From Bottlenecks to Launchpads: How AI is Revolutionizing Product Compliance in Manufacturing

Time: 9:00am - 9:35am
Track: AI on the Assembly Line
Presented by: Kunal Chopra, CEO, Certivo

In today’s complex regulatory landscape, product compliance is no longer a back-office task—it’s a launch-critical function. Yet many manufacturers still rely on spreadsheets, emails, and manual follow-ups to track supplier certifications, manage documentation, and stay compliant with evolving global regulations.

In this session, Kunal Chopra, CEO of Certivo, will share how forward-thinking manufacturers are transforming compliance from a bottleneck into a strategic advantage. Drawing from real-world examples, he’ll demonstrate how AI is being used to:
•Monitor and interpret regulatory changes across RoHS, REACH, PFAS, and more.
•Automate the collection, validation, and renewal of certificates from thousands of suppliers.
•Predict compliance risks early in the design and procurement process.
•Accelerate time-to-market by building always-ready, always-compliant workflows.

Attendees will walk away with a new understanding of how AI can reduce risk, streamline supplier engagement, and turn compliance into a growth driver—without adding headcount or delaying production.

Spot Welding with Cobots

Time: 9:00am - 9:35am
Track: Robots on the Assembly Line
Presented by: Filippo Cortiglioni, Area Manager, TECNA USA
James Ferraro, Applications Engineer, TECNA USA

The average age of welders in the U.S. is 55, and there simply aren't enough incoming welders to fill their shoes. In fact, the American Welding Society predicts that 330,000 new welding professionals will be needed by 2028. Thankfully, automation can pick up some of that slack.

In this presenation, you will learn how to use collaborative robots for spot welding. The presentation will provide an overview of spot welding: how the process works, key applications, and the primary technologies for getting the job done.

From there, you will learn how to use cobots for spot welding. Learn the differences between cobots and conventional robots, the advantages and limitations of cobots, and what applications make sense for the technology. Gain tips and tricks for successfully using cobot welding systems. The session will include applications in the automotive assembly plants and job shops.

Modernizing the Plant Floor: Scalable Approaches to Workforce and Quality Challenges

Time: 9:00am - 9:35am
Track: Smart Manufacturing
Presented by: Joshua Easterling, Senior Territory Manager, Epicor

Manufacturers today face a perfect storm: labor shortages, rising quality expectations, and the need for agile, data-driven operations. This session explores how connected process control strategies can help address these challenges through practical, scalable digital transformation.

By combining no-code or low-code digital work instructions, real-time data capture, and IoT device integration, modern manufacturing systems empower teams to:
•Accelerate workforce ramp-up: Reduce onboarding and training time with operator-guided digital work instructions.
•Ensure quality at scale: Embed quality checks into processes to minimize defects, ensure compliance, and improve operational efficiency.
•Unlock operational intelligence: Leverage real-time production data to optimize throughput, reduce waste, and improve decision-making.
•Adapt to evolving demands: Respond quickly to shifting production needs with flexible, configurable process controls.

Attendees will gain insights into real-world applications of these strategies, including how one manufacturer achieved a 35 percent increase in throughput—translating to $1.3 million in annual gains. This session is ideal for professionals seeking to harness digital transformation to address labor challenges and drive manufacturing excellence.

Leveraging AI and Computer Vision to Transform Quality Control and SOP Monitoring in Manufacturing

Time: 9:45am - 10:20am
Track: AI on the Assembly Line
Presented by: Nitin Gupta, VP & Co-Founder, Dori AI

Across modern manufacturing, ensuring consistent quality, compliance and traceability is more critical—and more challenging—than ever. Manual inspection and assembly validation methods are often time-consuming, inconsistent and error-prone, especially in high-mix or fast-paced production environments. In this session, we’ll explore how AI-powered computer vision is transforming how manufacturers detect defects, enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs), and maintain a digital trail of production data.

Attendees will learn how leading manufacturers are applying AI vision to:
•Reduce product defects and rework.
•Enforce SOP compliance across shifts and operators.
•Capture visual records for traceability and audits.
•Improve efficiency and cycle time at inspection stations.

We'll walk through real-world use cases, including:
•Automated inspection of component presence and assembly correctness.
•Labeling and packaging verification for accuracy and placement.
•Visual monitoring of workstation compliance and safety protocols.

