2024 Agenda

Welcome Reception

This opening night Welcome Reception is the perfect opportunity for all event participants to meet and greet one another before the exhibit hall opens and the event officially kicks off on Wednesday morning. Pick up your name badge, grab a beverage and enjoy some casual face-to-face conversations.

It's Easier Than You Think: Incorporating Collaborative Robots and Automated Mobile Robots

Most manufacturers assume adopting automation solutions into their assembly processes is initially quite disruptive, with a high degree of time-consuming complexity. But if you believe that in order to automate a process with a collaborate robot or autonomous mobile robot (AMR) that you need to change multiple pieces of your process in question, you are probably making it harder than it needs to be. This presentation helps explain the automation-incorporation process and clarifies many of the preconceived notions manufacturers have about the application of cobots and AMRs in their operations.

I4.0 and A Culture of Innovation

This session will help manufacturers integrate I4.0 and workforce initiatives. The session will show live demonstrations to help better understand the core principles of I4.0 and actionable tools to help you and your workforce begin the journey together. You will hear a variety of use cases in management, quality, production and supply chain for artificial intelligence, sensor deployment and automation resources all supported by University of Tennessee and the Manufacturing Extension Partnerships around the country.

The Optimized People Development System

It is arguably the most important system in an organization, and the one that could probably use continuous improvement the most. However, an organization’s people development system is difficult to see in operation and visibility is key to making improvements. The Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership invites you to experience the Optimized People Development System. A leadership framework focused on continuous improvement for your organization's internal workforce processes utilizing systems thinking, applying lean concepts, and promoting the growth of a learning organization.

Bolted Joints, Often Looser than Expected

Bolted joints are often one of the least appreciated and understood mechanical systems. Not surprisingly, they are also frequently one of the largest causes of failure, warranty claims, and safety issues. Though they may have been assembled correctly, bolted joints are often looser than expected when the product is shipped to the customer.

This workshop will explain the common reasons that bolted joints are often looser than what was planned. Students will be presented with brief technical explanations and demonstrations of bolt preload scatter, relaxation, and self-loosening. The learning will be reinforced with case studies and question-and-answer sessions on each topic.

• Learn why the tension developed in bolts during assembly can vary widely even though they were tightened properly.
• Understand how bolts can begin to loosen through relaxation before leaving the factory.
• Gain insights into the self-loosening of bolts, the most common type of loosening when the product enters service.

Transforming Productivity at GE Appliances through AI: From Personal Effectiveness to Manufacturing Excellence

Leifje will discuss in her presentation how she uses Artificial Intelligence to enable everything from her personal productivity to revolutionizing manufacturing processes: enhancing efficiency, quality, and innovation at GE Appliances.

Unlocking the Future: Exploring AI & Robotics for Smart Automation

Looking to improve efficiency and accuracy in your assembly or manufacturing processes? Explore the transformative world of AI and robotics in smart automation with us. Learn how these advanced technologies simplify operations, increase efficiency, and spur innovation in assembly and manufacturing. This session offers actionable insights from real-world case studies and practical implementation strategies, equipping you to steer your organization towards the future of automation.

Every Manufacturing Facility Deserves an Empowering Power Distribution System

In today's rapidly changing manufacturing landscape, adaptability is critical. Manufacturers need the ability to quickly reconfigure production equipment and workflows to meet the ever-evolving customer demands. That's why open-channel busway systems are such a game-changer. These systems empower facilities to optimize usable floor space and configure power around their production layout by offering unlimited access points and placing power directly where needed. They save time and money by cutting electrical installation and modification time up to 90%, enabling manufacturers to plan for current power needs and future changes. With open-channel busway systems, manufacturers can unlock new levels of flexibility and scalability, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving industry.

Building a Better Product through AI

Join Gregg Bigleman for a humorous and inactivation discussion on “Building a Better Product through AI”. From Design to Manufacturing to Distribution.

Automation 301: Improving Key Steps in Your Automation Process

Everything built is created through a manufacturing process. It's never just one step, but rather a series of activities and actions that result in a finished product. These steps are often intertwined in varying degrees of order and linearity, transcending multiple facilities and multiple suppliers.

On this session, we will review the primary process steps in most automated manufacturing projects, the importance of these elements, how to approach and define each step, and then insight on maximizing outcomes from both operational and business perspectives. Real-world examples will be utilized throughout to provide context, along with tips to succeed of pitfalls to avoid.

5 Key Error-Proofing Assembly Process Techniques

Fastening regimes with multiple screws and high-speed production can lead to processing errors, torque failures, missing parts, and compromised quality. Solving fastening problems is about controlling variables or eliminating potential risks that create an unwanted fastening event. Mistake proofing is the quickest path to zero defects and serves as a critical enabler for efficient manufacturing.

