Automation Technology Expo (ATX) West and Design & Manufacturing (D&M) next week to see IIoT updates

The Industrial Internet of Things (also called Industry 4.0 and the fourth industrial revolution) is changing advanced manufacturing. In fact, research from KPMG International estimates IIoT component markets may exceed $4 trillion this year.

Two industries supplying these IIoT components and driving the innovation behind IIoT include automation and design engineering. These industries will come together next week (Feb. 11 to 13) at the Anaheim Convention Center in California for the Automation Technology Expo (ATX) West and Pacific Design & Manufacturing (D&M). Showing at this event will be a broad array of technologies — complemented by conference sessions on the future of Industry 4.0.

ATX West will focus on automation and robotic technology — including robotic accessories, motion control, and automation software. In contrast, Pacific D&M will focus on components needed in assembly, injection molding, rapid prototyping, and additive manufacturing … as well as contract design and manufacturing. Pacific Design & Manufacturing director Suzanne Deffree, and Automation Technology Expo West director Steve Everly recently shared more details on this.

Deffree: Pacific D&M is for anyone who is interested in learning more about design services and technologies; many great companies and conference speakers are bringing the latest in 3D printing, injection molding, and rapid prototyping. There will also be networking opportunities for all levels — from early-stage engineers to C-level executives.

Everly: ATX West is a must-attend event for those looking to implement automation. Exhibitors will be displaying and demoing automated technologies for medical devices, aerospace and defense, consumer electronics, and automotive.

Deffree: Each year, Pacific D&M returning exhibitors share their latest technology and design services. That’s why I recommend attendees leverage all three days while at the show to truly grasp all this innovation shaping manufacturing processes. Some interesting exhibitors to check out would be Altech Corp, Flow International, Formlabs, and Stratasys.

Everly: ATX West includes live onsite demonstrations of new robotics and automation technology. Many of the leading robotics companies such as Epson Robots, ATS Automation, and Universal Robots will be showcasing their advancements in robotic technology. Attendees can expect to see the latest in motion control, motors, drives, and sensors.

Deffree: The advent of 3D printing as an aspect of additive manufacturing is here with the market expected to be worth $34.8 billion by 2024. This year, a major topic and trend at Pacific D&M will be spotlighting 3D printing’s immense value in the manufacturing process apart from basic prototyping as 3D printing technology can majorly influence manufacturing processes to perform at a higher and faster performance. This year, we’re featuring an entire 3D Printing Innovation Summit dedicated to 3D printing material, innovation, and adoption.

Everly: The undeniable trend of robotics and automation technologies for the factory floor is a large area of emphasis. Many exhibiting companies will be featuring robotics built to work in manufacturing plants. There will be pick-and-place robots, cobots … and technology implementations such as artificial intelligence (AI) driving them to be smarter. For more information, click here.