In this session, attendees will delve into the diverse applications of collaborative robots (cobots). The presentation will discuss a variety of cobot applications, and what specifically makes these applications suitable for collaborative automation.

We will step through what to look for in early stages of investigating where and how to evaluate the best opportunities to automate a process or manufacturing challenges. We will explore the challenges in determining what makes this successful or a potential failure. We will also discuss the benefits of product designs to enhance the success of implementing automation technology as well as the internal infrastructure to support the life cycle to the automation. Understanding how utilization of automation can help with throughput, quality, scrap rates and personnel development will be discussed as well as different approaches fully benefitting from the investment.

Industrial Robots are at the heart of Lean Manufacturing and are vital to the current vibrant manufacturing economy in North America. The “Getting Started with Robotics” presentation is an introduction to the Industrial Robotics or Flexible Automation Industry. We will explore Robot Based Automation Systems to include how the industry functions, why to choose robot based automation, principles of system integration, general principles of robot technology, the business case for automating and calculating ROI plus the common mistakes made in Robot Integration. The attendee will learn through discussion and evaluating system photos and videos illustrating various robotic based flexible automation systems.

The industrial automation landscape has long been characterized by high barriers to entry and complex integration services. Today, industrial automation and robotics are undergoing an unprecedented wave of innovation that could resemble the early days of the PC industry.

In this presentation, Etienne Lacroix, CEO of Vention, will explore the critical factors driving the widespread adoption of robotics in manufacturing. The talk will focuse on three key areas: cloud robotics, artificial intelligence, and platforming, which together hold the potential to revolutionize the automation landscape.

Etienne will share how cloud robotics serves as a catalyst, enabling advanced computation and data sharing across robotic systems. This connectivity not only reduces costs but also enhances the capabilities of automation solutions, allowing for more flexible and adaptive manufacturing processes.

Building on this foundation, Etienne will delve into how productization shifts the paradigm from traditional, risky custom projects to scalable and reliable product-based approaches. By integrating hardware and software into cohesive applications, manufacturers can streamline deployment, simplify operator training, and ensure consistent long-term maintenance—ultimately minimizing financial risks.

Finally, with the integration of AI and digital twins, Etienne will share how manufacturers can simulate diverse process conditions before deployment with the ability to create near-accurate virtual representations of physical systems.

Drawing parallels with industries that have democratized complex technologies, Lacroix will present a vision of manufacturing automation's future. He'll showcase real-world examples illustrating the ongoing industry transformation.

As pressures in manufacturing performance and profitability steadily rise, it is increasingly important to explore new opportunities for productivity improvement. In this session, we will explore how you can unlock efficiency throughout the entire manufacturing process by transforming manual material movement into autonomous workflows. Learn how you can transform material movement at every stage of the production journey to enhance workforce productivity and create new opportunities for cost reductions. With real world use cases, discover how manufacturers around the world are creating the “factory of the future.”

We can’t talk about the excitement and innovation of the robotics industry without mentioning humanoid robots. While humanoids for some represent a science fiction future, for others, humanoids represent the next generation of automation that will usher in a new era of human-robot collaboration. Yet, collaboration can’t be achieved until a critical element is addressed -- that of safety. As an industry, we have a responsibility to create and advance safety standards to ensure a safe workplace for humans working with any robots, especially humanoids. We can’t let the hype distract us from putting in the hard work on safety -- something that isn’t always visible and represented in slick marketing videos. Melonee Wise, Chief Product Officer of Agility Robotics, has a rich history of pioneering and advancing the robotics industry to the status it is today. In this session, she will discuss the similarities between the humanoid market and the AMR market of 10 years ago, how to avoid the mistakes that the AMR industry encountered in its infancy, and the work that is being done now to establish necessary safety standards and requirements.

Today, more than ever, robot end users have a flood a factors to consider when choosing a cobot solution. If they don’t do their do diligence and homework, they can make a costly mistake picking the wrong solution, or investing in cobot solutions that are already out of date, or are not truly the best fit for their needs.