This session will also provide implementation best practices, pilot strategies and ROI benchmarks. Whether you're focused on quality, automation, or operations, you’ll gain a practical understanding of how to begin applying AI vision—starting with one station or SKU and scaling across your facility.

Does Your Robot Need a Tool Changer?

Time: 9:45am - 10:20am
Track: Robots on the Assembly Line
Presented by: Marc Sexton, CEO, Grip USA

Although renowned for their flexibility, robots can be limited by their end-effectors. For example, equip a SCARA with a suction gripper, and it will be hard-pressed to perform a weld. In many cases, an assembler must quickly switch out a robot’s end-effector to maximize the robot's ROI. But, doing so can be surprisingly difficult, given each effector’s need for I/O connectors, and utilities like electric and pneumatic power.

It was with this hurdle in mind that automated tool changers were invented. When most assemblers think of robotic tool changers, they imagine those cases in which a single robot uses multiple end effectors as part of multitask production cycle in a given cell. In fact, this application represents only a fraction of the applications for which assemblers employ tool changers. Far more common are applications in which a robot uses a single effector for a given product run, only changing out end-effectors when the product changes.

In this session, you will learn how tool changers work, their advantages and limitations, and how and when to use them. Discover how this unique technology can help support every goal that automation tries to achieve.

How to Write Digital Work Instructions that Maximize Operator Efficiency & Accuracy

Time: 9:45am - 10:20am
Track: Smart Manufacturing
Presented by: Bryan Bauw, COO, PICO MES

As manufacturers transition off of paper and on to digitized platforms for worker guidance, it’s important that the digital work instructions are written to promote clarity and conciseness. Operators perform repetitive tasks of varying complexity every day. While digital work instructions promote increased throughput, it’s important to simultaneously ensure the accuracy of their builds.

Join Bryan Bauw, COO of Pico MES, as he discusses best practices for writing effective work instructions in a digital environment. You will learn how to:
•Evaluate what information is necessary to include.
•Optimize formatting and grammar for optimal readability.
•Tailor instructions to suit non-native English speakers.

See how combining these best practices with the tools available in a digital work instruction platform can transform process efficiency.

Accelerating Assembly Line Capacity with Generative AI: Practical Tools and Real-World Case Studies

Time: 10:40am - 11:15am
Track: AI on the Assembly Line
Presented by: Zeeshan Zia, CEO, Retrocausal

Modern manufacturing is full of advanced tools and systems for the sake of efficiency and accuracy, from real-time dashboards to automated inspection systems and predictive maintenance platforms. But when it comes to designing and implementing the processes themselves, many teams still rely on paper, stopwatches and spreadsheets.

This session explores how generative AI is transforming time studies, line balancing, workstation and line design, and quality planning from manual, time-intensive efforts into data-driven workflows. We’ll highlight how manufacturers are using simple smartphone videos to generate ergonomic assessments, productivity insights, and even failure mode predictions automatically—in an hour or two, as opposed to weeks and months.

Through real-world case studies, we’ll show how these AI-powered approaches are improving throughput, reducing risk, and delivering measurable ROI, while keeping engineers and operators at the center of the improvement process. Attendees will gain an understanding of how to responsibly evaluate and implement generative AI tools to augment (not replace) traditional industrial engineering methods.

Beyond the Labor: Understanding Robot ROI from Production to Profits

Time: 10:40am - 11:15am
Track: Robots on the Assembly Line
Presented by: Scott Marsic, Group Product Manager, Epson Robots

Moving from a manual to an automated process can be a laborious, lengthy and capital-intensive endeavor. Calculating the return on investment (ROI) of such a project is critical to the decision-making process. Companies beginning their automation journey tend to look at robots as a one-to-one replacement for their workforce, leading to expensive over-tooled and over-automated processes. Focusing solely on labor replacement can lead companies to vastly undervalue some of the less obvious cost savings created by the switch to robotics.

In this presentation, we will discuss best practices and common pitfalls to avoid when calculating the ROI of a robotic implementation, including:
•Efficient system design for a high-mix manufacturing environment.
•Cost benefits from increased production and decreased waste.
•Indirect cost benefits generated from increased worker satisfaction and safety.
•Long-term cost savings from greater traceability, product consistency and re-deployability.

