Caterpillar Inc. will keynote this years Automation Conference & Expo, May 23-24 in Chicago. Terri Lewis explains how this global heavy equipment manufacturer has leveraged augmented reality to add value.

Keynoting this years Automation Conference & Expo is a presentation that offers a real-world look at augmented reality - a technology that has captured imaginations and headlines in recent years. From industrial and military applications to medical use, brand marketing, entertainment and even driverless cars, the potential for augmented reality (AR) is seemingly unlimited. On May 23 in Chicago, Digital and Technology Director at Caterpillar, Terri Lewis, will explain how one of the worlds best known heavy equipment manufacturers is using AR for maintenance and repair.

In industrial applications augmented reality data is often delivered via head mounted displays, eyeglasses or handheld devices. At Caterpillar, AR guides professionals through machinery troubleshooting and repair, instantly dispensing data that was traditionally only available via equipment manuals. AR also benefits the less experienced worker, "augmenting" his or her knowledge to enable success with the task at hand.
Comments Automation World Director of Content and conference program architect, David Greenfield: "Augmented reality is one of the technological developments - like the industrial Internet of Things - surrounding the digitalization of manufacturing. Its fitting that our keynote presenter will address how this technology is adding value today at one of the worlds leading manufacturers. Were excited to have Terri Lewis on board to help us launch our 2017 event."
Also presenting at this years conference are other well-known industrial companies including BMW, BP and Snyders-Lance. Now in its sixth year, the Automation Conference & Expo explores transformative trends and technologies for engineering and management professionals within discrete manufacturing, packaging, and continuous and batch processing. The 2017 program will explore how companies are using robotics and automation; preventative measures for enhancing cybersecurity; 3D printing / additive manufacturing; lights out manufacturing; interoperability; virtual machine design, workforce development and more.
Scheduled for May 23-24 at the Chicago Marriott OHare, the Automation Conference & Expo is produced by PMMI Media Group, publishers of Automation World and Packaging World. Registration and additional program details are available at TheAutomationConference.com or by calling 1-800-355-5595.
About PMMI Media Group
PMMI Media Group is a market-leading B2B media company that produces information for processing and packaging professionals, bringing together solution providers and end users and facilitating connectivity throughout the supply chain. Its world class media brands — Packaging World, Automation World, Healthcare Packaging, Contract Packaging, ProFood World and Packaging + Processing OEM — are proven leaders in covering this diverse and dynamic marketplace, and its digital products incorporate leading edge media technologies to deliver informed, actionable business intelligence to the industry. PMMI Media Group also produces the Automation Conference & Expo, an annual education and networking forum, that takes place in Chicago each spring.
PMMI Media Group is owned by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, a trade association representing more than 700 companies that provide a full range of processing and packaging machinery, materials, components and containers. PMMI actively brings buyers and sellers together through initiatives such as packexpo.com, educational programs and world-class events, connecting participants in the processing and packaging supply chain with their customers around the world. The PACK EXPO trade shows unite the world of processing and packaging to advance the industries they serve: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, Healthcare Packaging EXPO, PACK EXPO East, EXPO PACK Mexico, EXPO PACK Guadalajara and ProFood Tech, launching in April 2017. Learn more at packexpo.com, pmmi.org and pmmimediagroup.com