International Robots and Vision Show Set for June 5-7, 2001 in Chicago

Largest Show in More Than a Decade Anticipated

Ann Arbor, Michigan - The largest North American robotics and machine vision show in more than a decade will take place June 5-7, 2001, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont (Chicago), Illinois.

More than 175 companies will exhibit their latest robotics and machine vision products, which are designed to help manufacturers improve productivity and product quality, speed time to market, and reduce manufacturing costs

"The Robots & Vision Show is where manufacturing decision-makers go to determine which products will help them solve their automation challenges," said Donald A. Vincent, Executive Vice President of Robotic Industries Association (RIA), a co-sponsor of the event along with the Automated Imaging Association (AIA).

"Because all of the industry leaders exhibit, the attendees can do their comparison shopping and meet the key executives at the supplier companies.  Plus, they can attend in-depth tutorials and conference sessions that offer practical information on how to successfully apply these technologies," Vincent added.

The Conference, which begins on June 4, will offer sessions on the following topics:

• Fundamentals of Machine Vision
• Fundamentals of Robotics Industries
• Robot Safety
• Lighting & Optics
• Robotic System Integration
• Software and Simulation for Robotic Applications
• Developing a Business Case for Automation
• Advances in Vision Cameras
• Automation Justification Case Studies
• The Business Case for Implementing Machine Vision
• Robotic Material Handling
• Robot Vision
• Successful Machine Vision Applications
• Robotic Welding and Material Joining
• Robotics Assembly
• New Developments in Low-Cost Vision Technology
• Application of Open Architecture Control Systems
• Non-Industrial and Future Robotic Applications

The International Robots & Vision Show is collocated with three other related events:  Finishing 2001 (sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers) and Sensors Expo and Motion Expo (sponsored by Advanstar).  One show admission allows entry to all four shows (separate fees are charged for each conference, however).  More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the shows.

The Robots & Vision Show dates back to the late 1970s when robotics first started gaining prominence in manufacturing.  The "vision" part of the event dates back to the early 1980s, when machine vision emerged as a critical technology.  The show is now held every other year, and has been in Detroit since 1987. 

"Moving the show to Chicago has received a fantastic response from companies in the robotics and vision industries," Vincent said.  "We expect to reach a more diverse range of manufacturing decision-makers from industries such as consumer goods, electronics,  off-road vehicles, telecommunications, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and appliances, as well as automotive manufacturers and suppliers."

Robotic Industries Association and the Automated Imaging Association are the only trade groups in North America exclusively representing the robotics and machine vision industries.  RIA, founded in 1974, and AIA, founded in 1984, each represent more than 230 leading manufacturers, system integrators, end users, component suppliers, research groups, and consulting firms.

For more details on RIA, visit click here, or call the association at 734/994-6088.  For more details on AIA, visit click here, or call 734/994-6088.

Contact: 
Jeff Burnstein 
734/994-6088