Inaugural (AIM) Conference shows automation, robotics advances.

Press Release Summary:



Organized by AMT, Automation in Manufacturing (AIM) Conference took place on May 15 and gathered together manufacturing professionals who immersed themselves in robotics and advanced automation. Noting its "strong turnout," AMT President Douglas K. Woods cited "continued interest and emphasis on automation technology by the industry as a key tool in driving U.S. productivity." Presentations covered robotic technology advances and manufacturing advantages of incorporating robotics.



Original Press Release:



Inaugural Automation in Manufacturing (AIM) Conference Excites Attendees with Advances in Automation and Robotics



McLean, Va. … The inaugural Automation in Manufacturing (AIM) Conference, organized by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, ended on a high note for the manufacturing professionals who gathered May 15 to immerse themselves in robotics and advanced automation for the future, state-of-the-art developments in technology and their applications.



AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology President Douglas K. Woods said, “The strong turnout for this new event shows the continued interest and emphasis on automation technology by the industry as a key tool in driving U.S. productivity. AIM attracted industry leaders and technologists who shared insights on future trends, as well as practical solutions that are currently available.”



Automation as a wise investment was a key take-away from AIM. A full range of presentations from end users, integrators, OEM's and industry advocates covered advances in robotic technologies and the competitive edge manufacturers can gain through the increased productivity and profit achieved by incorporating robotics into a manufacturing operation.



Mars Exploration Rover Project Chief Engineer and AIM keynote speaker Bill Nelson gave a glimpse into the technology on the Mars Exploration Rover Curiosity, including solar arrays, navigation, panoramic cameras, and rock abrasion tooling, which allowed the rover to send data back to Earth. He told the stories of the challenges his team faced during the robot’s planned 90-day mission to Mars, which has lasted for a surprising 10 years. These challenges included getting bogged down in soft ground, getting stuck on large rocks and recovering from complete power loss.



John Dulchinos, Vice President, Global Industrialization for Jabil, Inc. shared thoughts on the benefits and scope of automation. “Technology drives productivity. The countries with the highest productivity also have the highest density of robots – the top three being Japan, Singapore and South Korea,” Dulchinos said. “This leads to lower costs and allows for a higher standard of living. For example, in 1950, one U.S. farmer fed 27 people; today one farmer feeds 150 people.” He shared that though the technology is still expensive, if it is flexible and can serve multiple purposes the cost is justified.



Dispelling some myths in response to those who are wary of robots, Jeff Burnstein, President, Association for Advancing Automation (A3) told the group, “Innovation has always led to growth and more jobs. Robots are just better tools, not our masters. We can’t even imagine the new products and industries that improved automation will help create in the future.”



AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology represents and promotes U.S.-based manufacturing technology and its members—those who design, build, sell, and service the continuously evolving technology that lies at the heart of manufacturing. Founded in 1902 and based in Virginia, the association specializes in providing targeted business assistance, extensive global support, and business intelligence systems and analysis. AMT is the voice that communicates the importance of policies and programs that encourage research and innovation, and the development of educational initiatives to create tomorrow’s Smartforce. AMT owns and manages IMTS — The International Manufacturing Technology Show, which is the premier manufacturing technology event in North America. www.AMTonline.org

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