An Ann Arbor, Michigan-based trade group is hoping to use the region's prowess in robotics and artificial intelligence as the backdrop for the two international events it is bringing to Pittsburgh this fall.
The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) will hold its International Robot Safety Conference and the AI & Smart Automation Conference simultaneously at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center downtown, with the first set to run between Oct. 9 and Oct. 11 while the second occurs on Oct. 10 and Oct. 11
At the International Robot Safety Conference, manufacturers, integrators and users will learn from experts, see new technologies and obtain overviews of robot safety standards across industries.
"For more than three decades, the International Robot Safety Conference has been focused on providing this knowledge, all in one location, from some of the biggest companies in robotics," Jeff Burnstein, president of the Association for Advancing Automation, said in a statement. "If next month’s conference is anything like last years, we expect many new attendees to join us as they learn what they need to know to ensure their organizations are safe now and long into the future."
Meanwhile, the AI & Smart Automation Conference will have experts who work with AI and smart manufacturing technologies showcase new innovations and best practices for these technologies. A3 first held this event as a single-day session last year but has expanded it to its two-day duration due to interest levels.
"Implementing AI to solve production challenges continues to be a massive topic in nearly every industry, so it only made sense to expand this educational event to give attendees even more knowledge and best practices to take back to their organizations," Robert Huschka, vice president of education strategies at A3, said in a statement. "Those that know AI and our industry best will be there to explore how AI is being used now, what is possible and how to get started today."
Damion Shelton, the CEO and co-founder of Corvallis, Oregon-based Agility Robotics, is expected to give the keynote address at the AI & Smart Automation Conference. The company maintains an outpost in the Strip District.
A3's decision to host the events in Pittsburgh received praise from its local tech scene.
"We welcome this valuable conference to Pittsburgh," Jenn Apicella, interim executive director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, said in a statement. "Pittsburgh stands as a globally recognized leader for robotics, automation and AI. Hosting the International Robot Safety Conference in our thriving hub of innovation underscores our continued partnership with A3 and our unwavering commitment to prioritizing safety in robotics."
