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Automate 2011 Conference Agenda

Monday, March 21, 2011
8:45 am to 9:45 am Keynote Address (free)
Fortune Favors the Brave: The Net Gain of Supply Chain Security in a Risk-Based World
Tom Ridge, First Secretary of Homeland Security and Distinguished Statesman
The inextricable link between security and prosperity in a progressively interdependent world has generated enormous business, political and economic benefits but also consequent challenges. Terrorism, natural disasters, criminal acts, vendor issues, accidents and geopolitical influences can have debilitating effects on economies and thus have put issues such as supply chain security, cross-border collaborations and security investment at the forefront of every proactive business and government agenda. Secretary Ridge will share his views of today's risk-centric environment and how to minimize those risks in favor of greater resiliency and security across the globe.
Jointly held with ProMat 2011
8:00 am to 12:00 pm  Tutorial 1 – CVP-Basic Certification Class
The Fundamentals of Machine Vision
Instructor: David Dechow, Aptúra Machine Vision Solutions
You’ll learn all the basics, including how images are captured and transferred to the computer, the principles of lighting, and the common processing algorithms used by machine vision systems. Discover how to successfully implement machine vision and how to avoid common pitfalls during the implementation, launch and production phases. This is an ideal training course for people new to machine vision as well as a great refresher course for anyone with machine vision responsibilities.

Tutorial 2 – CVP-Advanced Certification Class
Advanced Color Theory and Applications
Instructor: Ben Dawson, Teledyne DALSA
Color is important for a growing number of machine vision applications in food, pharmaceutical, automotive and many other markets. This course will start with how color images are formed and then review aspects of human color vision that are important in designing a color machine vision system. Then we concentrate on how to build and apply color machine vision systems to tasks such as automated inspection, tracking, identification and color matching.

Tutorial 3
The Fundamentals of Robotics
Instructor: Bob Rochelle, Kawasaki Robotics (USA), Inc.
You’ll learn the basics of how robots work, which tasks they are best and least suited for, what you must consider when evaluating potential robot applications, how to evaluate robotic equipment and suppliers, how to effectively budget for robot applications, and how to avoid failure. This is a great training course for anyone seeking tips on how to successfully apply robots at their company.
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm Tutorial 4 – CVP-Advanced Certification Class
Reliable Vision Application Development
Instructor: Robert Tait, GE Global Research
Producing a reliable vision system is no accident. It begins with creating a strong specification that carries through to component selection to system development and finally deployment. This course will help the end user and the integrator walk through the steps needed to enhance their projects success. Individuals of all experience levels will benefit from the techniques that will be conveyed during this course. 
1:30 pm to 5:00 pm Tutorial 5 – CVP-Basic Certification Class
Beginning Lighting & Optics for Machine Vision

Instructors: Sam Sadoulet, Edmund Optics
Daryl Martin, Advanced illumination
This course focuses on lighting geometry and the basics of illumination optics. Learn how and where light fits into the energy spectrum, review components of the machine vision front end to understand how they impact the images acquired by the system, and learn how to define the fundamental parameters of optical layout. Get a real world understanding of how to balance your system’s field of view, resolution working distance, and depth of field. You’ll leave this course ready to converse with seasoned lighting and optics designers and suppliers!

Tutorial 6
Robotics System Integration

Instructor: John Burg, Ellison Technologies Automation
If you are seriously considering robotic automation in your facility you have a fundamental decision to make. Are you going to work with a robotic integrator or fly solo? This session will explore some of the pros and cons of both tracks and discuss how to make your robot installation a success.
2:45 pm to 3:45 pm Tutorial 7 – CVP-Advanced Certification Class
3D Vision System Development

Instructor: Dr. Mattias Johannesson, SICK
Learn how advancements in 3-D camera technology are enabling new solutions for more applications than ever before. Review the many vision-based 3-D measurement techniques and which achieve the best results. This session will provide real application techniques you can use in electronics, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, aerospace, automotive and many other industries.
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Tutorial 8
Designing Motion Control Systems