This talk covers the hottest trends in cobot solutions and new technology advancements that makes cobots even more accessible, easier to deploy, faster to get your ROI, so you can just CobotandGo.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises better, more human-like decision-making and more autonomous operation, yet 87% of machine learning models never make it to production. The disconnect between AI technologists (IT) and industrial stakeholders (OT, from executive to the plant floor) significantly drives this failure. This disconnect shows itself as a lack of common understanding of AI capabilities, lack of common terminology to discuss AI solutions, and no framework for discussing AI Automation at various organizational altitudes.

The audience for this course is industrial stakeholders that own and operate industrial processes. This includes business executives, innovation teams, plant / line managers, process engineers, controls engineers, line supervisors, and industrial data scientists. We will provide a 101-level introduction that helps industrial stakeholders like you navigate the confusing AI landscape. The course arms will arm you with context that helps you select technologies, service providers, and vendors that will help you improve your manufacturing and logistics process control. The result is the foundation of building AI-powered automation that passes the ethics, explainability, and trust criteria needed to reach production and significant return on investment.

The course has been designed and will be presented by Kence Anderson, AI author and start-up founder, formerly with Microsoft Bonsai. 

COURSE OUTLINE:

• How Machines Make Decisions
• How AI Can Improve Industrial Automation
• AI for Perception: How Machine Learning Helps You Understand What's Happening
• AI for Taking Action: Reinforcement Learning Decides What to Do
• Deploying AI-Powered Automation
• Capstone Exercise

An introduction to the design considerations for use of RTU's in various automation applications including machine tending, material handling and many others.

Metal fabricators from welders to assemblers are all challenged with workforce woes, the need to boost productivity and the endless quest for quality. Knowing automation is the answer is one thing, but actually finding real success with technology investments can feel challenging and risky. How do you know what will truly bring value to the organization? How do you determine the return? And now with the hype of Artificial Intelligence (AI) seemingly on every product, how do manufacturing leaders determine the right places to invest limited time and capital?

In this session, we will delve into the ever-evolving landscape of automation & AI in the factory and take a look at technologies that are having a real impact today across the shop floor. Then we will stare into the crystal ball to look forward at technologies that are on the near horizon that manufacturing leaders should be keeping an eye on.

Covering important topics like human-robot collaboration, automated equipment tending, data-driven insights, cobot welding, predictive maintenance, robot guided vision, bin picking, collaborative automation, quality inspections, demand forecasting, finishing and much more, attendees should leave this session ready to make value-creating technology investments in their business. Join us as we explore how AI is reshaping the shop floor — one algorithm at a time.

Maximizing Multi-Axis Motion Accuracy: A DIY Guide
Multi-axis motion systems are indispensable in various fields, ranging from manufacturing to scientific research. However, achieving high accuracy over a large workspace can be challenging due to numerous error sources. This presentation offers a comprehensive guide for individuals and teams looking to build their own multi-axis motion systems with precision.

Introduction
The presentation begins by highlighting the common challenges faced in achieving high accuracy in multi-axis motion systems. These include alignment errors, component imperfections, and external disturbances. It emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach to address these challenges and maximize system performance.

High Precision Hardware
The foundation of a high-accuracy multi-axis motion system lies in its hardware components. The presentation discusses the key characteristics to consider when selecting drive systems, bearings, and feedback mechanisms. Anti-backlash drive systems, low-pitch/roll/yaw bearings, and high-resolution linear encoders are presented as essential elements for achieving precision.

Alignment
Alignment errors are a common source of inaccuracy in multi-axis motion systems. The presentation provides step-by-step instructions for ensuring proper alignment of the support rails, cross-axis, and vertical axis. It highlights the use of precision measurement tools and techniques to achieve parallelism, perpendicularity, and verticality.

Measurement
Accurate measurement is essential for identifying and correcting errors in a multi-axis motion system. The presentation discusses various measurement techniques, including the use of granite squares, dial gauges, and vision systems. It explores methods for measuring both linear and angular errors, as well as for assessing the overall accuracy of the system.

Correction
Once errors have been identified, appropriate correction techniques can be applied to improve system accuracy. The presentation covers a range of calibration methods, including 2D and 3D interpolation-based calibration, 2-point linear calibration, multi-point calibration, and specific point of interest-based calibration. It explains the advantages and limitations of each method.

