Industry 4.0 Business Leader
Bosch Rexroth Corp.
Rodney is a native of Michigan and has been at the Bosch Rexroth Division of Robert Bosch since 1998. While at Bosch Rexroth, Rodney has worked in a multitude of technology areas, including Controls, Tightening, Welding and Systems Solutions. Prior to Bosch, Rodney worked for GM/EDS from 1991-1998 in a number of technical, training (Service Technology Group) and commercial roles (Cadillac Motor Car Division).
Currently Rodney heads the i4.0 Consulting & Solutions Business, based out of Charlotte, NC. In this capacity, his organization provides expert guidance into the design and implementation of an i4.0 Roadmap for each client’s specific needs, drawing on the vast manufacturing experience and resources of Robert Bosch as both the lead global provider and user of manufacturing technologies.
As an engaged executive within the local communities, Rodney has served as the past Chair of the Management & Entrepreneurship Advisory Board and served on the International Business Advisory Board to the Eastern Michigan University College of Business. Further he has served on the Board of Directors for Comprehensive Youth Services in Macomb County, MI; and currently serves on the International Board of Directors for Alpha Sigma Phi International Fraternity and serves in an advisory capacity with the Automation Alley / World Economic Forum’s Council based in Detroit. Rounding out his life experience with years of prior experience with a variety of Academic Institutions; Trade Associations; National Non-Profit Organizations and other Local Community Services Organizations.
Rodney holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Central Michigan University; along with a Masters Certificate from Lawrence Technological University.
The journey to implement connected products and solutions to achieve the Factory of the Future can be daunting. In this talk Bosch Rexroth shares their vision for approaching the development of a connected factory roadmap. Concluding with a discussion of connected ready products and solutions that are available now, what is coming next and what Bosch Rexroth sees beyond.
Just as lean manufacturing is about more than eliminating waste, Industry 4.0 is not merely a matter of connecting machines and products via the Internet. Industry 4.0 will inevitably lead to new types of work and ways of working. This will necessitate changes to company structures and the relationships between companies. Businesses must understand what Industry 4.0 means to them and develop a corresponding implementation strategy. This session will provide will provide advice on how to get started.