Featured/Keynote Speaker
Damion Shelton
CEO and Co-Founder, Agility Robotics
Damion Shelton is the co-founder and CEO of Agility Robotics, makers of Digit, the first commercially available bipedal robot made for real-world logistics work. Damion is a multifaceted roboticist focused on building automation solutions that solve real world challenges, starting with improving logistics and warehouse operations. Prior to Agility, Damion co-founded threeRivers 3D, where he served as CTO and designer of a low-cost, high-volume laser scanner for novice users in the healthcare space. Damion holds a Ph.D. in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University.
Session(s):
KEYNOTE: Using Large Language Models to Embody Physical Intelligence In Robots | Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 8:30 AM
Arye Barnehama
CEO, Elementary
Arye Barnehama, a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree from 2020’s manufacturing and industry list, is the CEO of Elementary, which is developing a new generation of quality vision inspection that uses visual AI and machine learning to automate the inspection of products for defects or other problems in manufacturing.
Session(s):
PANEL DISCUSSION: Seeing the Future: How AI and Machine Vision are Powering Automation | Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 10:30 AM
Atul Hatalkar
Sr. Principal Engineer, Intel Corporation
Atul Hatalkar is a Senior Principal Engineer at Intel and Chief Technologist for Robotics & Automation.
Atul’s current focus is on AI-powered autonomous systems and sensor-rich responsive environments. During 25+ years of career, Atul has developed many novel technologies, contributed to international standards, and helped customers solve their most crucial problems. Atul holds 10 US patents.
Session(s):
From Automation to Autonomy: Guideposts and Potholes Along the Journey | Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 3:45 PM
Buck Babich
Senior Robotics R&D Manager, NVIDIA
Buck Babich is a Senior Manager of Robotics R&D at NVIDIA. He leads a team that contributes to Omniverse Isaac Sim, a powerful simulation platform for robotics, with a focus on planning and control for industrial manipulation. Prior to joining NVIDIA’s robotics efforts in 2018, he helped build the “Volta” and “Turing” generations of NVIDIA graphics processing units (GPUs) as a Senior Architect, including the “RT Core” (ray tracing hardware unit) first introduced in Turing. Buck holds 7 patents and has authored dozens of journal articles spanning robotics, machine learning, computer architecture, theoretical particle physics, and high-performance computing. He holds a B.A. from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in Physics from Boston University.
Session(s):
High-Fidelity Simulation for Robotics and Automation | Tuesday, October 10, 2023 - 4:30 PM
Ed Goffin
Vice President, Product Marketing, Pleora Technologies
Ed Goffin is Vice President of Product Marketing with Pleora Technologies, a leading supplier of AI solutions and video connectivity products for quality inspection and factory automation applications. Over his 25-year career, he has been widely published and is a featured speaker on topics ranging from packet switching and network timing to real-time video solutions for situational awareness in medical, factory automation, and security applications.
Session(s):
PANEL DISCUSSION: Seeing the Future: How AI and Machine Vision are Powering Automation | Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 10:30 AM
Eric Danziger
CEO & Co-Founder, Invisible AI
Eric Danziger is the CEO and Co-Founder of Invisible AI. After serving in the US Army for nearly a decade, Eric studied computer vision at the Robotics Institute of Carnegie Mellon University. He then moved to Silicon Valley and worked at several startups before joining the self-driving race at Luminar Technologies. As the Director of Software Engineering, he led a team of over 30 engineers working on some of the hardest problems in autonomous driving. In 2018, he founded Invisible AI to bring the state of the art technology from self-driving to industrial applications, blending his military experience and technical knowledge to help companies streamline operations.