By considering these concepts, we can consider robots as part of an overall process improvement opportunity vs. simply as a direct replacement for workers. Doing so brings into consideration improvements to the production environment, increased product quality, and enhanced company profitability. Ultimately a refocused ROI calculation will help companies pivot from mid-line labor expenses to top-line revenue and bottom-line profitability.

Cards and Code: How We Modernized Kanban to 2X Output

Time: 10:40am - 11:15am
Track: Smart Manufacturing
Presented by: Uriel Eisen, President, Arda

This session will give you strategies you can implement in your shop today to start on the path to doubling your throughput without adding overhead costs, whether you’re operating a prototyping shop or streamlining custom manufacturing.

We’ll look at companies in various sectors that have doubled their throughput. Then, we’ll discuss the tools and methodologies you can use to replicate these results.
You’ll learn:
•Where kanban fits in your tech stack.
•How to take kanban beyond just paper.
•How to implement a plan for every part.
•Strategies for sizing kanban loops from Bosch and other leading manufacturers.
•Why implementing kanban predictably yields transformative results.

You Can’t Read the Label When You’re Inside the Box: Five trends to help you Revolutionize Your Process

Time: 11:25am - 12:00pm
Track: AI on the Assembly Line
Presented by: Chip Paulsen, Chief Commercial Officer, Rhino Tool House

When you’re working so close to daily operations, it’s easy to miss opportunities for improvement. This session explores how stepping back—or bringing in a fresh perspective—can uncover hidden inefficiencies, spark innovation, and drive meaningful gains in manufacturing performance.

Investing for the Future: How Robots Can Grow With Your Production

Time: 11:25am - 12:00pm
Track: Robots on the Assembly Line
Presented by: Adrian Choy, Robotics Product Manager, OMRON

For small and midsized assembly plants, a constant concern is whether or not immediate investments will have long-lasting ROI as production capacity grows. In this talk, we will exploring robotics options that are well-suited for growing small and midsized factories and considerations to ensure that robotics investments have long-lasting payoffs.

Smart Manufacturing and IIoT: Effectively Gathering Machine Data, Consolidating It, And Moving It to Where It’s Needed

Time: 11:25am - 12:00pm
Track: Smart Manufacturing
Presented by: Tom Knauer, Global Product Manager, Balluff

Manufacturers are under pressure to reduce costs, improve efficiency and be more flexible in production. Smart manufacturing and IIoT provide a path to address these pressures. Smart sensors, network protocols, interface blocks, edge gateways and interface devices provide simple and cost-effective ways to gather device data and communicate it to where it’s needed: at the control level, the process level, the enterprise level, or the cloud.

Sensors are the eyes, ears and skin of a machine, and are the basic devices for gathering data for smart manufacturing applications. In the past, sensors were individually wired to machine controllers and robots, requiring many cables and a lot of time to set up the system. Their data was limited, and gathering and using this data in IIoT applications was cumbersome.

Now, smart sensors cam provide information to more closely monitor and optimize manufacturing processes. Learn how sensor-level networks, such as IO-Link, greatly simplify start up, allowing sensors to be connected to I/O blocks using standard cabling, reducing wiring time and trouble-shooting. These I/O blocks consolidate the smart sensor data and are easily connected to higher level Ethernet or Fieldbus protocols. Discover how to transmit information where it’s needed, whether control systems or cloud devices. using standard masters and edge gateways.

Building Better RFQs: Engineering Clarity into Automated Equipment Procurement

Time: 1:00pm - 1:35pm
Track: Automated Assembly
Presented by: Peter Gratschmayr, VP Sales, MWES

This presentation will describe how to craft RFQ documents that don’t just check boxes, but serve as the foundation for high-performance, cost-effective manufacturing systems. Creating a successful RFQ requires more than just technical specs—it’s about understanding your factory's true operating conditions beyond what’s visible on a site visit. That means gathering comprehensive data on throughput, bottlenecks, rework rates and station-level performance.

We'll look at how production metrics, workflow maps, and pain point analyses inform capital investment decisions and help define realistic performance expectations—like cycle time, part handling, and station yield. These insights empower your RFQ to drive solutions that actually meet your operational goals.

By the end of this session, you’ll understand how a well-structured RFQ can align your engineering vision with vendor capabilities, reduce risk and maximize ROI. This presentation will examine the key elements that turn a quote request into a roadmap for manufacturing excellence.

How Can a Wireless Tool Positioning System for Battery Torque Tools Error-proof Assembly Lines?

