Assembly Show encourages integration of robotics in manufacturing

ROSEMONT - The Assembly Show will be showcasing robotics in manufacturing at the 2016 event, taking place Oct. 25-27 at

the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.

During the opening night Welcome Reception on Oct. 25, high school students from FIRST Illinois Robotics programs will demonstrate the robots they have built, which are using technology applicable for assembly manufacturing. Preceding the reception, from 1-4 p.m., there will be a Collaborative Robotics Workshop, featuring speakers from FANUC, ABB Robotics, Universal Robots and KUKA Robotics Corp.

"The Assembly Show is proud to be featuring the FIRST Illinois robotics teams at the 2016 event," said Tom Esposito, publisher of Assembly Magazine, sponsor of the event. "FIRST is a great program that encourages students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields and enhance their 21st century work-life skills and we welcome them to The

Assembly Show."

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, N.H., the not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.

In addition to welcoming FIRST Robotics, the Assembly Show will also offer a workshop focused on collaborative robotics, one of the hottest segment of the robotics industry. Many engineers are intrigued by the potential of next-generation machines equipped with state-of-the-art sensor technology that allows robots to operate side-by-side with people.

However, the technology is clouded by several myths and misperceptions. In this workshop, attendees will learn what this technology can and cannot do, and how manufacturers are using the technology now.