Will focus on practical solutions for companies seeking to automate

(Ann Arbor, Michigan - July 11, 2012) The Automate 2013 Show and Conference, set for January 21-24, 2013 at McCormick Place in Chicago, will focus on practical solutions for companies seeking to automate, according to the event sponsors. Free show registration is now open and available at www.automate2013.com.

"Automate is a unique event because the exhibits and the conference sessions offer attendees the opportunity to see how automation such as robots, vision and imaging, assembly and motion control technologies can be successfully applied to meet their challenges, regardless of their industry," says Jeff Burnstein, President of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the show's sponsor.

"The 2013 event will have a special emphasis on small and medium sized companies," Burnstein added. "Many of these companies are just now beginning to investigate how automation can help them become stronger global competitors."

"And, it's not just factories that can successfully apply these technologies - it's warehouses and distribution centers, medical labs, hospitals, even retail outlets. We think Automate 2013 will deliver practical solutions in all of these areas."

More than 150 companies are expected to exhibit at the four-day show which is collocated with ProMat (sponsored by the Material Handling Industry of America). ProMat is North America's premier material handling and logistics show.

"Having both of these shows together gives attendees a chance to explore the state-of-the-art in automation solutions as well as see what's coming next," Burnstein noted.

Automate 2013 features many unique learning opportunities for people new to automation, as well as experienced professionals. Expert Huddles will take place on the show floor all four days of the show. These free discussion groups led by industry experts will focus on issues that are important to automation users, such as cost justification and ROI or solving application-specific problems.

In-depth conference sessions will also be offered, featuring a broad array of classes from beginner to advanced skill levels. Attendees can also take classes and an exam to become a Certified Vision Professional at the Basic and/or Advanced level. This career building certification helps individuals demonstrate their specialized knowledge and helps companies gain trust in their team's abilities.

The Association for Advancing Automation is the not-for-profit umbrella corporation of the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), AIA Advancing Vision + Imaging, and the Motion Control Association (MCA). Together these associations represent more than 650 member companies from 32 nations. Members include suppliers, system integrators, end users, universities, consulting firms and others involved in automation.

For more information on RIA, visit www.robotics.org. For AIA, visit www.visiononline.org. For MCA, visit www.motioncontrolonline.org. To reach Association Headquarters, call 734/994-6088.