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Kathleen Straight
+1 734-994-6088
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Automation Technologies Council
900 Victors Way, Suite 140
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103 USA

Automate Press Releases

 

• Automate 2011 / 42nd ISR Conference Proceedings Now Available
• Automate 2011 iPad Winner Hails from Plastic Injection Molding for Medical Sector
• Automate 2011 Successfully Reaches Large Audience of Potential Automation Users
• International Press Event of the International Federation of Robotics at the AUTOMATE in Chicago on 22 March 2011
• Wide Range of Automation Solutions Featured at Automate 2011
• 42nd International Symposium on Robotics Heads to US For First Time in Four Years
• Automate 2011 Show and Conference Focused on Solutions
• Automate Conference Features Small Business Owner, Drew Greenblatt, to Speak on How to Grow Great Jobs and Profits with more Automation
• Robotics Industry to Present Engelberger Awards To Åke Lindqvist and Dr. Henrik Christensen
• Automate is New Name for International Robots, Vision & Motion Control Show
• ProMat and International Robots, Vision & Motion Control Show to Co-locate in 2011

 

Automate 2011 / 42nd ISR Conference Proceedings Now Available

(ANN ARBOR, Michigan USA - May 20, 2011) Outstanding presentations from global experts are featured in the Automate 2011 / 42nd International Symposium on Robotics (ISR) Conference proceedings that are now available from Automation Technologies Council (ATC), parent group to Robotic Industries Association (RIA), Automated Imaging Association (AIA), and Motion Control Association (MCA).

Nineteen in-depth tutorial and 20 multi-speaker session presentations are included on the proceedings CD which is available for $225 plus shipping from ATC. The Automate 2011 / 42nd ISR Conference held in Chicago, March 21-24, attracted more than 400 participants.

Among the proceedings highlights are new insights on vision guided robotics, case studies on successful robotics and machine vision applications, advances in motion control technology, and a look at cutting-edge robotics research. 

Another important element of the CD is the material on “New Developments in Robot Safety” by Jeff Fryman, RIA’s Director of Standards Development. He cites the advent of “safety rated soft-axis and space limiting technology” and “collaborative robot applications” as “game changers.” These and other issues are addressed in detail September 19-21, in Knoxville, Tennessee at RIA’s 23rd annual National Robot Safety Conference.

“We believe these Proceedings will be valuable to anyone actively involved in robotics, machine vision and motion control, whether as a user, supplier, or researcher,” said Jeff Burnstein, President of ATC. “While many of our members and others were able to attend the Conference, thousands more were unable to, but can still gain knowledge they can successfully apply immediately by obtaining the CD.”

Burnstein pointed out that one major section of the proceedings focuses on robotics education. A group of leading robotics educators spoke at Automate / ISR as part of RIA’s ongoing efforts to help advance robotics curriculum at all levels of education. “RIA offers many benefits to those in academia, including the chance to gain sponsors and supporters from corporate members of the Association.”

Richard Blais of the Southern Regional Education Board spoke about the fundamentals for a robotics curriculum which he likens to a “football playbook or script to a play (that) organizes and focuses actions.” Fellow speakers, Larry Ruff, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Jim Devaprasad, Lake Superior State University, gave more insight into the issue of educational curriculum.

The Automate Show and Conference is a biennial event from Robotic Industries Association (RIA), Automated Imaging Association (AIA) and Motion Control Association (MCA). Together, these trade associations represent over 600 automation manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, consulting firms, educators and research groups. In addition to the trade show and accompanying technical conference, the groups develop industry standards, hold industry networking events, collect market statistics, offer educational resources, and provide content-rich websites. To learn more, visit www.robotics.org, www.machinevisiononline.org, or www.motioncontrolonline.org. 

The International Symposium on Robotics educates suppliers, users and researchers on the latest developments in robotics from around the globe. It is the world’s most prestigious annual robotics conference and is held in the US just once every four years. This year’s ISR featured speakers from the US, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan among other nations
To obtain the Automate 2011 / 42nd ISR Proceedings, call ATC Headquarters at 734/994-6088 or order online.

