Purdue MEP, IMEC and CIRAS Announce Automation Webinar Series (FREE)

Robotics for Manufacturing

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Thanks to industrial robots, the manufacturing industry is on the verge of a revolution. As the technology becomes more intelligent, efficient, and cost-effective, robots are being called on to handle more complex tasks.

In this webinar, we will discuss how robots make manufacturing more efficient and scalable, the different types of robots for manufacturing, and some common applications for robots.

Join us and learn how to begin your journey in robotics through the help of Purdue MEP and our network of robotics experts.

Introduction to Collaborative Robotics

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Is your company faced with a workforce shortage? Are you having difficulties finding qualified people to work in your factory? Join us to learn how collaborative robotics can help solve your workforce challenges.

In this webinar, you will learn how collaborative robots (also referred to as “cobots”) can add value to your company, boost productivity, and improve reliability. Cobots are industrial robots designed to work safely with and among your employees. This free event will include video demonstrations of cobots used in real-world manufacturing environments and will provide opportunities to learn about the many ways cobots can benefit your operation.

Preparing for Automation Among Small and Medium Size Manufacturers

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Are you keeping up? Is your manufacturing plant as efficient as it could be? What will happen if you can’t find the necessary workers to accomplish your company’s goals? This 30-minute webinar provides a broad overview of manufacturing automation – what it is, where it’s heading, and the benefits in can provide, as well as the methodology and strategy that should go into an automation decision. Questions, please email srigshan@iastate.edu. 

Tech Tuesday with Ramco Innovations - Automated weld units

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Robotic welding units have the ability to decrease redundant tasks, improve safety, and increase throughput. Join this 60-minute webinar to hear Ramco Innovations, a CIRAS technology partner, provide an overview and case studies detailing these and other benefits of implementing robotic welding units in your manufacturing business. Questions, please email, srigshan@iastate.edu. 

What Robot is Right for Me? 

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The decision to incorporate automation into your production processes is made based on variety of factors: needs, capability and cost to name just a few.  Join IMEC and Universal Robots for an introductory guide to help you choose the right robot for the right application.

Autonomous Mobile Robots

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If you are exploring ways to boost your company’s productivity using automation, one option might be Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). These robots can transport the movement of raw materials, intermediary product, and finished goods across the factory floor and warehouse.

In this webinar, you will learn what AMRs are, what they can do, and how they operate safely and autonomously. We will view use cases showing how AMRs are being used in different manufacturing settings and hopefully give you some ideas on how these advanced robots might benefit your business.

Join us and learn how to begin your journey in robotics through the help of Purdue MEP and our network of robotics experts.

RAMCO Tech Tuesday - Advanced Sensing Solutions

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Sensors can provide a mountain of data to help you improve your manufacturing process. This 60-minute webinar will feature Ramco Innovations, a CIRAS technology partner discussing the latest in sensor technology. We explain the capabilities of each type of sensor and share examples of how they've been used to improve businesses. Questions, please email, srigshan@iastate.edu.

Autonomous Guided Vehicles in Manufacturing

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Moving product or materials from one point to another inside a factory doesn't necessarily have to require the time and talent of valuable employees. This one-hour webinar will give Iowa manufacturers a broad overview of both the technical limitations and the tremendous potential of autonomous vehicles. Questions, please email, srigshan@iastate.edu.

Do’s and Don’ts: Identifying Good Robot Projects

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The webinar will cover best practices on identifying good robot projects both from ROI and application complexity standpoint.

This session from IMEC and Universal Robots will cover: movement patterns best fit for automation, choosing the right robot for the right application, questions to answer before purchasing the hardware, DIY vs using and integrator. Questions, please email, elee@imec.org

Affordable Robots: Lease, Rent, and Reconditioned Options

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In this webinar, you will learn about available options when it comes to acquiring robotic automation. Renting, leasing, and buying reconditioned robots are all available when you choose automation integrator, RobotWorx.

Preparing for Automation Among Small and Medium Size Manufacturers

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Are you keeping up? Is your manufacturing plant as efficient as it could be? What will happen if you can’t find the necessary workers to accomplish your company’s goals? This 30-minute webinar provides a broad overview of manufacturing automation – what it is, where it’s heading, and the benefits in can provide, as well as the methodology and strategy that should go into an automation decision. Questions, please email, srigshan@iastate.edu.

