Webinars
Beyond Automation: How Intelligent Robots Will Change the Factory
Originally Recorded September 11, 2025 | 11 AM-12 PM ET
ABOUT THIS WEBINAR
The future of robotics isn't just about automation—it's about intelligent systems that can perceive, decide, and act in dynamic environments. This session examines how AI-powered robots are evolving to perform complex tasks, interact safely with humans, and drive real business value on the factory floor. We'll explore what's required to make next-generation robots a reality, including sensing, compute, real-time control, and trusted platforms. Highlights include insights from TAIROS and Intel's ecosystem of robotics innovators.
Key Takeaways:
- Robotics beyond automation: The future is about intelligent systems that can perceive, decide, and act dynamically — not just repeat pre-programmed tasks.
- Human-robot collaboration: New robots are designed to interact safely with humans, enabling true teamwork on the factory floor.
- Advanced capabilities required: Next-generation robots rely on sophisticated sensing, powerful compute, real-time control, and trusted, secure platforms.
- Business value focus: Intelligent robots are driving measurable value in manufacturing through flexibility, efficiency, and adaptability.
- Ecosystem innovation: Insights from TAIROS and Intel’s global robotics ecosystem highlight the latest advancements and collaborative progress.
Exclusive Sponsor
Intel Corporation designs, manufactures, and sells integrated circuits for computing and communications industries worldwide.
Ricky Watts, Sr. Director, Industrial and Robotic Division, Intel
With over 30 years of experience, Ricky is a seasoned leader in driving innovation for positive global impact. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded product marketing and business development initiatives across diverse sectors, including industrial, telecommunications, and embedded technologies such as control automation, medical devices, energy, and transportation. Drawing from his extensive background in the industrial and telecom sectors, Ricky offers valuable insights into how next-generation connectivity solutions can accelerate the transition to smart manufacturing, particularly in automation. Having worked internationally, he has gained valuable insights from living and working in various regions, including Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. His previous roles at companies like Motorola, Aircom International, British Telecom, and Wind River Systems have equipped him with a global outlook and a deep understanding of industry dynamics.
Milt Walker, Director of Business Development, NexCOBOT
Milt Walker is Director of Business Development for NexCOBOT (a Nexcom Company), where he leads efforts to grow the company’s robotics systems business across North America. A seasoned technologist and strategist, Milt combines nearly 30 years in the computer industry, including a long tenure at Intel Corporation; focusing deeply on technical enablement, customer value, and robotics.Known for building lasting relationships and bridging technical expertise with business impact, he is a strong advocate for the power of education, innovation, strategy and culture in driving outcomes.
Milt holds a B.S. in Computer Engineering Technology and an Executive MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology. Based in Atlanta, he is an active board member, serving on the board of Decatur Makers and is a founding board member of RoboGeorgia. With this work, he’s helping to foster innovation and ecosystem growth in education and the regional robotics landscape. He recently joined Renew Venture Capital as a venture partner to expand his impact on hardware and robotics startups.
Robert Huschka, VP of Education Strategies, Association for Advancing Automation (A3)
Robert Huschka is the Vice President of Education Strategies at the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), where he leads the development of educational programs and identifies emerging technology trends to integrate into A3's offerings. Before joining A3 in January 2018, Huschka spent 18 years at the Detroit Free Press, including serving as Executive Editor, where he was recognized for his expertise in audience growth, community building, and content strategy. He holds a degree from the University of North Dakota.
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