Error-proofing the complete tightening process control improves the quality control process for manufacturers by reducing the number of defective products pulled from the assembly line and hedging the risk of liability from product failures in the field. Creating reliable products requires a poka-yoke system that eliminates manufacturing risks and prevents product defects.

Safeguarding against fastening failures requires deploying tools equipped with error-proofing capabilities that track each screw the tools fasten. Eliminate product rework and warranties by adding an error-proofing process to the manufacturing line.

Strengthen OT Cybersecurity and Resilience

Today's Operational Technology (OT) environments are modernizing and digitizing, connecting more assets, systems, and networks to new threats and risks. With more regulations and higher expectations on the OT data than ever before, OT leaders must move quickly to improve their operations and build resilience.

This session provides a contextual perspective on operational technology management and how to improve security, continuous operation, and integration with processes and digital workflow.

Managing Delivery Times with Custom Automation

This presentation to be focused on variables impacting delivery time of custom automation solutions, how JR Automation optimizes that delivery time, and pitfalls to avoid that can hurt project schedules.

Atlas Copco's Smart Integrated Assembly - The road to the Smart Factory

The Road to the Smart Factory is our concept to help manufacturers tap into the power of Industry 4.0 to cut costs to run efficient, profitable production while also reducing CO2 emissions to meet sustainability targets. As an integrated partner for the Smart Factory, we help companies transform their manufacturing processes.

The Impact of Innovation and Technology in Shaping the Future of the Automation industry

Innovation and technology are revolutionizing the automation industry, driving unprecedented advancements in efficiency, precision, and flexible modularity. From AI-driven robotics to IoT-enabled smart factories, these innovations are reshaping traditional manufacturing processes, leading to increased productivity and reduced costs. As automation becomes more accessible and adaptable, businesses can optimize operations, streamline workflows, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market landscape. Embracing innovation and technology is not just a choice but a necessity for companies looking to thrive in the future of the automation industry.

Automated Assembly Workshop

A well-designed automated assembly system can produce hundreds of assemblies per minute with minimal human intervention. However, a system that runs like clockwork doesn’t happen by accident. It takes planning, experience and attention to detail. The four sessions in this workshop will help engineers obtain the best possible assembly line, at the lowest cost, and in the shortest amount of time.

Part 1: How to Write a User Requirement Specification

Anyone who has ever sourced custom factory automation should be familiar with a request for proposal or user requirement specification (URS) document. The URS is an important guide for an automation project, since it enables suppliers to provide accurate and complete proposals for the equipment. However, the manner in which engineers write a URS varies widely. Some are very detailed, while others are intentionally vague and open to interpretation. This session will teach the ten essentials of an effective URS.

Part 2: How to Go From Proof of Principle to Pilot Production to Full-Scale Automation

Flexibility, scalability and redundancy have become watchwords in assembly automation, particularly now as more and more manufacturers are reshoring high-volume production. In this talk, you’ll learn how to take new products and assembly lines from concept, to proof of principal, to pilot production, to full-scale automation. Learn how smart choices in both product design and line design can pay dividends later when production volume peaks.

Part 3: Applying and Justifying Cobots on the Assembly Line

Collaborative robots are the fastest-growing segment of factory automation. Indeed, almost 60 percent of assembly plants are either currently using cobots or plan to deploy them within a year. However, to get the most out of this technology, manufacturers must take a different approach to selecting the best applications. This presentation will provide guidelines to help manufacturers deploy cobots. In this presentation, you will learn the top applications for cobots and how to justify investment in the technology.

Part 4: How to Automate Disassembly of Deadly Weapons

In 2021, systems integrator CRG Automation successfully completed an unprecedented project to automate the process of disarming, disassembling and destroying 70,000 aging rockets filled with deadly nerve agents.The project was so successful that the Army came back to CRG with another task: Create an automated system to disassemble and destroy thousands of mortar rounds filled with highly toxic mustard gas. Could CRG do it again? This presentation tells the tale.

Networking Reception

Networking is one of the top reasons for attending tradeshows, so what better way to end the day than with a Networking Reception, right on the exhibit floor. Catch up with your colleauges and continue to mingle with your peers while winding down with a drink and some delicious Tennessee treats located along main street.

Morning Mingle & Breakfast

Looking for a productive networking experience that will kick off your day? Join us on the final morning of The ASSEMBLY Show South for complimentary continental breakfast and coffee right on the exhibit floor. This is one of your last chances to network and make some final business connections.

"Best In Show" Awards Presentation

What will be the best new product on display at The ASSEMBLY Show South? You decide! To draw attention to the breadth and quality of new technologies on display, we’re holding a “Best in Show” contest at the event, and you—the attendees—will be the judges.