Instructor: Kevin Hull, Yaskawa America, Inc. 
Moderator: Bill Allai, National Instruments

Gain a deeper understanding of several essential topics one should be familiar with when automating a motion based process.  Discover best practices to successfully avoid some common pitfalls during the design, test, acceptance and maintenance phases.  Topics include: requirements gathering, documentation techniques, component selection, motion profile considerations, programming standards, programming styles, program organization, system architecture, factory and field acceptance testing, and designing to simplify maintenance support.
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm Tutorial 9 – CVP-Advanced Certification Class
Non-Visible Imaging Theory and Techniques

Instructors: Douglas Malchow, Goodrich ISR Systems
Jason Styron, FLIR Systems

Moderator: Perry West, Automate Vision Systems, Inc.
Non-visible imaging methods offer unique benefits for a variety of vision tasks. In this session, you’ll learn more about infrared and thermal techniques and better understand if non-visible imaging solutions are right for your specific needs.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
 8:45 am to 9:45 am Keynote Address (free)
The Development of Robonaut 2 (R2) 
A story of Government-Industry Collaboration and Technology Transfer

Ron Diftler, Robonaut Project Leader, NASA Johnson Space Center
Marty Linn, Principal Engineer of Robotics, General Motors
General Motors and NASA partnered to develop Robonaut 2 (R2), the first human-like robot in space. R2 recently took flight aboard the STS-133 Discovery and will become a permanent resident on the International Space Station. NASA and GM have a long, rich history of partnering on key technologies dating back to the 1960s. GM also played a vital role in the development of the NASA Lunar Rover Vehicle, the first vehicle to be used on the moon. This latest collaboration to design and develop R2 broke new ground both technically and programmatically, and is a true success story of Government – Industry Collaboration and Technology Transfer. 
Jointly held with ProMat 2011.
10:00 am to 12:15 pm Tutorial 10 – CVP-Basic Certification Class
The Fundamentals of Camera and Image Sensor Technology

Instructor: Steve Kinney, JAI, Inc.
Gain a basic understanding of camera design, from analog to digital cameras. Find out about different camera types and their capabilities. Learn about capabilities of different camera outputs from analog to USB to Camera Link. Other topics include CCD and CMOS sensors, the capabilities of monochrome versus color sensors, area scan and line scan arrays, and which cameras are best suited for specific vision applications.


Tutorial 11 – CVP-Advanced Certification Class

Designing High-Speed and Linescan Vision Systems
Instructor: Perry West, Automated Vision Systems, Inc.
In this course you learn how latency and determinism relates to high-speed and to real-time performance and how the different types of vision system components affect the latency of the vision system. Topics cover components for image acquisition as well as different approaches to image processing, including processing architecture/hardware, operating system, application software, and resynchronization. You’ll learn about the performance parameters you must know to quantify speed and real-time performance and a methodology for guiding the design of a vision system. Example designs illustrate how you use these parameters and techniques to achieve design performance goals.

Session 1
Cost Justifying Automation

Instructors: Ron Potter, Factory Automation Systems -- The Business Case for Robots: How the U.S. Can Compete and Win in Global Manufacturing
Drew Greenblatt, Marlin Steel Wire -- Grow Great Jobs & Profits with More Automation
Curtis Richardson, Spirit AeroSystems -- Cost Justification of Aerospace Assembly Drilling Automation
Moderator: Dean Elkins, Motoman Robotics
Learn how to cost justify automation investments to increase margin, profits and market share. This course will feature examples from real-world applications demonstrating the automation system cost justification process.

Session 2
New Motion Control Technologies

Instructors: Bill Allai, National Instruments -- Top Three Motion Control Trends Looking Forward
Curt Wilson, Delta Tau -- Spanning the Divide Between Dedicated Controllers and General-Purpose Computers
Jason Goerges, ACS Motion Control -- Innovative Topologies for Distributed Machine and Motion Control

Learn about motion control system technologies available today for use in a wide range of factory automation machine and process control applications. 

