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Introduction to Automation Technology

• Getting started with robotics
• Getting started with machine vision
• Choosing motion control components/systems
• Working with system integrators
• Introduction to robotic safety
• Case studies - especially first implementations of automation
• Introduction to IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things)
• Basics of Digital Transformation

Applications & Solutions

• Assembly and Fabrication
• Welding
• Painting & Coating
• Grinding, Finishing, and Material Removal
• Inspection and Quality Control
• 3D/Additive Manufacturing
• Material Handling
• Pick, Place, and Sort
• Packaging
• Foundry Work
• Machine Tending
• Barcode and QR Code Reading
• Conveyance
• CNC Machining
• Automated Assembly Lines
• Autonomous Material Transport Systems
• Environmental Monitoring

The Business Case for Automation

• Understanding the benefits of automation
• Is automation right for your company?
• How to prepare an automation ROI calculation
• How to prepare your workforce for automation
• Successful case studies of new automation implementation
• Sustainability and Automation
• Navigating Supply Chain Disruptions with Automation
• Post-Implementation Support and Maintenance

Collaborative Robot Applications

• Collaborative vs. conventional robot application
• Safety implications with collaborative robotics
• How to implement mobile robots
• Human-robot collaboration
• New use cases for collaboration
• Effective end-of-arm tooling for collaborative applications
• Regulatory Compliance for Collaborative Robots
• Cost-benefit analysis of Collaborative vs. Conventional Robots

Autonomous Mobile Robots

• Automating warehousing and logistics
• Getting started with AMRs
• Fleet management and interoperability
• Navigation and mapping for AMRs
• User case studies
• Using AMRs safely
• AMRs in Outdoor Environments
• Cross-industry AMR Applications

Vision and Imaging

• Embedded/computer vision
• Vision's role in IoT
• 3D vision techniques
• Smart cameras/vision sensors
• Neural networks/deep learning
• Time of flight sensors
• Software tools for vision and robotics
• Vision systems integration
• Vision in autonomous vehicles
• Real-time video applications
• Non-visible imaging
• Emerging machine vision applications
• Vision inspection techniques
• Case studies of successful vision applications
• Vision and imaging in industries such as life sciences, agriculture, security, surveillance, electronics, automotive, etc.
• Hyperspepctral Imaging

Motion Control Components and Systems

• Advances in motion control technology
• Advances in programmable controls
• Realizing improvements in productivity with motion control
• Advanced motion control applications
• Design performance issues and how to overcome them
• Virtual commissioning for risk-free design
• Advances in linear transport technology
• Adding algorithm intelligence to machines and systems
• Industrial networking technologies, methods, etc.
• TSN - time sensitive networks
• OPC-UA protocol
• Innovations in electric motors
• New servo drive technology
• Machine design best practices
• Drives-based integrated safety
• Linear actuator applications
• Integration of AI with Motion Control
• Motion Control and Autonomous Robots

Smart Automation Trends

• Trends in smart manufacturing/automation
• Automation in emerging industries, such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, construction, healthcare
• Advances in machine vision and computer vision
• 3D printing/additive manufacturing
• Predictive maintenance solutions
• Cybersecurity in an IoT world
• Human-machine interface advances
• Bringing IT and OT together
• AR, VR or mixed-reality applications
• Digital twins and simulation
• 5G and connectivity
• Edge and Fog computing
• Blockchain for industry
• Supply chain management
• Advances in Large Language Models (ChatGPT, Bard, etc.)
• AI in Predictive Maintenance

Building an AI or Smart Manufacturing Strategy

• How to evaluate an AI solution
• AI solutions: where to begin?
• How to accelerate a digital transformation
• What's your big data strategy?
• Exploring advanced business analytics
• Evaluating software
• Scalability of AI Solutions
• Integrating AI with Legacy Systems

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Trends

• Real world use cases for AI and machine learning
• AI or machine learning applications in robotics
• Asset and inventory management using machine learning
• Natural language processing applications for smart manufacturing
• AI, machine learning and vision applications for inspection and quality control
• Human - AI collaboration
• Addressing AI ethics, bias, safety, and trust
• Ethical AI in Automation
• AI-Powered Predictive Analysis

Robotics

• End-of-arm tooling
• Robotic machine loading, tending, bin picking, etc.
• Vision-guided robotics
• Robotic inspection
• Robot safety - how to perform a risk assessment
• Unique applications using robotics
• Robot simulation
• Advances in robotics software and programming
• Case studies of successful robotics applications
• Advances haptic devices and sesnors
• Humanoid robotics: Advances and applications
• AI-Driven Robotic Systems
• Robotics in Construction and Heavy Industries
• Robotics for Hazardous Environments