Contact: 
Brian Huse
734/994-6088 

Automate 2011 iPad Winner Hails from Plastic Injection Molding for Medical Sector

(ANN ARBOR, Michigan – May 2, 2011) Plastic injection molding for the medical industry is a hot application for robots and machine vision, and Automate 2011 had many from that sector including Pat Shelly, Project Engineer from West Pharmaceutical Services who won the iPad giveaway from the Show. He hadn’t been to a show “just about automation” in years but the time was right when Automate came along.

“The show was very helpful for me,” said Mr. Shelly. “It was nice to see some of the new technologies, especially in vision and pneumatics.” He said that prior to Automate he mostly had gone to shows focused on medical devices rather than on automation.

West uses machine vision to inspect, measure and verify small plastic components. Of some 170 exhibitors at Automate 2011 nearly half were for machine vision.

Mr. Shelly was impressed by what he saw on the show floor and is open to the possibility of using products he encountered there. “One way we can use technology from Automate is to retrofit machines for injection molding,” said Mr. Shelly.

There were 7,945 participants at Automate 2011, with a large concentration from automotive, electronics, medical device, fabricated metals, food & beverage, consumer goods, aerospace and plastics industries. The Automate technical conference, which included machine vision courses, was also very strong with more than 400 participants interested in learning how to successfully apply automation.

Mr. Shelly was one of hundreds that entered the iPad giveaway. The Show sponsors, Robotic Industries Association, Automated Imaging Association and Motion Control Association awarded the prize.

Background on Show Sponsors
Automate 2011 is sponsored by Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the Automated Imaging Association (AIA) and the Motion Control Association (MCA). Together, these trade associations represent automation manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, consulting firms, and research groups. In addition to the trade show and accompanying technical conference, the groups develop industry standards, hold industry networking events, collect market statistics, offer educational resources, and provide content-rich websites (www.robotics.org, www.machinevisiononline.org, www.motioncontrolonline.org).

Contact:
Brian Huse
734/994-6088

Automate 2011 Successfully Reaches Large Audience of Potential Automation Users

(Ann Arbor, Michigan - April 14, 2011) Attendance surged at the recent Automate 2011 Show and Conference in Chicago (March 21-24) as three major trade associations combined to lift interest in automation among leading companies from the U.S. and abroad, according to the sponsors.

A total of 7,945 confirmed participants were scanned at the show, the largest audience in more than a decade, said Jeff Burnstein, President of the Automation Technologies Council (ATC), and the parent group for the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the Automated Imaging Association (AIA), and the Motion Control Association (MCA), primary sponsors of Automate 2011.

“Based on feedback from participants, Automate 2011 successfully hit the target,” Burnstein explained. “We wanted to reach users and potential users in a wide range of industries who were interested in robots, machine vision, motion control and related automation technologies and solutions, and we accomplished that.”

Burnstein said that the show, formerly known as the International Robots, Vision, and Motion Control Show, recorded its largest attendance in a decade. “Our collocation with ProMat brought in a large number of people from the warehousing and logistics industries which added an important element to this year’s event.

“The Automate technical conference was also very strong, with more than 400 participants interested in learning how to successfully apply automation. Helping the conference this year was the inclusion of the International Symposium on Robotics, which comes to the US just once every four years, and the new Certified Vision Professional courses at the basic and advanced level,” Burnstein explained.

Automate 2011 attracted visitors from 28 countries and 45 states, with a large concentration from the Midwest. The automotive, electronics, medical device, fabricated metals, food & beverage, consumer goods, aerospace and plastics industries sent the most visitors.

Nearly 90% of the visitors play a role in the automation purchasing decision at their organization. Nearly 40% of the audience identified themselves as end users of automation, with system integrators accounting for another 20%.