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Tutorial 12 – CVP-Basic Certification Class
Image Processing Fundamentals

Instructor: Dr. Romik Chatterjee, Graftek Imaging
Moderator: Kyle Voosen, National Instruments
In this technical class you’ll gain an understanding of how machine vision and imaging algorithms work. These fundamentals will be used to show a variety of ways to solve real world industry application examples. Attendees will be exposed to the strength and capabilities that software can provide while gaining an understanding of complete imaging system requirements needed to optimize their application needs.

Tutorial 13 – CVP-Advanced Certification Class
Advanced Vision Lighting

Instructor: Jonathan Ludlow, Microscan Systems, Inc.
Designed for the engineering professional, this course concentrates on real world techniques for successful illumination. You’ll learn how to select proper illumination wavelengths and how to deal with complex part surface geometries. Other topics include illumination integration, and controlling back reflections. Prior attendance at a Basic Lighting course is encouraged, but not required.

Session 3
Advances in Robotics Research

Instructors: Rezia Molfino, University of Genoa -- Swarm Fixturing of Aircraft Body Components and Fixturing of  Car Body Assemblies
Han-Pang Huang, National Taiwan University -- Collision-free Moving Objects Tracking Algorithm with Active Visual Servoing
Morten Kristiansen, Aalborg University, Denmark -- Autonomous Industrial Mobile Manipulation (AIMM) - from Research to Industry
Dr. Yuan-Pao Hsu, ROBOAT, Robotics Association Taiwan -- SoPC Implementation of a Dynamic Object Tracking System

Moderator: Ray Puffer, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Research is central to the future development of the robotics industry. At this session, you’ll hear about promising robotics research on swarm fixturing of aircraft body components; collision-free moving objects tracking algorithm with active visual servoing; autonomous industrial mobile manipulators; selection-based grasp planning with compliant flexure joints; and SoPC implementation of a dynamic object tracking system.
 
Session 4
Robots for Picking, Packaging and Palletizing Applications
Instructors: Chris Lutz, Adept Technology, Inc. -- Robotics for Primary Packaging - Technology Now in Reach
Dick Motley, FANUC Robotics America -- Industrial Robot Solutions for Warehousing and Distribution Operations
James Cooper, KUKA Robotics -- Applying Robotic Palletizing Technology in Freezer Environments
Moderator: Adil Shafi, Advenovation

As robots find their way into more and more industries, picking, packaging and palletizing are becoming very critical applications. No matter what industry you’re in, you’ll gain valuable ideas at this session on how robots can help your company solve its automation challenges.
3:15 pm to 5:00 pm Tutorial 14 – CVP-Advanced Certification Class
Advanced Optics for Vision

Instructor: Stuart Singer, Schneider Optics, Inc.
Moderator: Perry West, Automate Vision Systems, Inc.

Designed for the engineering professional, this course concentrates on real world techniques for putting together optic systems that work. You’ll learn how to select proper lens components, optomechanical layout, including system bends, and mounting techniques. Prior attendance at a Basic Optics course is encouraged, but not required.

Session 5
New Developments in Robot Safety

Instructor: Jeff Fryman, Robotic Industries Association
You’ll learn about the newest developments in robot safety systems that will allow people to work in closer cooperation with robots than previously allowed, and you will get a look into the future and what concepts such as the Next Generation Robot may offer. This session will include a review of the new robot safety standards, both domestic and international, and how they impact your company.

Session 6
The Latest Developments in Service Robotics

Instructors: Tzuu-Hseng Li, ROBOAT, Robotics Association Taiwan -- Real-time Image Processing of Human Face Identification for Home Service Robots
Ching-Chih Tsai, National Chung Hsing University -- Autonomous Task Execution of a Two-Armed Service Robot with Stereo Vision (Coffee Making Service Robots)
Adil Shafi, Advenovation -- Opportunities for Service Robots in New Applications

This course discuss the latest global advances in robots that can be used for home use, plus a discussion on opportunities for service robots in new applications.

