Automation Show, Conference has solution-focused program.

Press Release Summary:



Taking place in Chicago, IL from March 21-24, Automate 2011 Show and Conference will focus on practical automation solutions for manufacturing and non-manufacturing companies. Over 150 companies will exhibit, and other highlights will include keynote presentations from Tom Ridge and presentation on Robonaut 2. Sessions are available for automation newcomers as well as experienced professionals, and free sessions will be take place March 24 for robotics educators and students.



Original Press Release:



Automate 2011 Show and Conference Focused on Solutions



Ann Arbor, MI - The Automate 2011 Show and Conference, set for March 21-24 at McCormick Place in Chicago, will focus on practical automation solutions for manufacturing as well as non-manufacturing companies, according to the event sponsors.

"This is a unique event because the exhibits and the conference sessions offer attendees the opportunity to see how robots, machine vision, motion control and related technologies can be successfully applied to meet their challenges, regardless of their industry," says Jeff Burnstein, President of the Automation Technologies Council, the main sponsor.

"It's not just factories that can successfully apply these technologies - it's warehouses & distribution centers, medical labs, hospitals, even retail outlets," Burnstein asserts.

More than 150 companies will exhibit at the four-day show which is collocated with ProMat (sponsored by the Material Handling Industry of America). ProMat is North America's premier material handling and logistics show.

"Having both of these shows together gives attendees a chance to explore the state of the art in automation solutions as well as seeing what's coming next," Burnstein noted.
The Automate Conference also features the 42nd International Symposium on Robotics (ISR), held in the U.S. just once every four years. "The ISR features presentations from global experts who are working on the next-generation of robotics as well as advancing the current state of the technology. It's a great complement to the more practical solutions-oriented sessions we traditionally offer at Automate," said Burnstein.

Among the conference highlights are keynote presentations from Tom Ridge, former Secretary of U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Monday, March 21, 8:45 am) and a presentation on the Robonaut 2 (Tuesday, March 22, 8:45 am), a new robot developed by General Motors and NASA.

One of the most important sessions at the conference takes place on Tuesday, March 22 right after the Robonaut keynote, Burnstein said. "The opening session on Cost Justifying Automation is at the heart of what companies want to know. Will using these automation technologies be worth the investment? Can we cost effectively use automation to be stronger global competitors? These are the questions we get every day and the ones our speakers will address."

The conference offers sessions for people new to automation as well as experienced professionals. Burnstein said there will be free sessions on Thursday, March 24 designed for robotics educators and students. "We're dedicating Thursday to the instructors and their students who will become the next generation of robotics leaders."
Burnstein also pointed to a new series of classes that allow machine vision professionals to earn a Certified Vision Professional - Advanced Level designation. "We're also offering the Basic Level courses - we had a tremendous turnout for these when we first offered them at The Vision Show in Boston in May 2010."

Early indications are that Automate 2011 is resonating with global leaders, Burnstein observed. "The pre-registration numbers for the show and conference are way ahead of recent years. I think the timing for Automate is right, as companies in every industry are looking for the kind of automation solutions and guidance that Automate 2011 will provide."

Automate 2011 is sponsored by the Automation Technologies Council, which includes the Robotic Industries Association, the Automated Imaging Association, and the Motion Control Association. Together these trade groups represent some 575 companies that supply, integrate, and use robotics, machine vision and motion control, as well as leading research organizations and consulting firms.

For complete details on Automate 2011, visit www.automate2011.com or call ATC Headquarters at 734/994-6088.

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