About a quarter of the visitors either currently have a funded project or expect to have one in the next year.
“One of the most frequent comments we had from exhibitors at the show dealt with the quality of the audience,” Burnstein noted. “Today’s trade shows are far different than in the past since companies are running too lean to send people to shows unless they are serious about the technologies and products on display. For us to have our largest audience in terms of quantity as well as so many serious potential customers says a great deal about the value of Automate 2011.”

Burnstein said that Automate 2011 has importance well beyond the activity that occurred during the four days of the show. “One of the great benefits of Automate 2011 was that it served as a platform to tell the general public, government officials and other interested parties about how automation can help save and create jobs, the opposite of what you normally hear in the news media. We sent out more than half a million brochures and emails about Automate 2011 that carried this message and participated in several television and radio stories during the show, highlighted by a live segment on CNBC focused on this issue,” Burnstein explained.

RIA, AIA, and MCA represent more than 600 companies from 30 nations. The Automate 2011 show traces its roots back to 1977 when the first ROBOTS show sponsored by RIA was held. 

For more information about RIA, visit Robotics Online; for AIA, see Machine Vision Online; for MCA, visit Motion Control Online. Association headquarters can be reached by phone at 734/994-6088.

Contact:
Jeff Burnstein
734/994-6088

International Press Event of the International Federation of Robotics at the AUTOMATE in Chicago on 22 March 2011

IFR CEO Round Table Discussion on “Being competitive with robotics” and “The first results of World Robotics 2011”

(March 1, 2011) We would like to invite you to our international robotics press event at the AUTOMATE in Chicago:

22 March 2011
11:00 am -12:30 pm
McCormick Place North, Level 2, Room N230a 
Chicago, USA

Agenda

1. Åke Lindqvist, IFR President, will present the first results on the worldwide distribution of industrial robots in 2010 and future prospects.

2. The CEOs of major robot companies from Europe, Japan and North America will discuss on “Being competitive with robots”:

• John Dulchinos, CEO, Adept, USA
• Åke Lindqvist, IFR President, Germany
• Masahiro Ogawa, CEO, Yaskawa America., USA/Japan
• Stu Shepherd, President, KUKA America, USA/Germany
• Dr. Michael Wenzel, CEO, Reis Robotics, Germany
• Kevin Ostby, Vice President, Fanuc Robotics, USA/Japan

The discussion will be moderated by Bill Lydon, editor, Automation.com, USA.

Also experts from other important robot suppliers all over the world will be present in the audience.

You will have the chance to ask questions during the discussion!

3. Get-together and personal interviews

Directly after the discussion you will have the opportunity to personally interview the speakers for about 10 minutes. Please register!

Directly after the discussion you will have the opportunity to talk with all the participants at the event.

Furthermore, we are also ready to organize special personal interviews with the attendees – the participants of the discussion and other experts of the robotics industries - during their stay at the Automate. Please send in your special request!

Take the chance and meet the most competent robotics experts in the world!

Please confirm your participation on the reply form and register for the personal interviews! Then return it by the email or fax! 

We are looking forward to meeting you in Chicago!

Contact:
Gudrun Litzenberger
+49 69 66 03-1502
+49 69 66 03-2502
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Wide Range of Automation Solutions Featured at Automate 2011

Ann Arbor, MI (February 23, 2011) – A wide range of automation solutions designed for companies in every industry will highlight the Automate 2011 show in Chicago, March 21-24, according to Robotic Industries Association (RIA) and the Automated Imaging Association (AIA), two of the sponsors of the event.

“The very first exhibits that visitors will see at Automate 2011 are complete solutions incorporating robots, machine vision, motion control and related automation technologies,” said Jeff Burnstein, President of RIA and AIA. “We know companies in all industries want to see the solutions, not just the latest products, so that’s why we’re putting them front and center.”

Burnstein said that solutions will include:

“The best part of the solutions exhibits is that they will be shown by system integrators, companies who have experience integrating these solutions in a wide variety of industries,” Burnstein explained. “As a result, the end users who visit Automate 2011 will discover new solutions and meet and compare various integrators in order to find the right solutions partner.” 

