Implementing automation can be a game-changer for manufacturers and businesses, but knowing where to start can be a challenge. In this panel discussion, experienced system integrators will share key insights, best practices, and real-world lessons learned from helping companies successfully adopt automation. Panelists will discuss common pitfalls to avoid, how to evaluate your automation needs, strategies for scaling solutions, and the role of system integrators in ensuring a smooth transition. Whether you're just beginning your automation journey or looking to optimize existing processes, this session will provide valuable guidance to help you make informed decisions and maximize your return on investment.

OT data—when enriched with context—is the key to driving effective Industrial AI, digital transformation, and Lean manufacturing. Yet, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), 75% of manufacturers report they are either not collecting the right OT data or are unsure how to leverage their shopfloor data effectively.

In this session, we meet you where you are—whether in a Brownfield or Greenfield environment, using any OT vendor—to help you unlock the full potential of your operational data. Discover how seamlessly integrating IT and OT can drive real-time insights, enabling:

• Energy Optimization to reduce costs and improve sustainability
• Predictive Maintenance to minimize downtime and extend asset life
• Quality Prediction to enhance yield and reduce defects
• Intelligent Process Optimization using AI and Gen AI for continuous improvement
• Lean Manufacturing Initiatives that eliminate waste, improve cycle times, and enhance efficiency

By treating data as a strategic asset, manufacturers can drive measurable shopfloor outcomes and accelerate Continuous Improvement using AI-powered insights. Leveraging Lean methodologies, AI, and Gen AI, organizations can identify inefficiencies, reduce variability, and standardize best practices—delivering Rapid Value at Scale.

Whether you're an operator, line manager, plant manager, or IT leader, this session will equip you with the strategies to harness your shopfloor data—driving agility, efficiency, and sustained operational excellence.

Humanoid robots have long captured the imagination, from sci-fi visions to cutting-edge prototypes, but where do they truly stand today? In this panel discussion, industry experts will separate fact from fiction, exploring the current capabilities, real-world applications, and challenges of humanoid robotics. Are humanoids ready for mainstream adoption in manufacturing, logistics, and service industries, or are we still years away? What technological breakthroughs are needed to bridge the gap? Join us as we examine the economics, practicality, and future potential of humanoid robots — and what it will take for them to move beyond the hype and into everyday operations.

Join us for an exciting theater session as we delve into the latest advancements in robotic manipulation technology. Explore how NVIDIA’s real-time AI inferencing and NVIDIA Isaac Manipulator capabilities for industrial manipulators, combined with Vention’s MachineMotion AI, enable the rapid deployment of intelligent automation solutions.

Discover how innovations in AI-powered bin picking, adaptive part handling, and 3D vision are dramatically reducing integration time and complexity. Whether you are a machine builder, systems integrator, or manufacturer, this session will show you how AI is becoming accessible, scalable, and production-ready.

In a world where challenges are the new norm—labor shortages, rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and the urgent call for sustainability—American industry stands at a pivotal moment.

From heavy industries to consumer goods, U.S. manufacturers are navigating a landscape that's more complex, demanding, and fast-paced than ever before. The old ways of doing business just won't cut it anymore.

Join an exclusive panel discussion to discover how leading companies are harnessing the power of flexible automation, digital innovation, and AI technologies to create a more competitive and productive supply chain. Learn how they're driving faster impact and achieving better outcomes every single day.

This is not just adaptation. This is transformation. This is the new era of U.S. manufacturing.

The fusion of AI and automation is redefining industrial operations, creating highly adaptive, data-driven environments. This discussion will dive into the role of AI in machine learning-driven automation, autonomous decision-making, and real-time process optimization. Our panel of experts will share insights on the latest innovations, challenges in adoption, and how manufacturers can future-proof their operations.

The rise of the smart factory is shaping the future of manufacturing. Smart machines help speed production and lower costs by automating tasks and supporting workers. Using sensors, AI, and machine learning, these machines can navigate their environments, avoid obstacles, and make real-time decisions.