Comparison with Commercial Systems
The presentation concludes by comparing DIY multi-axis motion systems to commercially available options. It discusses the advantages of building a system in-house, such as cost savings, customization, and a deeper understanding of the underlying technology. However, it also acknowledges the potential challenges, such as the need for expertise and the time required for development.

Conclusion
By following the guidelines presented in this abstract, individuals and teams can build high-accuracy multi-axis motion systems that meet their specific requirements. The presentation provides a practical roadmap for selecting appropriate hardware, ensuring proper alignment, conducting accurate measurements, and implementing effective calibration techniques. By investing time and effort into these steps, it is possible to achieve exceptional performance and reliability in multi-axis motion applications.

To educate attendees with tools available for robotic deburring, finishing, sanding and polishing applications and how they can help address workforce issues, improve quality and consistency, improve productivity, and protect operators from the ergonomic risks associated with performing these operations manually. Example applications will also demonstrate how efficiency and improved quality can be attained through these compliant tools.

We have seen a surge in robotics startups in the last few years, but this has not necessarily translated to increased automation. Factories remain relatively devoid of robots, with human-operated vehicles dominating material movement. In this talk, we will discuss challenges across manufacturing functions in automating workflows - fear of increase in production backlogs, cybersecurity concerns, safety compliance. We will also present Ati's efforts in tackling these problems while simultaneously overcoming the long-tail of edge cases seen in real-life environments.

Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance can help manufacturers improve Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) by reducing unplanned downtime. But what are they, and how do users get started? The number and range of solutions is growing, and knowing where to start and finding the “right” solution can be confusing and difficult.

I’ll explain typical machine failure modes, the basics of the four different maintenance approaches (reactive, preventative, condition based and predictive), common failure indicators (early warning signals) and how these are related and can be used to improve machine operation by reducing unplanned down time.

I’ll also discuss some findings based on customer feedback and research the: 1) top customer concerns - unplanned down time, challenging/costly to implement Condition Monitoring solutions, etc.; 2) general phases, symptoms and severities as a machine starts to fail; 3) most commonly monitored machine characteristics (vibration, temperature, etc.); and 4) top assets/machines which are monitored (motors, pumps, spindles, etc.).

I will then present different approaches to implementing proactive maintenance approaches ranging from using existing machine data/architectures to add-on sensors and processors to condition monitoring as a service (CMAAS).

In the ever-evolving landscape of global manufacturing and logistics, the integration of mobile robots has become a cornerstone of modern production & warehouse strategies. As it getting more and more difficult to find skilled labor, and logistics companies and manufacturers strive to stay competitive, many are turning to these versatile machines to address increasingly complex operational challenges. Mobile robots, powered by advanced software and sensors, now navigate busy floors and perform a variety of tasks across industries with remarkable efficiency.

This presentation offers integrators and end-users a comprehensive introduction to mobile robots. Drawing from a decade of hands-on experience, we will explore the critical factors for successful adoption, including how to select the right mobile robot for specific applications. Through real-world case studies, the talk will highlight key integration considerations for both warehouses and manufacturing for a successful integration.

By the end of this session, attendees will have a solid understanding of how mobile robots have evolved and the practical insights needed to successfully implement this transformative technology in their own operations.

This will be an update to the presentation I gave the last two years on how to make machine vision integration simple. I will continue to include more real world applications and dive into a few of the items that I use in my day job to solve customer applications and make their integration life easier.

I will showcase the tools and equipment that can be used to make your machine vision application work for a long time. I will focus on the questions that you need to ask upfront during the design process to make sure you have a successful deployment.

Mobility is becoming an important part of many integrated manufacturing systems and logistics solutions. This session explores the opportunities created when adding autonomous mobility to your automation menu. We will discuss the key items to consider and pitfalls to avoid when choosing and deploying IMR systems.

An inherent challenge of a truly collaborative robot application is that sharing a workspace with a human introduces variability that is very difficult to handle with a robot simply cycling through pre-defined positions and instructions to complete a task.