RIA and AIA expect over 20 leading integrators to participate in the Integrated Solutions Center including:

Automate 2011 also features an in-depth conference focused on successfully applying robotics, machine vision and motion solutions. “We believe the combination of seeing the solutions on the floor and learning how to best utilize them in conference sessions makes attending Automate 2011 a unique opportunity for companies who want to automate in order to be stronger global competitors,” Burnstein asserted.

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 http://www.automate2011.com or call ATC Headquarters at 734/994-6088.

42nd International Symposium on Robotics Heads to US For First Time in Four Years

Ann Arbor, MI (February 21, 2011) – The world’s most prestigious annual robotics conference, the International Symposium on Robotics (ISR), will be held in the United States for the first time in four years as part of Automate 2011 at McCormick Place in Chicago, March 21-24.

“The ISR occupies a unique place in the history of robotics, and we’re delighted to be hosting it again in the US for the first time since 2007,” said Jeff Burnstein, President of Robotic Industries Association (RIA), a co-sponsor of the Automate 2011 event and the 42nd ISR.

“Every year the ISR educates suppliers, users and researchers on the latest developments in robotics from around the globe. This year’s ISR features speakers from the US, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan among other nations,” Burnstein said.

Among the topics the ISR will address are new methods of fixturing for airplane and automotive assembly, new advances in autonomous industrial mobile manipulators, real-time image processing of human face identification, and collision-free moving object tracking with active visual servoing.

“The ISR has a history of presenting cutting-edge research that is likely to be commercialized in the near-term and we expect this year to open up many eyes about what’s coming in robotics and related areas such as machine vision,” Burnstein observed.

The ISR is sponsored by the International Federation of Robotics and is held in a different country each year. The 2012 event will be held in Taiwan for the first time. It is not expected to return to the US until at least 2015.

“As 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the installation of the first industrial robot in the United States it is great that the US is hosting the ISR this year,” Burnstein observed. “We will have a special pavilion on the show floor to highlight the 50th anniversary of robotics technology.”

One of the highlights of the annual ISR is the Gala Dinner where the Engelberger Robotics Awards are presented. Sponsored by RIA, the Engelberger Award is the industry’s highest honor and is named after Joseph F. Engelberger, known throughout the world as the “father of robotics."

The winner of this year’s Engelberger Award for Leadership is Åke Lindqvist, formerly of ABB Robotics. His career in robotics spans more than three decades during which he has held virtually every top volunteer role possible including Past Chairman of RIA, current Chairman of the IFR, and Past Chairman of the Automation Technologies Council, among others. 

“I am delighted to see that committee has selected Åke Lindqvist to win the Leadership Award this year as he embodies the true spirit of the award, which is helping our industry grow and prosper.”

Dr. Henrik Christenson, Chair of the Robotics Department at Georgia Tech University, will receive the Engelberger Award for Education. He was the key architect of the recent US Roadmap for Robotics as well as similar efforts in Europe. He also has been a highly regarded robotics instructor and researcher who has helped educate robotics students around the world.

“Henrik seems to be virtually everywhere in the world trying to educate people about the importance of robotics – I can’t think of anyone who has been more active in recent years and it’s great to see his dedication rewarded with an Engelberger Award,” Burnstein commented.

Founded in 1974, RIA is the North American trade association for robotics, representing some 275 robotics manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, research groups and consulting firms. In addition to Automate 2011, RIA is best-known for developing the American National Robot Safety Standard, reporting quarterly robotics statistics, and providing the world’s leading robotics website (Robotics Online, www.robotics.org).

For more information about Automate 2011 and the 42nd ISR, visit www.automate2011.com. For more information on RIA, visit www.robotics.org. Information on the show and all other association activities can also be obtained by calling RIA at 734/994-6088.

Contact:
Jeff Burnstein
734-994-6088

Automate 2011 Show and Conference Focused On Solutions

Ann Arbor, MI (February 18, 2011) – 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 http://www.automate2011.com or call ATC Headquarters at 734/994-6088.

