Integr8, the annual Industry 4.0 conference hosted by Ann Arbor’s Automation Alley, will once again bring together technology and manufacturing leaders from across the globe, this year on May 9 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
The conference, now in its sixth year, will focus on smart manufacturing that promotes agility, resiliency, and efficiency.
“The fourth Industrial Revolution continues to redefine the way we work and live. Connected, intelligent, and transformative, Industry 4.0 innovations are empowering people and businesses across the globe,” says Tom Kelly, executive director and CEO of Automation Alley.
“Automation Alley’s Integr8 conference will create a space for collaboration, exploration, and discovery as we tackle the social, economic, and environmental challenges associated with Industry 4.0 and lay the foundations for the innovations of tomorrow.”
More than 1,000 technology and manufacturing professionals are expected to convene for the day-long conference that will include a smart manufacturing exhibition, a keynote presentation, breakout sessions, tech talks, the return of roundtables, and a 3-D printing pitch competition hosted by Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s (MEDC) Pure Michigan Business Connect.
The conference will begin with a keynote speech from Thomas Schuelke, president of Fraunhofer USA. He will talk about the Fraunhofer model of transatlantic technology transfer through applied research and development as they relate to Industry 4.0 trends, challenges, and solutions during this generational 21st century industrial revolution.
German-based Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is one of the largest organizations for applied research and development services in Europe. With about 29,000 employees worldwide and an annual budget of about 2.8 billion euros. Schuelke is a long-time leader in manufacturing change management and has been published in several books and more than 70 peer-reviewed scientific papers as manufacturing has evolved.
“The phrase Industry 4.0 started in Germany and I’m excited to share our Transatlantic model for collaboration and joint development during Integr8 2023,” says Schuelke. “Manufacturers have the opportunity to ready themselves for the software automated 21st century and Integr8 is where to find the next best industry practice.”
This year, for the first time since 2019, Integr8 will feature roundtable discussions. These roundtables go beyond networking — allowing attendees to exchange ideas, insights, and best practices that are leading to technological advances in their manufacturing operations.
These discussions will include:
- The Software-first Mindset: Enabling Flexibility, Resiliency & Efficiency
- Additive Manufacturing Standards: Enabling Global Collaboration, Quality and Trust
- The Industry 4.0 Workforce: Creating a Culture of Learning, Experimentation and Technology Acceptance
- The Power of Data: Leveraging Analytics on the Factory Floor
- The Future of Manufacturing ‘As A Service’
- Supply Chain & Sustainable Manufacturing Solutions
- Building a Strong Talent Pipeline: Industry & Academic Collaboration
Back by popular demand, the 2023 conference will also include a 3-D printing pitch competition hosted by the MEDC’s Pure Michigan Business Connect. The grand prize is a state-of-the-art 3-D printer. Details about the competition and an application and more details will be shared soon.
Those who would like to attend Integr8 2023 or are interested in exploring sponsorship and speaking opportunities can learn more by clicking here.
Integr8 is also offering a 20 percent discount for early registration through Feb. 28. Although expo entry is free, the All-Access pass includes the keynote, breakout sessions, roundtables, and breakfast and lunch for $159. Those who wish to attend can register here.