Session(s):
PANEL DISCUSSION: How To Put Artificial Intelligence to Work TODAY in Your Operations | Tuesday, October 10, 2023 - 2:00 PM
Howie Choset
Professor of Robotics, Carnegie Mellon University
Howie Choset is a Professor of Robotics at Carnegie Mellon University where he serves as the co-director of the Biorobotics Lab and as director of the Robotics Major. He received his undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and Business from the University of Pennsylvania in 1990. Choset received his Masters and PhD from Caltech in 1991 and 1996. Choset's research group reduces complicated high-dimensional problems found in robotics to low-dimensional simpler ones for design, analysis, and planning. Motivated by applications in confined spaces, Choset has created a comprehensive program in modular, high DOF, and multi- robot systems, which has led to basic research in mechanism design, path planning, motion planning, and estimation. This work has been supported by both industry and government; DOD support includes two MURIs, one of which Choset was the CO-PI, a young investigator award, and multi-PI awards for modular systems. Choset.s group has produced over 60 journal papers (including 2 in Science and one in Proceedings of the National Academies of Sceince), 180 conference papers and 15 patents. Choset.s work has also been recognized by several best paper awards and nominations at ICRA, IROS and other robotics meetings. Choset's research program has made contributions to challenging and strategically significant problems in diverse areas such as surgery, manufacturing, infrastructure inspection, and search and rescue. In addition to publications, this work has led to Choset, along with his students, to form several companies including Medrobotics, for surgical systems, Hebi Robotics, for modular robots, and Bito Robotics for autonomous guided vehicles. Recently, Choset.s surgical snake robot cleared the FDA and has been in use in the US and Europe since. Choset also leads multi-PI projects centered on manufacturing: (1) automating the programming of robots for auto-body painting; (2) the development of mobile manipulators for agile and flexible fixture-free manufacturing of large structures in aerospace, and (3) the creation of a data-robot ecosystem for rapid manufacturing in the commercial electronics industry. This year, Choset co-lead the formation of the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute, which is $250MM national institute advancing both technology development and education for robotics in manufacturing. Finally, Choset is a recipient of the 2019 Engelberger Award.
Session(s):
The State of Industrial AI Research | Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 4:15 PM
Itay Cnaan-On
Head of AI, Industrial Next
Itay is the head of AI at Industrial Next, a San Francisco based company, offering manufacturers a novel human-centric system for real-time analytics and optimization of their manual and semi-automated stations. Before joining Industrial Next, Itay was serving as head of Perception in various companies developing Autonomous Vehicles and consumer electronics, with a focus on human behavior understanding from sensors such as cameras, Lidars and Radars. Itay holds a PhD from Duke University in Electrical Engineering, and a B.Sc in Electrical Engineering from Tel-Aviv University.
Session(s):
Human-Centric Manufacturing Process Analytics and Optimization | Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 1:30 PM
Juan Luis Aparicio
CEO and Co-founder, Stealth Startup
Juan is a robotics and automation enthusiast on a mission to scale and democratize access to robotics technology in manufacturing and beyond. During his career he has brought together the worlds of Industrial Automation, Robotics, and AI with his work featured in the New York Times, MIT Tech Review, Wired, Forbes, TheRobotReport, and other media outlets. Juan is the founder and CEO of a stealth robotics startup that will directly target the labor shortage in manufacturing with an innovative approach to design, deploy and support industrial automation and robotics cells. Before that, he was the VP of product at Rapid Robotics, a Robotics as a Service startup where Rapid Machine Operators (RMOs) could be hired by subscription. Prior to Rapid, Juan was the VP of Product at Ready Robotics, where he launched Forge/OS 5, an award-winning industrial platform for robots and automation. Before that, Juan was the Head of Advanced Manufacturing Automation for Siemens, where he led a top team of researchers and engineers in Berkeley, California, working elbow-to-elbow with renowned academic partners. Juan is a Technical Advisor for the Advanced Robotic in Manufacturing (ARM), a member of A3’s AI Tech Strategy Board, and a Skydeck advisor. In 2019, he was awarded the MIT Tech Review Innovator under 35 Europe in the Pioneer category. In 2020, he was awarded Siemens Inventor of the year and the prestigious Thomas Alva Edison Patent Award.