Contact:
Jeff Burnstein
734-994-6088

Automate Conference Features Small Business Owner, Drew Greenblatt, to Speak on How to Grow Great Jobs and Profits with more Automation

Ann Arbor, MI (February 17, 2011) - Marlin Steel Wire's President, Drew Greenblatt, speaks in Session 1 at Automate 2011 in Chicago IL on Tuesday March 22, 2011. “Grow Great Jobs and Profits with more Automation” is his message on how to lift the USA out of its recession quicker. The Show is free and Conference sessions, with tracks for new users and veterans, requires separate registration. Early bird discounts end March 1.

Greenblatt’s speech is an in-depth, first-hand example of automation’s role in the pursuit of profits and jobs creation in U.S. manufacturing. His message is that employees in highly automated factories are paid more and have a more secure future with better benefits, a safer workplace and jobs that are more interesting. Automated companies are more likely to survive the recession because they can ship faster and produce a better quality product consistently, according to Greenblatt.

Marlin Steel manufacturers wire baskets, wire forms & sheet metal fabrication - unique because everything is made in the USA, exported to 33 countries, and the company is on a six-year run of increased corporate profits and revenues. Marlin Steel’s industrial baskets are exported for parts washing applications (ultrasonic cleaning baskets) by prestigious clients like Sanofi, Pfizer, Merck, Roche, Genentech, UTC, GE Medical, Baxter, Raytheon, Northrop.

Companies like those are registering at record levels for Automate 2011 which is the largest solutions-based showcase of automation technologies in North America. Automate demonstrates the full spectrum of automation technologies and solutions for a broad array of industries that provide integration of automation, robotics and machine vision. Attendees can solve challenges that face their industry and learn from real-world solutions, sometimes with insights gained by those in other industries. The show features the latest robotic, vision, motion control and automation technologies and systems from leading global suppliers.

Mr. Greenblatt is among 70 speakers in the 42nd International Symposium on Robotics featuring cutting edge robotics research. The show is collocated with ProMat which is sponsored by MHIA and is North America’s premier material handling and logistics show.

Automate attendees are End Users, OEMs, Machine Builders, Distributors, Government Buyers, R&D Labs and academia seeking automation technologies. They are looking for the latest technologies to increase their competitiveness and automation solutions to help them enhance productivity and save money. Visitors have arrived from more than 30 countries representing a broad array of industries including Aerospace, Appliance, Automotive Manufacturing, Automotive Supply, Consumer Goods, Defense/Military, Education, Electronics, Food & Beverage, Furniture, Medical Devices, Off-road Vehicles, Paper/Printing, Pharmaceuticals, Plastics, Semiconductor, Textiles, Agriculture, Aluminum, Automation, Biotechnology, Chemical Manufacturing, Construction, Distribution, Energy, Entertainment, Fabricated Metal, Fasteners, Fluid Power, Foundry, Gaming, Glass, Government, Laboratory Equipment, Locomotive Manufacturing, Machine Builder, Machine Tools, Mail Processing, Mapping, Material Handling, Mining, Minting, Motorcycle Manufacturing, Packaging, Pet Food, Primary Metals, Printing, Telecommunications, Transportation, Warehousing, Wood.

Exhibitors from around the world display automation equipment and systems including: Automated Assembly Machines/Systems, Automatic Identification & Data Collection/RFID, Ergonomics and Safety Equipment, Industrial Automation Control, Machine Vision and Imaging Equipment/Systems, Motion Control Equipment, Parts Handling Equipment/Conveyors and Materials, Robots/Robotic Systems, Sensors and Sensor Integrated Systems, and System Integration/Consulting.

Marlin Steel Wire’s secret sauce is Quality Engineered Quickly (QEQ). Blazing fast speed powered by innovative ideas from the engineering team (20% of the company are mechanical engineers) fabricated on $2.5mil of robots.

