Technology end users, experts and industry professionals will return to Chicago next spring to explore leading-edge automation technology across a range of industries in discrete manufacturing, packaging, and continuous and batch process. Topical highlights at the Automation Conference & Expo 2016 (AC&E), formerly The Automation Conference, will include collaborative robotics; the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT); connectivity between controls, MES and ERP systems; IT and control system cybersecurity; remote monitoring; digital manufacturing; high-performance HMI; and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
The fifth annual conference, scheduled for May 24-25 at the Chicago Marriott O’Hare, is produced by PMMI Media Group, publishers of Automation World and Packaging World. Scheduled presenters include professionals from Dow Corning, Land O’Lakes, Chobani, BASF, Chevron, the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII), and other global leaders in manufacturing. In addition, automation vendors will host tabletop exhibits and technology workshops throughout both days of the conference.
The pace of technological change in manufacturing today makes continuing education a competitive necessity, commented David Greenfield, Automation World’s director of content and conference program architect. “This year’s Automation Conference & Expo will focus on the most relevant developments in manufacturing and processing industry automation,” he said. “We’ll take a look at how today’s market leaders are using collaborative robotics, the Industrial Internet of Things, and remote access to control systems with mobile devices. Additionally, the issues surrounding cybersecurity permeate virtually every new application, and we’re dedicating multiple sessions to strategies and solutions related to this critical issue. This year’s program offers an outstanding education professionals will not find anywhere else. ”
New in 2016, AC&E will offer a pre-conference event called Machine Technology Day: Safety Standards and Processes. A full-day educational program on May 23 includes an in-depth presentation from PMMI, Automation World’s parent company, on the risk assessment process and how it can be used to address product safety and machine safety issues. Also that day, the Organization for Machine Automation and Control (OMAC) returns with an afternoon workshop for packaging end users, OEMs, and automation and packaging professionals who want to learn more about implementing PackML to increase productivity, integration efficiency and automation performance. Separate registration is required for Machine Technology Day.
Registration and details for the Automation Conference & Expo 2016 and Machine Technology Day are available at TheAutomationConference.com or by contacting PMMI Media Group at 1-800-355-5595.