Robotics 101: Putting Automation to Work

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Implementing automation for your manufacturing processes is a significant investment of money for equipment and time for planning and programming. Join IMEC and FANUC America for a session that will help you to avoid the pitfalls of selecting the wrong robot for the job, ensuring a smooth transition into the world of manufacturing automation. Questions, please email, elee@imec.org

The Case for Automation

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The Case for Automation webinar is a session on justifying automation from a business perspective. This should be one of the first places you start when exploring an investment in automation at your facility. The intended audience are those individuals from engineering, finance, and operations tasked with evaluating new technology, capital expenditures, and project-based needs. Each webinar hereafter will focus on the next step in the process of bringing automation to your plant from start to finish.

Manufacturing Robots 101

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Thanks to industrial robots, the manufacturing industry is on the verge of a revolution. As the technology becomes more intelligent, efficient, and cost-effective, robots are being called on to handle more complex tasks.

In this webinar, we will discuss how robots make manufacturing more efficient and scalable, the different types of robots for manufacturing, and some common applications for robots.

Join us and learn how to begin your journey in robotics through the help of Purdue MEP and our network of robotics experts.

Hey, Dave, Can Your Robot Do This?

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Join IMEC and Universal Robots for a conversation that addresses the capabilities of collaborative robots, aka cobots. Lower in cost than traditional automation, cobots are a good solution to production challenges for small and mid-sized manufacturers. Questions, please email, elee@imec.org.

Jump Start Your Journey Towards Industry 4.0

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Industry 4.0 is a term that describes the next phase of modern manufacturing – a world where factories have the ability to generate massive amounts of data and quickly analyze it to improve their processes. This is a world with powerful benefits. But how do you know where to start? This 90-minute webinar is designed to help Iowa manufacturers understand what they need to know and how they should react. This workshop will help you assess your readiness and develop a plan. Questions, please email srigshan@iastate.edu.

Collaborative Robotics Automation Conference

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Discover how to leverage collaborative robots (cobots) to maximize ROI. During this hands-on conference, we will help you fi nd the right process strategy for your enterprise’s automation so that you can become more efficient. Increase productivity, solve labor challenges, reduce margin of error and make your place of business safer, all by implementing cobots. Questions, please email, elee@imec.org.

Industry 4.0 - Omron AI Vision System

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This webinar will review the technical features of an OMRON AI-based vision system such as memory storage, external interface, environmental usage, etc. along with applications of the vision system in manufacturing such as quality inspection, assembly verification and package counting. All attendees will get a high level understanding of the vision system, discuss their specific applications, and get access to a qualified technology partner (RAMCO). This webinar is designed for all employees that work in production operations i.e. from shop floor operators to production managers. Questions, please email, srigshan@iastate.edu.

Adopt Automation Faster: Scale it Risk-free Through RaaS

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This webinar will focus on current trends in automation and robotics and how manufacturers are adopting new technologies. We will highlight a new alternative to CapEx investment when purchasing new equipment. Questions, please email, elee@imec.org.

Cobot Safety: Rules, Regulations, and Risk Reviews 

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Collaborative robots are the fastest growing segment in industrial robotics – for good reason. They are flexible, easy to program, and when compared to their “older generation” industrial counterparts, far safer and less expensive, as well as faster to deploy. But those who use or want to use cobots need to understand the risks and liability involved, as with any other machine on their factory floor. Questions, please email, elee@imec.org.

Adopt New Technology: How Robotic Bin Picking can Excel Over Traditional Manufacturing

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Automated bin picking has existed for many years with varying challenges and past barriers to entry. Today, recent and accelerating advancements in technology make robotic bin picking more reliable and accessible than ever, for the right application. Questions, please email, elee@imec.org.

Simple Robotic Automation - Machine Tending in CNCs and Machining Operations

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This one-hour webinar will provide an overview of simple plug-and-play automation systems that can help Iowa manufacturers achieve greater efficiency and productivity from their CNC and machining operations. We’ll explain how this system could help small and medium-sized Iowa manufacturers increase the efficiency of their operators and show you the value in terms of quicker set-up times, and ROI. Questions, please email, srigshan@iastate.edu.

Fill the Gap: Solving the Welder Shortage with Robotic Technology

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Many manufacturers nationwide are having a difficult time finding quality welders. Based on the American Welding Society (AWS) estimates a welder shortage of 372,000 in the U.S. by 2026. In order to stay in business and be competitive, forward-thinking companies are now looking into automating their processes.

We will highlight arc welding solutions for manufacturers of all sizes, from high-volume suppliers to high-mix, low-volume job shops. In addition, we will feature a variety of welding options for increased flexibility and improved uptime. Questions, please email, elee@imec.org.