Session 7
Advanced Drive Technologies
Instructors: Ryan Butler, Elmo Motion Control -- Considerations for Distributed Architecture in Machine Motion Control
Craig Nelson, Siemens Industry, Inc. -- Drive Safety Integrated Technology for Motion Control
Learn how and when it’s best to implement distributed control architecture to meet your system design goals. You’ll also learn how safety integrated drives lower costs, increase safety and improve efficiency.  
Moderator: Dan Jones, Incremotion Associates
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony
InterContinental Hotel on the Magnificent Mile
Join this gala presentation of the prestigious Engelberger Awards and network with industry peers. Includes drinks, dinner and live entertainment. Open to Automate 2011 Attendees and Exhibitors - tickets ($125) are required and can be purchased online with your show or conference registration.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
8:30 am to 10:30 am Tutorial 15 – CVP-Advanced Certification Class
Metrology and 2D Calibration Techniques

Instructor: David Michael, Cognex Corporation
Participants will gain an understanding of techniques for creating systems that yield reliable and repeatable measurement results. Practices for proper calibration of imaging systems ranging from appropriate usage of targets to accurate algorithm deployment will be discussed. How to manage images correctly to create repeatable results will be reviewed. Anyone who is developing metrology systems or having and need for accurate measurements will benefit from this curriculum. 

Session 8
Advances in Robotic Vision
Instructors: Jim Wells, General Motors -- Robonaut
David Siedal, Lockheed Martin -- Robotic Part Making System
Heiko Eisele, MVTec -- Advanced Vision Algorithms for 3D Robot Guidance Applications
Dr. Alan Peters, Universal Robotics -- In-Loop Visual Guidance for Control of Reactive Robots in Acutely Variable Environments

Moderator: Jim Wells, General Motors

Vision guidance is becoming more and more common in robot applications. This class will provide an overview of VGR technology and the applications that can benefit from using it. 

Session 9
New Developments in Step Motors
Instructors: Craig Ludwick, Oriental Motor USA Corp. -- High Efficiency Step Motors
Ted Lin, Lin Engineering -- Technical Evolution of Lin's 0.9 Step Motors
Dan Jones, Incremotion Associates -- Using Step Motors in Both Open Loop and Closed Loop Motion Systems
Learn how advances in hardware and software have resulted in stepper motors that are more accurate, intelligent, and powerful than ever before. Review a variety of control methods and assess the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Session 10
The Latest Developments in Human-Machine Interfaces
Instructors: Kao-Shing Hwang, National Chung Cheng University -- Intelligent Robotic Puppet Development Platform
Björn Hein, SCHUNK - The Human-Robot-Interaction supported by Augmented Reality
Jenny Burke, SA Technologies – No Robot Left Behind: Why User Interface Matters
Moderator: Milton Guerry, SCHUNK, Inc.

This course covers fascinating new developments in human-machine interfaces that will drive the technology of the future.
10:45 am to 12:30 pm Tutorial 16 – CVP-Advanced Certification Class
Particle Analysis and Classification Techniques
Instructor: Kevin Landman, PPT Vision
The ability to correctly analyze and classify details and particles in an image can be critical to the success of an imaging application. Strategies around thresholding, advanced morphology and the correct usage of particle filters will be covered. Additional topics include training strategies, images transforms, and image filtering. 

Session 11
Case Studies of Successful Robotic Solutions
Instructors: Juan Cardenas, Aspect Automation -- High Throughput Screening for Drug Discovery
Chris Anderson, Yaskawa Motoman -- Arc Welding in Non-Traditional Robotic Workcells
Ken McLaughlin, JMP Engineering -- How to Automate a Complex Manual Process with Robotics
Earl Wohlrab, Intelligrated System, Inc. -- Integrating Robotics into Manufacturing and Distribution Environments
Moderator: Curtis Richardson, Spirit AeroSystems

Leading integrators share case histories on applications such as high throughput screening for drug discover; robotic part marking; arc welding in non-traditional robotics work cells; automating a complex manual process with robotics and Integrating Robotics into Manufacturing and Distribution Environments. You’ll gain new insights and strategies on how to implement your own systems.

