More than 80 global experts will speak at Automate Forward, the world’s premier virtual automation trade show and conference set for March 22-26, 2021. The event also features more than 250 leading companies in an expanded exhibit area, enhanced networking opportunities, and a look at innovative automation startups.
Speakers include senior executives from companies such as 3M, General Motors, Intel, Microsoft, UPS, IBM, GE, FedEx, Siemens, and Proctor & Gamble. The full agenda is available online.
“With the adoption of automation accelerating, and the impossibility of holding large in-person shows in the US at the moment, Automate Forward will play a critical role in educating companies about how robotics, AI, machine vision, motion control, and related automation technologies can immediately help improve product quality, productivity, competitiveness, and worker safety,” said Jeff Burnstein, President of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the event’s host.
Automate Forward will include a robust virtual exhibit hall and networking center where attendees can connect directly with companies and experts to solve their automation solutions and get immediate answers. The trade show will be open daily from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET for attendees to learn about products and systems that can help with unique challenges.
A3 will share a sneak peek of the association’s new brand identity at 9:30 am ET on Monday, March 22 exclusively for Automate Forward attendees. Join live to learn about how its four current brands – RIA, AIA, MCMA, and A3 Mexico – are combing to create the new A3 representing over 1100 global companies and organizations active in automation.
Automate Forward Keynote Sessions
Monday, March 22
10 AM ET PANEL: The New Industries Driving The Growth of Automation and Robotics
- Robert Little, CEO, ATI Industrial Automation
- Mark Lewandowski, Director - Robotics Innovation, Procter & Gamble
- John Dulchinos, Vice President, Jabil
- Ted Dengel, Managing Director, Operations Technology and Innovation, FedEx Ground
- John Bubnikovich, Chief Regional Officer – North America, KUKA Robotics
11 AM ET: The Competitive Advantage is Here and It's All About Digital
Raj Batra, President, Digital Industries, Siemens
1:30 PM ET: Moving Automation Forward: What is required?
Greg Brown, Vice President of Strategy and R&D, UPS
Tuesday, March 23
10 AM ET PANEL: The 2021 State of the Automation Industry Executive Roundtable
- Mike Cicco, President & CEO, FANUC AMERICA
- Patrick McDermott, President North America, B&R Automation
- Dr. Thomas Evans, CTO Robotics, Honeywell Intelligrated
- Christine Boles, Vice President, Internet of Things Group - General Manager, Industrial Solutions Division, Intel
- Sebastien Schmitt, North American Robotics Division Manager, Stäubli
11 AM ET: Human Aware Robot Software and Tools for Delivering it
Rodney Brooks, Co-Founder and CTO, Robust.AI
1:30 PM ET: 3M's Automation Journey: Driving Growth & Productivity
Debarati Sen, Vice President & General Manager Abrasive Systems Division Safety & Industrial Business Group, 3M
Wednesday, March 24
10 AM ET PANEL: The Rise of Smart Automation
- Rashmi Misra, GM AI Platforms, Business Development, Microsoft
- Jorge Ramirez, Global Director Automation and Chief Mfg. Cybersecurity Officer, General Motors
- Rishi Vaish, CTO and VP, IBM AI Applications, IBM
- John Lizzi, Executive Leader – Robotics, GE
- Tom Panzarella, Senior Director of Perception, Seegrid
11 AM ET: Using Deep Learning and Simulation to Teach Robots Manipulation in Complex Environments
Dieter Fox, Senior Director of Robotics Research, NVIDIA
1:30 PM ET: Automation and the Future of Manufacturing
Indranil Sircar, CTO, Manufacturing Industry, Microsoft
Thursday, March 25
10 AM ET PANEL: How Collaborative Automation is Driving Productivity
Co-sponsored by the International Federation of Robotics
- Milton Guerry, President, Schunk USA
- Joe Gemma, Global Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Calvary Robotics
- Greg Smith, President of the Industrial Automation Group at Teredyne
- David Robers, Robotics Sales Manager - Americas, Denso Robotics
11 AM ET: Value Chain Integration and Optimization Through Robotics in Consumer segments and Retail
Marc Segura, Executive Global Business Line Leader - Consumer Segment Service Robotics, ABB Robotics and Machine Automation
Friday, March 26
10 AM ET PANEL: Autonomous Mobile Robots: How to Get Started
- Karen Leavitt, Chief Marketing Officer, Locus Robotics
- Søren E. Nielsen, President, Mobile Industrial Robots
- Matt Rendall, CEO and Co-Founder, OTTO Motors
- Rob Sullivan, President, AutoGuide Mobile Robots
- Melonee Wise, CEO and Founder, Fetch Robotics
11 AM ET: Using an End-to-End Workflow to Build, Iterate, and Operationalize Deep Learning-Powered Visual Inspection Projects
Andrew Ng, CEO & Founder, Landing AI