However, these powerful devices produce and consume a lot of data. By combining smart technology with reliable connectivity, autonomous machines can transform their operational areas and optimize manufacturing processes. In this panel discussion, experts from Hitachi Rail, Slalom, Cypher Robotics and Ericsson will share real-world applications of autonomous things in manufacturing using 5G.

The automation industry is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in robotics, AI, machine vision, and industrial connectivity. In this executive roundtable, industry leaders will share their perspectives on the current state of automation, the biggest opportunities and challenges facing businesses today, and where the industry is headed next. Panelists will discuss key market trends, supply chain dynamics, workforce implications, and the impact of emerging technologies. Whether you're an end user, system integrator, or technology provider, this session will offer high-level strategic insights to help you navigate the future of automation.

IT is transforming OT. And that is necessary for manufacturing to flourish amid worker readiness issues and in light of the opportunities offered by Industrial AI.  We've assembled a panel of experts to explore how OT data contextualization, IT-like engineering, SDA (Software Defined Automation), DevOps, and CI/CD solve use cases that make our manufacturing workplaces more attractive to digital natives and more productive from the shop floor to the top floor.

The Automate Startup Challenge spotlights early-stage companies in robotics and automation as they go head-to-head at the Automate Show Theater, pitching their technology solution to a panel of industry-expert judges. Hear from each of the finalists and learn which startup will take home the $10,000 prize!

Co-Hosted by the International Federation of Robotics

As robotics continues to reshape industries worldwide, staying ahead of emerging trends and technologies is critical for businesses looking to remain competitive. This executive roundtable brings together top leaders from the robotics sector to discuss the innovations, market dynamics, and strategic shifts defining the industry today. From AI-powered robotics and autonomous systems to evolving global supply chains and workforce challenges, panelists will provide a high-level analysis of where robotics is headed and what it means for businesses across manufacturing, logistics, and beyond. Gain firsthand insights from those driving the future of automation and robotics.

Small and medium businesses (SMBs) have needs that are are often overshadowed by vendors serving the technology demands of larger enterprises. SMBs as a group indicate that production transparency, worker skills, and new tech integration are among their top challenges. All of these can be addressed with an open business platform that is easy to use and is scalable (pay as you go). This session is for SMBs and is designed to be intereactive.  Please join to hear what we've learned about meeting your needs and to further inform us about how to better meet your needs in the future.

In this data-driven session, experts from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) will break down the latest market research, key statistics, and emerging trends shaping the future of automation. We will explore investment patterns, industry growth areas, and the economic forces driving automation adoption across manufacturing, logistics, and beyond. Whether you’re looking for insights on market opportunities, competitive positioning, or the impact of new technologies, this session will provide valuable data-backed perspectives to help you make informed business decisions.

Join us for an insightful panel discussion on "Intelligent Autonomy," where industry leaders will explore cutting-edge advancements in autonomous systems across various sectors. Our panel features SYNAOS, WiBotic, and RGo Robotics, each bringing unique expertise to the conversation.?

SYNAOS specializes in AI-driven software solutions that synchronize autonomous systems in production and logistics, enhancing efficiency and flexibility in intralogistics processes. WiBotic provides wireless charging and power optimization solutions for aerial, mobile, and aquatic robots, enabling seamless autonomous operations without manual intervention. RGo Robotics develops AI-powered perception technology that allows mobile machines to understand complex environments and operate autonomously, advancing intelligent automation in industries such as logistics and manufacturing. Together, these companies will share their insights on the current state and future potential of intelligent autonomy, discussing challenges, innovations, and the transformative impact on various industries.

This presentation explores the technical benefits of using rotary cross roller bearings (CRB) as the output support structure in strain wave gearing, particularly for robotic arm actuation. With rollers arranged in a crisscross pattern, CRBs offer high radial and axial load capacity, enabling strain wave gears to manage substantial loads while maintaining precision and reliability. Their design minimizes deflection and maximizes rigidity, which is essential for the accuracy required in robotic movements. Additionally, CRBs feature a compact, enclosed design that reduces lubrication and maintenance challenges—an advantage in environments with limited space or where frequent upkeep is impractical. Their low friction and high efficiency also promote smoother operation and extend service life, making them well-suited for demanding robotic applications.