Session 12
Energy Efficient Motion Solutions
Instructors: Ken Kerns, Siemens Industry, Inc. -- Drive to a Greener Future - Energy Efficiency
John Pritchard, Rockwell Automation -- Taking a Mechatronic Design Approach To Energy Efficient Motion Solutions
Moderator: Dan Jones, Incremotion Associates
There are many facets and approaches to achieving energy efficient motion solutions. This course covers increasing energy efficiency through mechatronic design, plus the advantages of going green with variable frequency drives.

Session 13
Advances in LED Lighting and Lighting Techniques
Instructors: John Merva, Advanced illumination -- LED Drivers and Control
Brian Merz, ProPhonotix Limited -- LED Technology for Machine Vision with a Focus on Chip-on-Board LED Illumination 
Jason Dougherty, MidWest Optics -- Machine Vision Filters, it's the Law
Matt Pinter, Smart Vision Lights -- Advanced Lighting Applications
Machine vision lighting can be confusing, this session will discuss advances in light sources, lighting control, spectral filtering and other lighting techniques that help you get the most from your images. Real world examples of best scenario lighting in a variety of machine vision applications are given.
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm Certified Vision Professional – Basic Level EXAM
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Tutorial 17 – CVP-Advanced Certification Class
Advanced Camera and Image Sensor Technology
Instructor: Dr. Joachim Linkemann, Basler Vision Technologies
Moderator: Perry West, Automate Vision Systems, Inc.
Explore what creates different levels of image quality at the sensor level. Details relating to quantum efficiency, dark noise, signal to noise ratio will be discussed in detail. In addition to topics related to area scan cameras, the proper usage of line scan and TDI cameras will be reviewed. Sensor size classification and new camera mounting standardization will be covered. 

Session 14
Case Studies of Successful Machine Vision Solutions
Instructors: Steve Maves, PPT Vision -- Embedded Vision System Automates Food Inspection
David Dechow, Aptúra Machine Vision Solutions 
Andy Long, Cyth Systems
Phil Arsenault, ATS Automation Tooling Systems, Inc. -- Machine Vision for Automation...A Case Study
Leading systems integrators present case studies of successful applications. This is a great opportunity to discover practical, real-world applications that can be useful for your company.

Session 15
The Latest Advances in Mobile Robots
Instructors: Jeanne Dietsch, Adept Technology, Inc. -- Mobile Robots in the Workplace: Myth and Reality
Scott Friedman, Seegrid -- Robotic Industrial Trucks, a New Product Category of Industrial Trucks
Aldo Zini, Aetheon, Inc. -- Commercializing Autonomous Mobile Robots: A Whole Product Perspective
Yan Zhi, LIASD, Université Paris 8 -- Multi-robot Exploration Using a Market-based Approach
This class covers innovations in mobile robots including robots in the workplace, robotic industrial trucks, and multi robot exploration. Criteria and approaches for successful commercialization of mobile robots are also discussed.

Session 16
High-Speed Motion Systems
Instructors: Stephen Derby, Distributed Robotics LLC -- High Throughput Robotics Motion
Priya Ramachandran, National Instruments -- Advanced Motion and Vision Integration
High speed applications pose unique challenges yet can yield highly desirable results. Explore a variety of robotic, motion and vision solutions for high-speed applications.

7:00 pm Automate Networking Dinner Party
Buddy Guy’s Legends
Join this party for great networking, dinner, drinks and a great Chicago Blues Band. The private party is open to Automate attendees and exhibitors - tickets ($35) are required and can be purchased online with your show or conference registration.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
8:30 am to 10:30 am Tutorial 18 – CVP-Advanced Certification Class
Advanced Vision Guided Robotics
Instructor: Steve Prehn, FANUC Robotics America
Vision guidance is common in robot applications. This course will detail proper techniques for implementing a vision guidance system and will include the latest technology advances. Attendees should possess basic robotic and system integration knowledge.

