for Pat’s Capability Profile

tel: (612) 756-2390
email: tech(at)futura-automation.com

Sr. Engineer responsible for all aspects of projects. Concept design, electrical drawings, PLC programming, HMI programming, Database/Data collection programming, MRP interface.

Responsible for parts ordering, panel build coordination, commissioning of systems.

Responsible for all aspects of the business. Sales, purchasing, invoicing.