Testifying multiple times to the US Congress on regulation, taxation, global competition and exports, Drew Greenblatt, - Marlin Steel’s President, also serves as the Chairman of the Regional Manufacturing Institute & the Executive Board of the National Association of Manufacturers.

Greenblatt has recently appeared on Fox (Small Business Contributor), CNN, ABC as well as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Washington Post.

Contact:
Jeff Burnstein
734-994-6088

 

Robotics Industry to Present Engelberger Awards To Åke Lindqvist and Dr. Henrik Christensen

Ceremony Set for March 22 in Chicago During Automate 2011/42nd ISR

Ann Arbor, MI (February 11, 2011) - The Engelberger Robotics Award, the industry’s highest honor, will be presented to Åke Lindqvist and Henrik Christensen during a special dinner ceremony on Tuesday, March 22 at the InterContintental Hotel in Chicago during Automate 2011/42nd International Symposium on Robotics.

 The awards, sponsored by Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industry’s trade group, are named after Joseph F. Engelberger, known throughout the world as “the father of robotics.” Each recipient will be presented a commemorative medallion and a $5000 honorarium by RIA. Launched in 1977, 113 industry leaders from 16 nations have now been selected for this honor.

Åke Lindqvist wins the 2011 Engelberger Award for Leadership. Lindqvist spent 37 years in the industry until his recent retirement from ABB Robotics (formerly ASEA). During his career at ABB he held several senior positions at the ABB Robotics headquarters in Sweden and North America, and most recently as Vice President and member of the ABB Robotics Products Global Management Team as head of Automotive Global Product Sales.

After graduating from the Royal University of Technology in Stockholm ( KTH ) Sweden, Lindqvist was selected into the exclusive internal ABB School for future leaders. After that course – which included a year at the ABB subsidiary in Mexico - he started with robotics which he believed to be the future.

During his time at the ABB Robotics headquarters in Sweden, he went through the ranks from basic R&D to global marketing manager, heavily influencing the development of the product range and how to position ABB Robotics on the global market.

After receiving his MBA in International Business Management, he came to the USA in 1991 where he was a key to building up the ABB Robotics Products Business in North America, a position he held for fifteen years.

Throughout his career he found the time to volunteer for the world’s leading robotics associations. He is the current President of the International Federation of Robotics, a Past Chairman of the Robotic Industries Association, and a Past Chairman of the Automation Technologies Council, among many other key roles.

“Åke Lindqvist has been a strong global advocate for robotics for nearly four decades,” said Jeffrey A. Burnstein, President of RIA. “He has left an indelible mark on our industry by being a consistent voice representing the needs of all industry participants, including suppliers, integrators, users, and research groups. I am thrilled that he is winning the award this year as it will make a terrific capstone for a great career in robotics.”

Dr. Henrik Christensen wins the 2011 Engelberger Award for Education. Christensen is currently the KUKA Chair of Robotics and a Professor of Computing with the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. He also serves as the Director of the Center for Robotics and Intelligent Machines. He is well known globally for his roles as the Founding Chair of the European Robotics Research Network and for being the driving force behind the recent Roadmap for US Robotics.

“Sometimes I think Henrik must have cloned himself because he is so active in the robotics field,” Burnstein noted. “He is a respected researcher on robotic solutions focused on real applications, has published more than 250 papers, serves on the editorial board of the leading international robotics journals, is active on robotics research projects throughout the world, is constantly helping educate government leaders about robotics – he is an extremely worthy winner of the Engelberger Award.”

RIA is now accepting nominations for the 2012 Engelberger Robotics Awards, to be presented in Taipei, Taiwan. For more details about the award, or to submit a nomination, contact RIA Headquarters at 734/994-6088, or visit Robotics Online.

About RIA
Founded in 1974, RIA is the only trade group in North America organized specifically to serve the robotics industry. Its 250 member companies include leading robot manufacturers, users, system integrators, component suppliers, research groups, and consulting firms. RIA co-produces the biennial Automate Show (formerly International Robots, Vision & Motion Control Show) plus many regional events, and is secretariat of the ANSI/RIA R15.06-1999 Robot Safety Standard. RIA is the sole source of North American robotics industry statistics which are included in the World Robot Statistics published by the International Federation of Robotics. RIA also is publisher of the industry’s leading Web portal, Robotics Online.