Time: 1:00pm - 1:35pm
Track: Fastening
Presented by: Frederick Viaut, Marketing Manager, Desoutter Industrial Tools

Tool positioning systems are not new. However, traditional technologies have often relied on torque arms with encoders. With the rise of handheld battery-powered tools, the industry is shifting toward more flexible and intelligent technologies. In this session, you will learn how wireless tool positioning systems can support error-proofing on assembly lines. These systems provide a simple, yet powerful poka-yoke approach to achieving zero-defect process control.

Join us to explore real-world use cases in automotive, aerospace and general manufacturing, and learn how companies are leveraging this technology to enhance precision, traceability and efficiency.

Benefitting from Machine Learning in Machine Vision Applications

Time: 1:00pm - 1:35pm
Track: A Focus on Quality
Presented by: David Dechow, Industrial Automation Solutions Architect, Motion Automation Intelligence

Machine learning has been a vital part of machine vision for a long time. ML algorithms and tools go well beyond deep learning, a subset of ML, and provide diverse capabilities that can benefit a variety of applications. If you work with industrial machine vision you may already be implementing machine learning without knowing it. In this discussion we’ll define machine learning and how it works within machine vision and explore some of the unique implementations of machine learning tools for various use cases.

Save Time and Money With Virtual Commissioning of Automated Assembly Lines

Time: 1:45pm - 2:15pm
Track: Automated Assembly
Presented by: Andy Cannon, Director of Emerging Technologies, ATC Automation

Multistation automated assembly systems are a wonder to behold. A well-designed system can mass-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.

Thankfully, engineers no longer need to rely on graph paper and drafting tools to design automated assembly systems. A wealth of high-tech tools, such as animation, simulation, emulation and digital twins, is at their disposal. Discover how virtual commissioning can help reduce the time and expense of designing automation. Learn about physics-based 3D modeling technologies, such as Emulate3D, Process Sim and Visual Components. Learn the benefits and challenges of implementing virtual commissioning activities, and see how virtual commissioning modifies the traditional workflow of designing and building industrial machinery. This presentation will include several case studies with videos covering cycle time optimization, design flaw detection, communicating concepts to stakeholders, training controls engineers, verifying robot capabilities, and rapid startup.

Introduction to Robotic Screwdriving

Time: 1:45pm - 2:15pm
Track: Fastening
Presented by: John Sprovieri, Chief Editor, ASSEMBLY

Robotic screwdriving offers numerous advantages to manufacturers, higher throughput, lower labor costs and increased quality. However, it’s easy to underestimate the requirements of automation. Before implementing robotic screwdriving, engineers must consider several factors, including cost, robot design and product design. In this presentation, you will learn options for robotic screwdriving, how to justify the investment, and tips and tricks for implementing the technology.

So Little Time, So Much to Do – The Power of Kaizen Events

Time: 1:45pm - 2:15pm
Track: A Focus on Quality
Presented by: Eric Hayler, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt; Principal, Hayler Group

In today’s fast-paced world, leaders and teams are constantly challenged to do more with less time and fewer resources. This session explores how Kaizen Events—short-term, focused improvement workshops—can create powerful, sustainable change in just a few days. Whether you're drowning in inefficiencies or stuck in analysis paralysis, Kaizen Events offer a structured, hands-on method to rapidly solve problems, engage cross-functional teams, and drive measurable results.

Through real-world examples, practical tools, and interactive discussion, participants will learn how to identify ideal opportunities for Kaizen Events and what is needed to plan and lead a successful event. Whether you’re new to continuous improvement or looking to turbocharge your existing efforts, this session will equip you with a proven approach to turn “so much to do” into “done.”

Revolutionizing Preventative Maintenance: Harnessing IIoT and Industry 4.0 for Reduced Downtime and Increased Efficiency

Time: 2:40pm - 3:15pm
Track: Automated Assembly
Presented by: Brian Romano, Director of Technology Development, The Arthur G. Russell Co. Inc.

Industry 4.0 is transforming the manufacturing landscape by enabling smarter, interconnected systems that enhance operational efficiency. This session explores how cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies—such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and digital twins—are revolutionizing preventative maintenance. Attendees will learn how real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automated decision-making can reduce unplanned downtime and improve overall equipment effectiveness. Through case studies and industry examples, this session will provide practical insights into the implementation of these technologies, addressing both their benefits and integration challenges. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to optimize maintenance processes and leverage Industry 4.0 for a more resilient and efficient operation.

