Latest Industry Events Set to Highlight Factory Automation, Robotics, and More
More shows are switching to the hybrid model, allowing both in-person and virtual options for upcoming events. Are you attending in-person trade shows and conferences?
Industry events have consistently been a way for engineers to connect with each other, see live demos, and interact with the latest technology in the industrial automation industry.
Even before COVID-19 impacted in-person events, many companies and organizations were already switching to virtual events. Virtual events provide some unique features that in-person shows don't have. With virtual events, there is little to no travel fees, no walking miles around an expo center trying to find the next session, and added flexibility to watch the pre-recorded session at any time.
While virtual events will never fully replace the type of face-to-face interaction that comes with in-person shows, the industry has seen some benefits to both. Recently, more events are turning into "hybrid" events that offer both virtual and in-person options for attendees. What do these hybrid events look like? Below is a list of some upcoming virtual and in-person events in the industrial automation space.
ATX West
ATX West kicks off today, August 10th, and ends on Thursday, August 12th. The show specializes in smart automation, robotics, manufacturing, and other trending topics. Like most years, this event is in Anaheim, CA, at the Anaheim Convention Center. Registration for this event opens at 8:00 am Monday through Wednesday and at 8:30 am on Thursday.
According to their website, ATX West will have the following at their show:
- I20 educational sessions
- 70 countries
- 1,400 exhibitors
- 300,000 square feet of expo floor
- 600 conference delegates
- 13,000 attendees
An engineer working with a FANUC cobot to demonstrate its capabilities on the showroom floor. Image used courtesy of FANUC
Their website also states that many engineers from leading companies attend this show, including companies like Honeywell, GE, ABB, Rockwell, Amazon, Tesla, and more. Their live demos will include demonstrations from robots, 3D printing techniques, sensor demonstrations, and more. In addition to ATX West, there are a few other automation shows happening in August.
The Advanced Manufacturing Expo 2021
The Advanced Manufacturing Expo (AME) focuses on leading technology in automation, robotics, motion control, mechanical systems, vision systems, metalworking, and more. The event will start on Thursday, August, 26th and wraps up on Friday, August 27th. This event will take place at DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This show is organized by Industrial Control, a provider of factory automation technology headquartered in Michigan.
The Advanced Manufacturing Logo. Image used courtesy of Industrial Control
AME will be held as a hybrid event this year for the first time. There will be both physical and virtual booths available to attendees. Attendees can sign up for the traditional full in-person show where they can walk around the showroom floor and attend live sessions. Virtual attendees can sign up for online sessions, and exhibitors can also sign up for a virtual booth to be part of this event. This hybrid format gives attendees more freedom to pick and choose what they want to get from the conference. While in-person or hybrid events are a popular choice, virtual events are still pretty common.
All About Circuits - Industry Tech Days
Industry Tech Days is a week-long virtual conference and trade show event hosted on AllAboutCircuits.com, our sister website. The event will take place from September 13 - September 17, 2021. Users can register here for more information about this event. The event plans to feature live keynote discussions with industry leaders, live technical sessions, hundreds of technical resources from white papers to articles/product announcements, and giveaway prize packages.
Attendees can connect with thousands of other attendees, exhibitors, and speakers in real-time conversations. They have yet to announce major keynote speakers for the 2021 event but will be releasing that information soon.
A graphic of information about Industry Tech Days. Image used courtesy of AllAboutCircuits.com
This event will include presentations from engineers and leaders in industrial robotics, cybersecurity, manufacturing, and more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of the tradeshow industry significantly in the last year. Many companies have found ways to make their shows virtual, leading to a new normal for trade shows and events. With in-person, hybrid, and virtual events options, attendees have more flexibility and can customize these events to their needs.
