Robots 2004 Conference Examines How Robotics Can Strengthen Domestic Manufacturing

North America’s Largest Robotics Conference of 2004 Set for June 9 & 10 in Michigan

ANN ARBOR, MI (March 15, 2004) – Robots 2004, North America’s largest robotics conference of the year, will take place on June 9 & 10, 2004, at the Ypsilanti Marriott at Eagle Crest Resort in Ypsilanti (suburban Detroit), Michigan.

Robots 2004 is designed for manufacturing, engineering, and management leaders at companies considering or currently using robotics technology.

‘‘One of our primary goals is to convince companies in every industry that using robots to become a stronger global competitor is a better choice than sending manufacturing jobs offshore,’‘ said Donald A. Vincent, Executive Vice President of Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the trade group sponsoring Robots 2004.

‘‘There are companies all over the world that know the pitfalls of outsourcing compared to the cost savings and quality improvements that can be achieved with wise investments in robotics.  Robots 2004 will show manufacturing companies how robots can help them protect domestic jobs,’‘ Vincent added.

Vincent explained that the conference examines bottom-line issues such as cost justification for automating with robotics, as well as manufacturing issues, such as the wide variety of new applications for robots that have emerged in recent years.  Speakers also will focus on new advances in traditional robot applications such as material handling, welding, painting and material removal.

Among the highlights will be presentations from successful users who will share lessons learned in implementing robotics at their companies.  Scheduled users include Andrew Kearton of Pirelli Tire North America, Eric Lecomte of Nestlé and Kevin Grover of Borg Warner.  Pirelli Tire was presented the prestigious Robots & Vision User Recognition Award from RIA in 2003.

Jeff Fryman, Director of Standards Development at RIA, will cover how robotic safety must be a top priority for all robotics users.  He’ll give an overview of the current robotic safety standards and how users should go about conducting a risk assessment of their robotic applications.

Technical advances in areas such as multi-robot control, vision guided robots, and robotic simulation also will be explored.

In addition to two days of in-depth sessions, Robots 2004 includes tabletop exhibits on June 9 from the leading robotics companies in the world.  Committed exhibitors as of March 11 include ABB Inc., Applied Robotics, ATI Industrial Automation, CIS Robotics, Custom Machines Inc., Delmia, Denso, Epson Robots, FANUC Robotics America, Kawasaki Robotics USA, Motoman, Nachi Robotic Systems Inc., NCC Electronics, Robotic Accessories, SAB Associated Wire Products, and Schunk.  Companies interested in exhibiting should contact Jeff Burnstein or Brian Huse at 734/994-6088.

‘‘With companies throughout the world striving to improve productivity and product quality, robots are emerging as a technology of choice even in countries with low labor rates,’‘ said the RIA’s Vincent.  ‘‘That’s because the flexibility, reliability and accuracy of robots allow companies to manufacture higher quality products at a lower cost.  Consumers demand high quality products and constant product innovation, so leading manufacturing companies are leveraging their investment in robotics automation to meet consumer needs.  Robots 2004 will help companies in every industry understand how they, too, can benefit from investing in robotics.’‘

Founded in 1974, RIA celebrates its 30th anniversary this year as North America’s only robotics trade association.  RIA currently represents some 230 company members, including leading robot manufacturers, system integrators, component suppliers, end users, research groups, and consulting firms.  The association is best-known for its biennial International Robots & Vision Show and Conference (slated next for September 27-29, 2005 in Chicago), as well as the ANSI/RIA National Robot Safety Standard and safety events such as the annual National Robot Safety Conference, and Robotics Online, the world’s leading robotics resource on the Internet.