Contact:
Jeff Burnstein
734-994-6088

 

Automate is New Name for International Robots, Vision & Motion Control Show

Collocated with ProMat® at McCormick Place in Chicago, March 21-24, 2011

Ann Arbor, MI (April 1, 2010) – AutomateSM is the new name for the International Robots, Vision & Motion Control Show sponsored by North America’s leading trade associations for these technologies. The show will be collocated at McCormick Place in Chicago, March 21-24, 2011, with ProMat® 2011, the leading show for the material handling industry and logistics industry sponsored by Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA).

“We’re very excited about the new show name because it serves as a call to action for companies in every industry,” said Jeffrey A. Burnstein, President of Automation Technologies Council, the umbrella group for Robotic Industries Association (RIA), Automated Imaging Association (AIA) and the Motion Control Association (MCA), sponsors of Automate 2011.

“Now is the time for companies to automate so they can take advantage of technologies like robots, vision and motion that allow them to improve productivity, speed time to market, boost product quality, and lower overall costs,” Burnstein explained.

Burnstein said the new show name, new venue (the event was previously held in Rosemont, Illinois), and collocation with ProMat® 2011 has generated widespread enthusiasm.

“We have some 550 member companies between RIA, AIA, and MCA and they are very excited about the potential of Automate to teach prospective customers how to successfully apply robotics, machine vision, motion control and related technologies used in automated solutions,” Burnstein explained.

“Right at the front of our show we’ll feature a pavilion of leading system integrators who will demonstrate solutions for a wide-range of industries. This is a major change in our show layout – we want visitors to see solutions first,” said Burnstein. “Then, once our visitors see how everything works together, they can search the show for leading companies, new products, and importantly, industry expertise to help them develop solutions that meet their specific needs.”

Burnstein said the solutions on display will emphasize more than just manufacturing. “Robots, vision and motion are critical to automation solutions outside the factory as well. You see increasing applications in security, medical, lab automation and entertainment, for example, and we plan to highlight these uses on our floor.”

According to the sponsors, some 35,000 people are expected to register for the collocated events of Automate 2011 and ProMat® 2011. Customers will attend from industries such as automotive, aerospace, agriculture, alternative energy, beverage, consumer goods, defense, electronics, entertainment, fabricated metals, food, furniture, medical devices, packaging, pharmaceuticals, paper, plastics, security, semiconductor, textiles, warehousing and wood.
A large international audience is expected at Automate 2011, in part due to the inclusion of the International Symposium on Robotics (ISR), the world’s leading annual robotics technical conference which is held in the U.S. just once every four years.

ProMat® has traditionally been part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s international buyers program, which also will contribute to strong overseas participation.

The International Robots, Vision & Motion Control Show has its roots in the original ROBOTS Shows which date back to 1977. Burnstein noted that material handling is now the largest application area for robotics, which makes the collocation with ProMat® a great fit for robotics companies.

“Our show continues to evolve to meet the needs of customers. The timing for a broad automation solutions event could not be better, because companies in every industry are looking for ways to apply automation to become stronger global competitors. Automation needs go well beyond robots, machine vision and motion control to include control systems, sensors, communications networks and more, products we expect to attract to our show,” Burnstein asserted.

For more information about Automate 2011, call the show sponsors at 734/994-6088.

Background on Show Sponsors
Automate 2011 is sponsored by Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the Automated Imaging Association (AIA) and the Motion Control Association (MCA). Together, these trade associations represent some 550 automation manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, consulting firms, and research groups. In addition to the trade show and accompanying technical conference, the groups develop industry standards, hold industry networking events, collect market statistics, offer educational resources, and provide content-rich websites (Robotic Online, Machine Vision Online, Motion Control Online).