Session(s):
Why Aren't Robots More Widespread? Could AI Be the Solution? | Tuesday, October 10, 2023 - 3:30 PM
Kel Guerin
Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, READY Robotics
Kel has been working in the robotics and automation space for more than 10 years, focusing on the design and usability of a wide variety of robots — including systems for space exploration, deep mining, surgery, and industrial manufacturing. While obtaining his Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University, Kel worked specifically on the challenge of making industrial robots more flexible and easy to use. The result was the ForgeOS operating system— a plug-and-play interface for industrial robots — which became READY Robotics, an industrial robotics start-up he co-founded in 2016.
Session(s):
Usability, User Experience and Autonomy | Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 9:30 AM
Kence Anderson
CEO & Co-Founder, Composabl, Inc.
Kence Anderson teaches Autonomous AI design and consults enterprises on how to build their autonomous systems organizations and practices. He was previously director of Autonomous AI Adoption at Microsoft. Kence has pioneered uses for Autonomous AI in industry and designed over 150 autonomous decision-making AI systems for large enterprises.
Session(s):
Introduction to AI for Industrial Automation – Half-Day Course | Tuesday, October 10, 2023 - 8:30 AMIntelligent Autonomous Agents | Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 3:15 PM
Larry Sweet
Director, Engineering, ARM Institute
Larry Sweet is a widely recognized robotics and automation expert, working in both commercial organizations and academia. He brings experience in bringing emerging technologies into production by increasing their Technology Readiness Level, concurrent with improvements in factory floor processes and workforce skills. Previously he was the Director, Worldwide Robotics Deployment at Amazon Robotics, leading technology transition and system integration for all internally developed automation into Amazon’s global network. Larry also held senior manufacturing and technology roles at Symbotic, the Frito-Lay, United Technologies, ABB, Fanuc, and GE. Industry recognition includes 32 patents, the Edison and IR-100 Awards, and the Manufacturing Leadership Council Outstanding Achiever Award for Supply Chain Excellence. Larry received his Ph.D. and M.S. degrees from MIT, and a B.S from the University of California, Berkeley. He was a tenured faculty member at Princeton University.
Session(s):
AI and Machine Learning Enabling Manufacturing Process and Supply Chain Transformation | Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 11:30 AM
Melonee Wise
Chief Technology Officer, Agility Robotics
Melonee Wise has a deep history in developing autonomous robots and advancing the robotics industry as we know it today. Prior to joining Agility in 2023 as Chief Technology Officer, she was the vice president of robotics automation at Zebra Technologies. She served as CEO of Fetch Robotics until its acquisition by Zebra Technologies in 2021. Wise was the second employee at Willow Garage, where she led a team of engineers developing next-generation robot hardware and software, including ROS, the PR2 and TurtleBot. She serves as the chair of the IFR Service Robots Group, as a robotics board member for A3 and on the MHI Roundtable Advisory Committee. Wise has received many accolades and awards, including the MIT Technology Review TR35, Silicon Valley Business Journal’s Women of Influence and 40 Under 40, and Business Insider named her one of eight CEOs changing the way we work. She received a BS in mechanical engineering and physics engineering and an MS in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois.
Session(s):
PANEL DISCUSSION: How To Put Artificial Intelligence to Work TODAY in Your Operations | Tuesday, October 10, 2023 - 2:00 PMDOE vs. SOE – Deployed Operating Environments Versus the Specified Operating Environments in Mobile Robotics | Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 10:00 AM
Paul Thomas
Director Machine Vision and Applied AI, P&G
Paul Thomas, PE is the Director of Machine Vision and Applied AI in Global Engineering for Procter & Gamble. He has over 20 years of industrial controls experience as an OEM and End User. Paul is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ohio and Michigan. Paul is also the owner of the newly created Corporate Machine Vision and Applied AI Lab. His focus is to develop and identify innovative approaches for vision applications for robotics, quality inspections and product identification throughout P&G. Some of his recent accomplishments include multiple patents for the use of deep learning in inspection systems, contributing to an ANSI standard for safety of AI in machinery applications and the end-to-end development and deployment of a high-speed, edge-based deep learning solution.
