W3: Innovate to Automate

In the fast-moving world of robotic technology evolution, hear from some of the leading minds in robotic welding to make sure your company is not left behind.

9:00 AM – 9:35 AM
AWS D16 SUITE OF DOCUMENTS – HOW IT CAN HELP YOU
Karen Gilgenbach, Vice President – North Zone, Matheson
Many people are unaware that the AWS offers a suite of codes as well as a certification in the area of Robotic and Automated Welding. AWS D16 Chairperson Gilgenbach will be presenting on the AWS documents around safety, risk analysis and certification, and how these can be used in your manufacturing.

9:35 AM – 10:10AM
KEY BENEFITS OF AUTOMATION AND WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED
Marvin Herrera, Welding Engineer, Freedman Seating Company
My presentation will outline some recent automation projects I have put in place and some of the benefits we have seen, for example, quality, increased throughput, and addressing labor shortages. I will touch on our new collaborative welding robots from Vectis Automation and how we can view robots as our coworkers in the future. I also will touch on how I work with other departments to make sure parts are robot friendly, the least amount of operations, fixturing parts, and more.
Marvin Herrera, Welding Engineer, Freedman Seating Company

10:25 AM – 11:00 AM
PRACTICAL AUTOMATION: MAXIMIZING EFFICIENCY IN HEAVY FABRICATION
Mike Wise, Valmont 
Join Mike as he delves into the realm of practical automation within the heavy fabrication industry. With years of experience in this field, Mike challenges the conventional notion that heavy fabrication and automation are incompatible. In this engaging presentation, he explores the dynamics between humans and robots, delves into industry trends, and offers insights into effective workforce management. Mike also sheds light on the importance of understanding current operational states and shares a philosophy aimed at maximizing existing workforce potential, refining supporting processes, and strategically integrating automation where feasible or necessary. Discover how to achieve optimal efficiency and competitiveness in heavy fabrication through a pragmatic approach to automation.

11:00 AM – 11:35 AM
WELDING AUTOMATION IN EDUCATION – "TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF WELDING PROFESSIONALS" 
Sam Chance, Welding Programs Director, Arclabs Welding School 
In much of the country welder training hasn't changed much since the 1960's. Welders are still taught to welding with arc welding equipment in small, dark, and dirty welding booths. But what if the welding jobs in industry aren't dark and dirty anymore? How do we train the next generation to use today's newest technology? This presentation will explore the philosophy of training the next generation of welders to use new and emerging technologies such as robotics and automation, and artificial intelligence. 

11:40 AM – 12:15 PM 
ADVANCED PLANNING FOR COBOT WELDING ADOPTION
Mark Schaub, President, Next Level Consultant 
Covers high level business case for cobot welding automation, brief overview of emerging technologies, how to identify welding target applications, the importance of various cobot deployment methods into production, and an overview of the array of organizational implications associated with broadly adopting cobot welding into your production strategy