Frank Bartos retires from Control Engineering

Staff -- Control Engineering, 8/1/2006

After researching and writing about motors, drives, motion control, embedded systems, PC-based control, and artificial intelligence topics for the past 20 years, Frank J. Bartos, P.E., is retiring as executive editor of Control Engineering as of August 1, 2006.

Prior to his distinguished career as a journalist, Bartos held engineering positions of increasing responsibility in the design, development, and analysis of automation systems. His industry experience included heavy machinery, electric power plants, medical diagnostic equipment, and precision electromechanical systems.

Bartos has written hundreds of bylined articles for Control Engineering and other Reed Business Information publications, including Design News and Packaging Digest. He also represented the magazine around the world, and in 1993 helped launch Control Engineering International, which has since grown to encompass six editions outside North America. Recognitions include several awards from American Society of Business Publication Editors, two shared U.S. patents, Life Membership in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and Fellow member with the Institution of Diagnostic Engineers (U.K.).

Bartos said it has been "an exciting ride" covering and reporting on the dynamics of industrial automation. "Technology still excites me, not for its own sake but for what it can do when properly applied for peoples' benefit," he said. "Equally important are opportunities to meet with innovative engineers, developers, and managers that make technology happen. Talking to them and learning from them has been part of a life-long education.

"Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of my editorial career has been the role of interpreting technology, providing clearer understanding for our subscribers," Bartos continued. "This process involves research, analysis and, hopefully, a value-add that our audience has come to expect."

Taking over Bartos' areas of coverage is Charlie Masi, a 20-year veteran of high-technology journalism with advanced degrees in astrophysics and business management, and extensive engineering, systems analysis, and engineering experience.

Bartos said he looks forward to traveling in the months and years ahead, but he intends to keep his writing hands busy in the role of consulting editor for Control Engineering. "Looking ahead, I wish technology innovators working in their fields the best success. It's a great time to be at the heart of the action. To the renewed staff of Control Engineering, I wish the same, along with continued progress on the road to be 'the preferred information source' for our subscribers."

Bartos admitted he will miss the day-to-day involvement, but says he doesn't intend to disappear from the editorial scene. "I take comfort in being able to contribute to the mission of CE in the future," he added.

Bartos can continue to be reached at fbartos@reedbusiness.com. Charlie Masi can be reached at charlie.masi@reedbusiness.com.