Association for Advancing Automation Sponsors Automate 2013

Chicago, IL December 20, 2012

The Automate 2013 (http://automate2013.com/) Show and Conference opens January 21 at McCormick Place North, showcasing automation technologies and solutions for a broad range of industries. The four-day trade show will feature live demonstrations by companies that provide integration of automation, robotics and machine vision, giving Automate attendees the opportunity to see successful automation solutions in action.

The show floor will highlight the latest automation, robotic, vision and motion control technologies, including Baxter from Rethink Robotics. Baxter is a robot capable of handling a diverse set of manufacturing operations without special programming, and can work side-by-side with people while adapting to its environment.

"Business owners are increasingly turning to automation to help them become stronger global competitors," said Jeff Burnstein, President of the Association for Advancing Automation, primary sponsor of Automate 2013. "But, there are still many companies who fear automation is too complex or costly - Automate 2013 will show them that this isn't the case. In fact, attendees will meet business owners who have succeeded because of automation, and they'll find system integrators and global suppliers who can help them do the same."

More than one million robots are currently used worldwide to improve quality and productivity. The US is the second largest user of robots in the world. Japan is the leading user, and China is the most rapidly growing. Automate attendees will not only see how companies are integrating robots to improve quality and productivity, they will also learn how automation has opened up new business opportunities.

For attendees who want a quick shot of education on specific topics, Expert Huddles will convene daily, throughout the day, on the show floor. Huddles are small-group discussions led by industry experts, lasting approximately 50 minutes. All huddles are free to show and conference attendees.

Dr. Henrik Christensen, KUKA Chair of Robotics at the Georgia Institute of Technology, will kick off the Automate Conference with the first keynote address: The Impact of Robotics on Economic Growth. Christensen, who has been spearheading the U.S. robotics roadmap, will speak at 8:45 AM on Monday morning. Steve Forbes, Chairman of Forbes media and former presidential candidate, will deliver Automate's second keynote address: Navigating the New Political Climate for Business Growth and Success. Forbes will discuss the impact of the election on manufacturing at 8:45 AM, Tuesday morning, January 22nd.

"The 2013 event will have a special emphasis on small and medium sized companies," Burnstein said. Many of the conference sessions will focus on how smaller businesses can integrate and succeed with automation.

Tuesday morning's conference session, Automation Users Share Their Experiences, will give attendees a chance to hear from company presidents on how robotics and automation help make them globally competitive. Torben Christensen, President of Wiscon Products, Drew Greenblatt, President of Marlin Steel, and Matt Tyler, President and CEO of Vickers Engineering will share their personal experiences with deploying automation to stay in business and retain local manufacturing.

The conference will also host a roundtable discussion with the CEOs of small and medium sized companies, examining the results of a new study on robots and job creation.

Automation professionals will find presentations and training sessions geared toward a variety of skill levels- from basic through advanced. Automate 2013 will offer Certified Vision Professional courses and the certification exam for both the basic and advanced levels.

The show spans four days, beginning Monday, January 21, and is open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with hours closing at 3:00 PM on Thursday. The conference begins daily at 8 AM and extends through Friday, January 25. For on-the-go access to exhibitor listings, dynamic floor maps, session descriptions and more, download the free Automate 2013 mobile app (http://www.automate2013mobile.com/landing/).

About the Organizer
Automate is organized by the Association for Advancing Automation, 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 nearly 700 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 http://www.robotics.org. For AIA, visit http://www.visiononline.org. For MCA, visit http://www.motioncontrolonline.org. Automate show and conference information can be found at http://www.automate2013.com. To reach Association Headquarters, call 734/994-6088.