1. Precision and Load Distribution: Cross roller bearings excel at supporting the axial and radial loads produced by strain wave gear systems. These loads, if unsupported, can compromise precision. CRBs ensure minimal deformation, maintaining high accuracy even under significant stress. Combined, these technologies deliver a precise, high-load-capacity system ideal for robotics.
2. Compactness and Weight Reduction: Both CRBs and strain wave gears are valued for their compact designs. CRBs provide exceptional load capacity in a small footprint, while strain wave gears offer high reduction ratios in a single stage. Their integration creates lightweight, space-efficient systems—critical for enhancing the speed, agility, and performance of robotic arms and actuators.
3. Stiffness and Efficiency: CRBs offer high stiffness, which complements strain wave gears by maintaining alignment and reducing deflection during operation. This rigidity minimizes unwanted motion, reducing backlash and enhancing overall motion control accuracy. The result is an efficient, smooth-operating system suited for high-performance applications.
4. Durability and Reliability: Both technologies are engineered for longevity. CRBs resist wear under heavy loads, and strain wave gears maintain high reliability with low wear over time. Together, they form a durable motion control solution that delivers consistent performance with minimal maintenance.
5. Customization for Advanced Applications: The adaptability of CRBs and strain wave gears makes them ideal for tailored solutions across industries. Whether for precise movements in medical robotics, high torque in industrial robots, or agility in drones, these components can be customized to meet specific performance demands.

Conclusion: The synergy of cross roller bearings and strain wave gears delivers compact, precise, and reliable systems capable of handling high loads with minimal maintenance. This integrated solution meets the growing needs of robotics, aerospace, and medical devices, ensuring long-term performance and accuracy.

Manufacturers are the backbone of U.S. competitiveness, and their success hinges on innovation and industry services at scale. In this presentation, you will discover how the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is helping small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) across the country. From quality management systems and reshoring efforts to cybersecurity and AI in manufacturing, NIST MEP, since 1988, has helped manufacturers flourish.

Discover in this session how to get more work, grow your factory, and strengthen American manufacturing with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership’s National Network. Based in every state and Puerto Rico, the National Network continues to make a difference in competing and winning for manufacturers. Whether you’re a business that’s looking to re-shore, we can help. Or if you’re a manufacturer looking to be part of a supply chain, we can help. We even help connect your R&D interest with NIST’s world-renowned researchers at no cost to you.

Join the conversation and learn how the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership helps connect the dots for U.S. manufacturers to succeed, thrive, and win. Additionally, stop by Michigan’s MEP (MMTC – Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center) booth in Hall E – 9304. MEP Centers from across the Nation can help.

As automation, AI, and robotics transform industries, policymakers face critical decisions that will shape the future of work, innovation, and global competitiveness. In this session, experts in automation policy and advocacy will explore the key legislative and regulatory issues impacting the industry—from workforce development and reskilling initiatives to tax incentives, trade policies, and AI governance. Panelists will discuss how businesses can engage with policymakers to ensure automation-friendly policies that promote innovation while addressing workforce concerns. Whether you’re a manufacturer, technology provider, or industry leader, this session will provide essential insights into the political landscape shaping automation’s future.

The market is overfocusing on the amazing expansion of AI capabilities. The more important improvement happening inside organizations is the amplification of human capabilities because of the use of both synthetic and machine intelligence. AI as a catalyst will converge with robotics, AR/VR, and data analytics, with magical results in the automation space. Scott Klososky is the founding partner of Future Point of View and has been working in the AI space for seven years. His unique views on the practical uses of synthetic intelligence today, and going forward, paint a much more robust picture than is often portrayed by the media. Don’t miss this chance to be inspired to think in new ways about how to merge human and AI into a hybrid intelligence and drive valuable improvements.