Session(s):
PANEL DISCUSSION: How To Put Artificial Intelligence to Work TODAY in Your Operations | Tuesday, October 10, 2023 - 2:00 PM
Rajat Gupta
Sr. Director, Business Development - AI & Emerging Technologies, Microsoft
Rajat Gupta is part of Microsoft's AI & Emerging Technologies business development group and focuses on AI Cloud Infrastructure, Proprietary Models, Industrial Metaverse, and Autonomous products. As part of the business development group, Rajat focuses on strategic partnerships and acquisitions that are key to executing Microsoft's product and business strategy. Before Microsoft, Rajat led business development, corporate development, and engineering functions at Daqri, PTC, Qualcomm, Reliance, and Tata Group. Personally, Rajat is always looking for opportunities to hike and do landscape photography.
Session(s):
PANEL DISCUSSION: How To Put Artificial Intelligence to Work TODAY in Your Operations | Tuesday, October 10, 2023 - 2:00 PMThe Multi-modal AI Foundation Model Opportunity for Industrial Automation | Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 2:00 PM
Rajesh Iyengar
Co-Founder and CEO, Lincode Labs Inc.
Rajesh Iyengar is the Founder & CEO of Lincode Labs Inc. He has been working in the technology industry for more than 20 years. His background focuses on AI, machine learning, and robotics solutions. Aside from managing Lincode, he is also a Board Member, Advisor, and Investor for various startups. Rajesh previously worked as a Chief Technology Officer for Si3D Systems Pvt. Ltd., PurpleData, and KloudData Inc. Today, he is focused on helping the manufacturing industry transform to smart manufacturing with Artificial Intelligence and Automation.
Session(s):
PANEL DISCUSSION: Seeing the Future: How AI and Machine Vision are Powering Automation | Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 10:30 AM
Steffen Klawitter
Digital Enterprise Lead Architect, Siemens Digital Industries
Steffen Klawitter is a Digital Enterprise Lead Architect with Siemens Digital Industries. He provides well-balanced visionary & practical leadership for strategic digital transformations in highly competitive and cutting-edge markets. He has a proven track record of leading international teams to create long-lasting business value for enterprises. Steffen’s hands-on AI experience spans across industries and a wide range of use cases, such as: anomaly detection, quality prediction, visual inspection, process improvement and predictive maintenance. When he is not immersing himself in the world of AI, he enjoys working out or spending time outdoors with his wife, baby girl, and their two dogs.
Session(s):
How Artificial Intelligence Can Create Manufacturing Agility | Tuesday, October 10, 2023 - 4:00 PM
Ted Rozier
Director of Digital, Advanced Technology and Robotics, Festo
Ted Rozier is the Director Of Digital, Advanced Technology and Robotics for Festo Didactic Solution Center North America
Head quartered in Mason, Ohio. Before Joining Festo Didactic, He brings 20 years of experience in leading the Automation Engineering Department for Doosan Infracore Machine Tool Corporation. He specialized in the design and development of Robotics and Machine tool turnkey systems for the Automotive, Aerospace and Pharmaceutical industry. Ted has managed the development of several User friendly automation control turnkey systems on a global scale.
Ted is passionately looking to advance Festo Didactic as a global leader in designing and implementing Industry 4.0 learning factories and demystifying I4.0 career pathways with the view to systematically prepare individuals to excel working in dynamic and complex industrial automation environments.
Volunteering:
- ARM ( Advanced Robotic Manufacturing)
Technical Advisory Committee
- A3 Robotics Strategy Board Member
- AMT ( Association For Manufacturing Technology)
- Technical Service Committee
- OMA( Ohio Manufacturing Association)
- Chief Technology Advisor ( Robotics and Automation)