Session 17
Advances in Robot Software & Simulation
Instructors: Andy Jones, Applied Manufacturing Technologies -- Lean Automation & Risk Avoidance through Digital Manufacturing
Chahe Bakmazjian, Jabez Technologies -- Technological Advances in CAD/CAM Based Robot Programming
Lars-Peter Ellekilde, University of Southern Denmark -- Usage and Verification of Grasp Simulation for Industrial Automation
Jack Peterson, Cogmation Robotics -- Rapid Iteration Interactive 3D Simulation
Software advances and simulation are vitally important to helping you successfully apply robotic systems. Don’t miss this session for insights into new developments on robot calibration, offline programming and related areas to help you improve robot performance!

Session 18
Communication Protocols for Motion Systems
Instructors: Bill Allai, National Instruments -- Predicting the Future of Motion Networks
Bob Hirschinger, Rockwell Automation -- High Performance Motion Control Over Standard Ethernet - EtherNet/IP with Sync and CIP Motion
Edward Nicolson, Yaskawa America Inc. 
This session will concentrate on the latest motion control communication networks and how they are best suited for today’s applications. You’ll learn how to make intelligent network choices for your automation requirements. A panel discussion follows to address your specific challenges.

Session 19
Camera Interface Technologies
Instructors: Jeff Fryman, Automated Imaging Association
Eric Carey, DALSA Corporation -- GigEVision
Steve Kinney, JAI -- CameraLink
Fredrich Dierks, Basler Vision Technologies -- GenICam
Chris Beynon, Active Silicon -- CoaXPress
Learn how changes developing in camera interface technologies will positively affect your machine vision systems. Get an overview of standards available today and what lies ahead for camera interfaces such as GigE Vision®, Camera Link®, GenICam, and CoaXpress. You’ll leave this class with a better understanding of standards allowing you to develop the right investment strategy for your company. 

Session E1
Robotics in Education
Instructors: Richard Blais, Southern Regional Education Board -- What is a Curriculum?
Larry Ruff, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute -- Robotics Education and Outreach
Jim Devaprasad, Lake Superior State University -- Robotics Simulation in Robotics Education
Moderator: Ray Puffer, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Leading educators will cover robotics in education from building a curriculum, designing a program and using simulation in teaching robotics.
10:45 am to 12:45 pm Tutorial 19 – CVP-Advanced Certification Class
Advanced Vision System Integration
Instructor: David Dechow, Aptúra Machine Vision Solutions
This course will detail proper techniques for implementing a vision system including application analysis, project specification and implementation of components. It will also address integration of a machine vision system into a full automation system including network communications. Attendees should possess a basic understanding of machine vision, optics and lighting.

Session 20
High-Speed Robotic and Vision Solutions
Instructors: Jay Strybis, FANUC Robotic America -- Innovative Spider Robots Using Vision
Rick Tallian, ABB Robotics -- Application Expectations and Line Design Fundamentals for High Speed Picking Applications
Jim Morgenstern, Image Mining LLC -- GPGPU: Highly Parallel, Cost Effective Solution to High Speed Vision?
Moderator: Edward Roney, FANUC Robotics America
This session explores the challenges of high-speed in robotic vision applications and covers many solutions.

Session 21
Machine Vision in Gauging & Measurement Applications
Instructors: Greg Hollows, Edmund Optics
Tim White, Mettler-Toledo, Inc., CI Vision Division
The correct optical and lighting components can greatly increase the reliability and repeatability of a machine vision measurement system. Learn how to specify these components and how to improve the measurement accuracy of your vision system.

Session E2
Robots in Education Roundtable
Instructors: Curtis Richardson, Spirit AeroSystems -- Real and Present Need for Automation Engineering
EK Boldsaikhan, National Institute for Aviation Research and WATC Robotics Program -- Robotics Education for Aviation Training
Mark Noschang, Adept Technology
Moderator: Ray Puffer, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Leading educators discuss the current situation of robotics education and the future direction for effectively meeting industry’s needs.
1:00 pm Workshop:  Performance Evaluation and Benchmarking of World Modeling for Autonomous Navigation in Industrial Environments
Organizers:  Dr. Raj Madhavan, University of Maryland, College Park & NIST
Dr. Rolf Lakaemper, Temple University 
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Certified Vision Professional – Advanced Level EXAM