“This event is for manufacturers of all sizes,” says Brian Apkarian, Director of Business Development at the Center for Automation Technologies and Systems (CATS) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). “Whether you’re a large manufacturer, a mid-sized company, or an inventor working out of a garage, applied automation and robotics can benefit your business.”
The New York Automation and Robotics Conference is just a few weeks away, but Apkarian wants New York State manufacturers to know there’s still time to register for the October 23rd event. He also wants companies with questions to understand why they should attend, what they’ll learn, and how the one-day event works.
Why You Should Attend
Many small-to-medium manufacturers want to automate operations, but don’t know where to begin. There are also companies that can’t find manufacturing talent, or believe that robots are job-killers rather than job creators. Then there are businesses who see themselves as too small to even consider the types of technologies that are available. The New York Automation and Robotics Conference is for all of these companies, and for any New York State manufacturer that wants to increase efficiency and profitability.
“The ideal attendee is very similar to the type of company that would attend a FuzeHub Solutions Forum,” Apkarian explains. “You’ll have an opportunity to network with experts – in this case, everyone from robotics manufacturers to integrators, faculty, and PhDs. Right here in the Capital Region, all of the people who can help you will be together at one time and in one place.” On October 23, 2017 from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM, that place is the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy, New York.
What You’ll Learn
As the overview for this one-day event explains, the New York Automation and Robotics Conference will cover eight major topics.
- Government partnerships for manufacturers
- Workforce development
- Robotic welding – Improving arc welding through advanced robotics
- 3D printing
- Hard vs. soft automation – Lessons from industry
- Collaborative robotics (cobots)
- Offline robot programming
- Table of experts
Multiple speakers will examine each topic during 75-minute sessions. To fit all eight sessions into a single day, there are two tracks with four topics each. The complete schedule is on-line. Attendees may select the sessions they’d like to attend.
How the Event Works
The New York Automation and Robotics Conference begins with an introduction by Dan Walcyzk, Director of CATS and professor of mechanical engineering. Representatives from the event’s sponsors will then share opening remarks. These sponsors are The Business Council of New York State, the Center for Economic Growth, FuzeHub, and the Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) at Empire State Development.
John Wen of the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute will provide a breakfast keynote address. ARM, a national resource and network for companies seeking to improve productivity through industrial robotics, has a Mid-Atlantic Regional Robotics Innovation Collaboration that is co-led by RPI and FuzeHub. Attendees will then break-out into sessions, reconvene for networking and exhibition time, and separate for a second round of morning sessions.
Greg Longtine, Senior Manager of Technology Strategy at Amazon Robotics, will deliver the lunch keynote address. A central figure in the strategic development of Amazon’s product and technology suite, Longtine will address how robotics has transformed Amazon and what the next generation of robotics means for industry and the economy. The afternoon also follows a two-track, two-session format with networking and exhibitions in between. The day ends with a reception and poster presentation.
How to Register
Register for this event on-line and choose the Tickets button to indicate whether you’re an attendee, an exhibitor, or a sponsor or speaker. The checkout process is easy and major credit cards are accepted. If you need more information, please visit the event’s website or contact Brian Apkarian.