IoT in Manufacturing: Common Sensors and Their Applications

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This one-hour webinar will introduce attendees to common sensors and their manufacturing applications. Questions, please email, srigshan@iastate.edu.

Robotic End of Arms Tooling and Grippers

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Robotic end of arm tools, also commonly called robotic grippers or end effectors, occupy a critical position in many robotic systems.

In this webinar, we will explore their role as the interface between robots and the materials they handle. We will review the different types of grippers, criteria for choosing the proper gripper, how 3D printing can play a role, as well as common applications in manufacturing. Questions, please email, kbsquill@purdue.edu. 

How Good is Your Vision? 

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If your automation cell were the human body, machine vision acts as the eyes of the operation and sensors act as part of the nervous system. Your automation system needs information to run effectively and the right tools to capture that data.

In this webinar, we present types of cameras and vision systems that can be deployed effectively in manufacturing. We’ll also explore the varieties of sensors available, how to choose the right type of sensor, and how today’s sensors can “talk” to your network. Questions, please email, kbsquill@purdue.edu. 

Industrial Welding Technology and Robotics Open House (In-Person, Hammond, IN)

We are excited to get back together safely, as a small group, in order to showcase our partners at Tri-State Industries and their Automation Division. This group is serving small and medium-sized manufacturers seeking a partner in contract welding, robotic welding, and industrial automation solutions.

Join us for a brief presentation, lunch and networking, followed by a facility tour and technology demonstration. Questions, please email, kbsquill@purdue.edu. 

Collaborative Robots (Cobots) 

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This webinar will review the technical features of collaborative robots (cobots) by OMRON such as reach, payload capacity, axes, installation types, landmarks, vision system, etc. This webinar will include examples of typical types of applications for cobots. All attendees will get a high-level understanding of the cobots and get access to a qualified technology partner (RAMCO). This webinar is designed for all employees that work in production operations i.e. from shop floor operators to production managers. No prior training is required. For questions please contact Shankar Srinivasan at srigshan@iastate.edu.

Jump Start Your Journey Towards Industry 4.0

Request Recording

Industry 4.0 is a term that describes the next phase of modern manufacturing – a world where factories have the ability to generate massive amounts of data and quickly analyze it to improve their processes. This is a world with powerful benefits. But how do you know where to start? This 90-minute webinar is designed to help Iowa manufacturers understand what they need to know and how they should react. This workshop will help you assess your readiness and develop a plan. For more information, contact Shankar Srinivasan at srigshan@iastate.edu.

Conveyors and Flexible Part Feeder Systems for Manufacturing

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We have all seen conveyors in use, probably even stood on one at the airport. But how do you identify which type is right for your manufacturing application or bottleneck you wish to unlock? Feeder bowl systems are less familiar, but just as important in achieving efficiency through automated part travel and presentation.

In this webinar, we will refresh everyone on each technology, then talk about specific challenges plants face when choosing between technology options. We will also cover common applications you will likely encounter at your facility and how to identify the best fit solution for a successful installation. Questions, please email, kbsquill@purdue.edu. 

3D Scanning Applications for Manufacturing

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3D scanners are useful tools for many applications, including reverse engineering, fit verification, product development, and quality inspections.

In this webinar, you will learn the 3D scanning process from start to finish, how scanners differ depending on the task at hand, witness the actual use of a handheld structured light scanner, applications for the scanned data once it has been collected, and how reverse engineering solid CAD files differ from producing scan data alone. Questions, please email, kbsquill@purdue.edu. 

Application of Industrial Robotics - Part 1 - Fanuc Robots

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This is Part 1 of a two-part series designed to provide an overview of how robotic solutions can help Iowa manufacturers respond to workforce shortages and other crises. Experts from CIRAS and FANUC America will explain various ways to use different robots. Part 2, scheduled for August 10, will be a deeper dive into the most interesting applications. For more information, please contact Shankar Srinivasan at srigshan@iastate.edu.

Application of Industrial Robots - Part 2 - Fanuc Robots

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This is Part 2 of a two-part series designed to provide an overview of how robotic solutions can help Iowa manufacturers respond to workforce shortages and other crises. In Part 1, experts from CIRAS and FANUC America explained various ways to use automation and Industry 4.0 Technology. Now, they’ll take a deeper dive into the most interesting applications. For more information, please contact Shankar Srinivasan at srigshan@iastate.edu.