How to Minimize Human Errors and Enable Humanoids With AI and Smart Glasses

Time: 2:40pm - 3:15pm
Track: Assembly on the Cutting Edge
Presented by: Elise Chen, CEO, Syn2core Inc.

Human errors on automotive assembly lines happen daily, triggering rework in more than 20 percent of all vehicles. That’s because traditional quality control catches errors only after they have happened. In this session, you will learn how to check for errors during assembly, resulting in higher quality, less rework and fewer recalls. Artificial intelligence and smart glasses can detect and minimize errors in real time. Using live-streaming video, audio and movement data from each worker, these technologies can recognize process deviations in less than 1 second and provide audio feedback when needed. This process data can later be leveraged to train and operate humanoid robots.

The Impact of Stress on Quality Performance: Unraveling the Connection

Time: 2:40pm - 3:15pm
Track: A Focus on Quality
Presented by: Patrick Jester, President, Blackthorn Consulting Group, Inc.

In today’s fast-paced professional landscape, quality is the foundation of success, whether in manufacturing, healthcare, corporate operations, or customer service. While performance-driven environments demand precision and efficiency, stress can become a silent disruptor, negatively affecting decision-making, accuracy, teamwork, and overall work quality. This presentation explores the critical link between stress and quality performance, examining how cognitive overload, physical fatigue, emotional strain, and poor communication undermine excellence. More importantly, it provides actionable strategies to mitigate stress, ensuring that individuals and organizations can sustain high-performance standards without sacrificing well-being.

Session 22

Time: 3:25pm - 4:00pm
Track: Automated Assembly
Presented by: Steve Benvenuto, President, PrimeTest Automation

Traditional automation excels at mass production, when changeover costs are amortized over thousands or millions of parts over long periods of time. But, today’s market demands flexibility: rapid product iteration, customization and smaller batch runs. To meet the demands of short-run production (a few hundred or a few thousand units), automation systems must be designed differently. In this presentation, you’ll learn how to do just that. Find out how subsystems like robot cells with quick-change fixtures enable batch production. Learn techniques for smart changeover, such as kitting carts and digital tooling sets. Learn how to apply technologies, such as vision systems and vacuum grippers, to increase flexibility.

Quality Intelligence in Action: Unifying Data for End-to-End Assembly Excellence

Time: 3:25pm - 4:00pm
Track: Assembly on the Cutting Edge
Presented by: Priyansha Bagaria, CEO, Loopr AI, Inc.

With today's demand for higher throughput, traceability, and zero-defect goals, manufacturers are increasingly turning to data-driven quality systems to gain visibility across the full production lifecycle. In this session, Priyansha Bagaria, CEO of Loopr AI, will explore how manufacturers can achieve end-to-end quality excellence by integrating inspection data across all stations—from incoming components to assembly lines and final delivery.

Using real-time computer vision for visual inspection, coupled with enterprise system integration and digital documentation, manufacturers can transform quality from a reactive task to a continuous, intelligence-driven function.

Key points attendees will learn:

• How to build a unified “quality intelligence layer” by capturing inspection data from across the factory
• The role of real-time AI-powered feedback in reducing escapes, rework, and inspection time
• How to digitize documentation and streamline audit-readiness without changing existing infrastructure
• Best practices for integrating with ERP, MES, and QMS platforms to centralize quality performance data
• Techniques to empower operators, engineers, and suppliers with consistent inspection methods and tracking

APQP Taking the industry from Reactive to Proactive

Time: 3:25pm - 4:00pm
Track: A Focus on Quality
Presented by: Jennifer Gray, Senior Manager of Global Supplier Quality, Spirit AeroSystems

Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) is a proactive approach that helps organizations ensure high-quality product delivery by integrating quality considerations from the early stages of product development. By focusing on early planning and risk mitigation, APQP minimizes potential issues and costly rework later. The process involves five key phases: Planning, Product Design and Development, Process Design and Development, Product and Process Validation, and Ongoing Production, Use, and Post Delivery Service. APQP is more than a systematic process; it is a mindset that emphasizes cross-functional teamwork and a commitment to continuous improvement.

In addition, become acquainted with the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG), which plays a vital role in the manufacturing industry, offering benefits like enhanced quality, safety, and supply chain efficiency.