Exciting array of speakers announced for Automation UK seminar programme

Automation UK, the new exhibition highlighting the importance of robotics and systems integration to the future growth of the UK economy, has revealed the details of the first of the industry experts set to speak at the sell-out event.

With just over a month to go until the doors open at the Coventry Building Society Arena, anticipation for the new show is building. Taking place from 20-21 June 2023, the event highlights the latest products, developments and solutions in robotics and automation, with solutions on display for visitors to improve efficiency and productivity in their operation.

Owned and organised in conjunction with BARA, the event is designed to promote the use of, and assist in the development of, industrial robots and automation in British industry. Being owned by the industry, for the benefit of the industry, means there are many BARA members exhibiting – each showcasing their latest products and services, with experts on hand to offer advice and support.

Big names exhibiting include ABB, CKF, Fanuc, Festo, Kuka Robotics, Mills CNC, Piab, Pilz Automation, RM Group, Schubert and Yaskawa. Joining them will be nearly 40 other companies all active in the sector and looking to raise their profiles and generate new business.

Some of the speakers taking to the stage at the event are drawn from these founding exhibitors. They include Josh Roberts of Festo, who will be discussing how to select the optimal motion technology for specific applications. Joining him will be Oliver Selby and Satty Cole, both of Fanuc, who will talk about reducing the skills gap to support growth in automation adoption, while Jason Reed, of Pilz, will address changes to machinery safety legislation and what this means for the industry. Also confirmed is Dr Martin Kidman, of Sick, who will talk about safety in industrial and collaborative robots.

The market intelligence offered by such experts will be crucial in helping visitors to the exhibition identify the latest emerging technology trends within the industrial automation and robotics industry. More importantly, it will help provide businesses with a competitive edge when they come to devise future strategies for success.

Confirmed as keynote speaker for the event is Jeff Burnstein, President of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), a trade group representing more than 1,000 global companies involved in associations focused on robotics, machine vision, motion control and motors and related technologies. Burnstein is an expert on the impact of automation on jobs as well as the future of automation, and has appeared on CNBC, Bloomberg News, BBC, as well as in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Newsweek and other leading media outlets and publications.

Co-located with Automation UK is the UKIVA’s Machine Vision Conference (MVC), a well-established and successful machine vision confex event. This means visitors to Automation UK will also be able to cross-over and see the latest developments in industrial vision and imaging systems.

Visitors signing up for MVC are also free to attend the Automation UK speaker programme.

Recognising the vast potential of automation and robotics to British industry, BARA’s aim in establishing Automation UK is to shine a spotlight on the disruptive technologies and to highlight their true value to the wider economy. Automation UK also promises to be the largest annual gathering of industry experts under one roof in the UK.

The event has been specially designed for businesses operating in the automation and robotics markets. Showcasing the latest products and services, the show will feature live demonstrations of the latest machines.

Visitors attending the event will be able to see live working demonstrations of the latest automation and robotics technology, helping them make informed investment decisions on their next machine.

Visitor registration for this free-to-attend event is now open, and the strong numbers suggest it is proving an attractive prospect for the industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet new suppliers, learn about new technology and new techniques as well as explore how this rapidly developing sector can help improve their business efficiency, productivity and accuracy.

Both the BARA and UKIVA are members of the PPMA group of trade associations. The PPMA is the UK trade association for suppliers of processing and packaging machinery to both the domestic and overseas markets. With more than 550 member companies, the association’s principal objective is to help members sell more products and services through the PPMA Group’s various exhibitions, publications and training.