AI driven perception is equipping robots with a broad range of capabilities to sense and compensate for variance in their environment simplifying deployment processes, reducing the need for rigid fixturing, and in many cases enabling tasks previously deemed unsuitable for automation.

We will explore how off-the-shelf models (as opposed to those trained from scratch for very specific scenarios) provide capabilities such as deep-learning driven part detection and pose estimation, work cell anomaly detection and collision aware path planning. These models combined with simple, intuitive user interfaces can add flexibility and reduce deployment times, benefiting manufacturers across a wide range of industry segments.

These capabilities are integrated into existing programming paradigms and software development environments, allowing this enhanced flexibility to be delivered with cycle time and reliability that industry expects.

Case studies showing real solutions enabled by these approaches will be presented, along with explanations of how the audience can get started working with AI in robotics without being overwhelmed.

This presentation explores how synthetic data is revolutionizing AI-powered inspection and vision-guided robotics in manufacturing. You'll learn how Generative AI helps overcome challenges such as data scarcity and limited edge case coverage which accelerates AI adoption across manufacturing use cases. We will discuss how synthetic data enhances model robustness, reduces bias, and improves overall accuracy. We will examine case studies showing significant accuracy improvements and reduction in deployment time in defect detection and classification use cases across manufacturing sectors. Finally, we will explore best practices for integrating synthetic data into existing workflows, enabling manufacturers to stay competitive in an increasingly AI-driven industry landscape.

Factory of the Future planning and ideation. How does the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles World Class Manufacturing concept of “Ideal Production System” play a role in Factory of the Future? Developing a vision for Factory of the Future and promoting an innovative mindset in the workforce. Why competitive benchmarking and the understanding of Manufacturing Readiness Levels is critical when developing the roadmap for Factory of the Future. How to build a plan of execution of the factory of the future and how to use Ideal production system in the continuous improvement as the factory moves into the future.

In this session, we’ll explore the intricacies of automating fine wire handling, particularly the challenges involved with handling 46-48 gauge wire in advanced manufacturing settings. Ryan Hall will share proven techniques and creative solutions used to ensure precise handling of ultra-fine wire, including innovative tooling designs and verification methods that guarantee accuracy and reliability in automation processes. Attendees will gain insights into both established and novel approaches for fine wire automation, focusing on ways to overcome the specific challenges associated with such delicate materials.

The presentation will cover essential tools, technologies, and best practices for optimizing fine wire handling in automation, ultimately providing attendees with actionable strategies to enhance precision and efficiency in their manufacturing workflows. An open Q&A forum will follow to allow attendees to delve deeper into specific challenges and applications.

There are more than 2.7 million industrial robots safely operating in factories worldwide, and the robotics industry can take pride in its impressive safety record. For nearly forty years, A3 Robotics – formerly the Robotic Industries Association – has taken a lead role in assuring that the robotics industry continues to proactively assess the safety environment and provide safety resources as robotic applications continue to expand. At the forefront of A3 Robotics’ leadership role in industrial robot safety is the development of the ANSI/RIA R15.06-2012 safety standard. 

Join A3's lead robot safety trainer to learn to help you keep your team safe and learn the basics of conducting a risk assessment for your facilities.

In the digital age, businesses are increasingly confronted with demand spikes caused by rapid shifts in consumer behavior, seasonal trends, and unforeseen global events. Effective management of these fluctuations is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. This seminar explores the integration of flexible Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) as a strategic solution to address these demand spikes. By leveraging advanced robotics technology paired with solutions expertise, organizations can enhance their logistics and supply chain processes, ensuring real-time scalability and adaptability. The discussion will present real-life customer examples demonstrating how flexible AMR automation can optimize resource allocation, reduce lead times, and improve productivity.

In this session, Tarciana Almeida, a Simulation Research Scientist at Amazon, will explore how Discrete Event Simulation (DES) is transforming logistics and operational efficiency. She will discuss the use of DES in process validation, bottleneck identification, and system optimization in complex environments. Attendees will gain insights into how simulation models can predict performance, validate assumptions, and drive innovation, ultimately improving throughput and ensuring timely delivery. This session is ideal for professionals looking to leverage simulation technology to enhance operational processes and decision-making.