ProMat® 2011 is sponsored by the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA), the leading non-profit trade association representing the U.S. material handling and logistics industry -- The Industry That Makes the Supply Chain Work®. MHIA members are material handling and logistics equipment, systems and software manufacturers; consultants; systems integrators and simulators; third party logistics providers and publishers. MHIA provides educational, business development, networking and solution sourcing opportunities for its over 700 member companies and for the larger community of manufacturing, distribution, logistics and supply chain professionals.

ProMat® and The Industry That Makes Supply Chain Work®. are registered marks of Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA).

Contact:
Jeff Burnstein
734-994-6088

ProMat and International Robots, Vision & Motion Control Show to Co-locate in 2011

Ann Arbor, MI (January 28, 2010) – Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) and the Automation Technologies Council (ATC) announce that ProMat and The International Robots, Vision & Motion Control Show will co-locate in 2011. Both exhibitions will be held March 21-24, 2011 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. ATC is the umbrella group for Robotic Industries Association (RIA), Automated Imaging Association (AIA) and Motion Control Association (MCA). “The decision to co-locate ProMat 2011 and the International Robots, Vision & Motion Control Show was made for several reasons,” according to John Nofsinger, Chief Executive Officer for MHIA. “Co-locating the two events will allow manufacturing, distribution and supply chain professionals unparalleled education and networking opportunities as well as exposure to the largest equipment and technology display of any show of its kind in North America . In today’s world of needing to be nimble and innovative, the co-location is a home run for participants and attendees of both events.” 

“Robotics, vision and motion control are important components as companies strive to reach their productivity goals,” said Jeffrey A. Burnstein, President of ATC. “We feel this co-location provides an incredible opportunity for the exhibitors and visitors of each show to meet new prospects and suppliers, see new products, and obtain new knowledge.” 

ProMat is sponsored by MHIA and is the premier material handling & logistics show held in North America . The International Robots, Vision & Motion Control Show is the premier event for these technologies in North America and is sponsored by RIA, AIA and MCA. In 2011, the event will also host the 42nd International Symposium on Robotics, the world's leading robotics technical conference. The co-location of events is the latest example by MHIA, RIA, AIA and MCA to help end users find solutions to their manufacturing and supply chain challenges. 

The co-located ProMat 2011 and International Robots, Vision & Motion Control Show will be the largest international event and conference of its kind ever held in the U.S. Over 825 exhibitors are expected to showcase their solutions to tens of thousands of manufacturing, warehousing and distribution professionals from over 100 countries around the globe. 

“Over the past several years, ProMat has experienced a steady increase in both quantity and quality attendees and exhibitors delivering more material handling and logistics solutions for the supply chain. The co-location of the International Robots, Vision & Motion Control Show is a natural value-adding fit for both events,” said Nofsinger. MHIA is an international trade association that has represented the material handling and logistics industry since 1945. MHIA members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. Member companies come from all areas of material handling and various parts of the world, making MHIA a strong national and international representative for the material handling and logistics industry. Much of the work of the industry is done within its product-specific Industry Groups. The association sponsors trade events, such as ProMat 2011 and NA 2010 to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing, distribution and supply chain professionals on the productivity solutions provided through material handling and logistics. 

RIA, AIA, and MCA combined represent some 550 automation manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, research groups and consulting firms from throughout the world. The International Robots, Vision & Motion Control Show dates back to 1977 when it began as the ROBOTS show. It is held every two years and showcases solutions for companies looking to use automation in order to be stronger global competitors. 

MHIA Contact: 
Carol Miller, MHIA VP of Marketing and Communications
8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201, Charlotte, NC 28217-3992
704-676-1190 • 800-345-1815 • FAX: 704-676-1199 
www.ProMatShow.com  

ATC Contact: 
Jeff Burnstein, ATC President
900 Victors Way, Suite 140, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 
734-994-6088 • FAX: 734-994-3338 
www.robotics.org; www.machinevisiononline.org; www.motioncontrolonline.org

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