F008: Heavy Manufacturing: Robotics For Extreme Applications
Date
Time
Experience Level
Intermediate
Location
N219-220
Presentations
Robotics Innovations for Next-Generation Casting and Forging
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Intermediate
The ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) Institute has funded hundreds of robotics and AI projects to strengthen US manufacturing. This session will feature a panel discussion featuring experts who have worked with us on our robotic casting and forging projects. We'll review lessons learned, best practices, results from the projects, and next steps to continue transforming casting and forging operations using robotics and AI. Attendees will walk away from the session with action-oriented next steps and learnings that they can apply in their own operations.
State-of-the-Art Automation for Advanced Material Handling Systems
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Intermediate
Material handling systems are transitioning from isolated mechanical equipment to fully integrated, intelligent automation platforms. This paper presents state-of-the-art automation solutions designed to enhance safety, throughput, reliability, and operational visibility in advanced material handling environments.
Key technologies include automated cranes, ASRS, transfer cars, AGVs, and conveyor systems coordinated through modern PLC architectures and high-performance industrial networks. The paper highlights closed-loop motion control, anti-sway systems, collision avoidance, No-Fly Zones, and condition-based diagnostics that improve both operational precision and personnel safety.
Integration with WMS, MES, and ERP platforms enables real-time product tracking, equipment utilization monitoring, and optimized material flow. The role of scalable industrial IT infrastructure and edge processing is also discussed as a foundation for future AI-driven capabilities.
The proposed automation framework demonstrates measurable improvements in productivity, asset performance, and risk reduction across complex material handling operations.
Sponsor
About the Speakers
Miguel Rodriguez
ARM Institute
Biography
Miguel Rodriguez is a Senior Programs Manager at the ARM Institute. In this role, Miguel is responsible for managing a multi-million-dollar portfolio of ARM’s Technology and Workforce Development projects and supporting the process by which they are selected. Through this work, Miguel helps to fulfill ARM’s mission of increasing U.S. global competitiveness by accelerating innovative technologies and workforce programs that make robots more accessible to U.S. manufacturers.
Alex Klinger is the Director of Product and Systems Engineering at Titan Robotics. He has a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland College Park and did his undergraduate work at Lehigh University. Alex holds multiple patents in the automation and robotics domain. He has held various engineer positions including at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the US Postal Service, Mack Trucks, and The Walt Disney Company, working to develop, design, analyze, assess, and maintain complex automated systems and bring advanced automation to production environments. He has extensive experience leading large automation projects from concept generation to implementation and continues to leverage his broad range of experience to bring advanced automation systems to market.
Steve Levesque is the Director of Artificially Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (AIMS) at the Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME) and Associate Director at the Simulation and Innovative Modeling Center (SIMCenter). Steve joined OSU in 2024 with over 25 years of experience in the research and development of advanced manufacturing technologies. Steve currently directs the business activities, processes, and strategy for AIMS and SIMCenter. The AIMS and and SIMCenter teams provide cross-functional skills to deliver research solutions to industry and government while also providing meaningful hands-on opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Prior to joining OSU, Steve’s work experience included a variety of engineering and management roles with Caterpillar at their Tech Center, Framatome Inc. Repair and Replacement Division, and most recently EWI. Steve has held a wide range of roles including welding engineering, robotic programming, special projects engineering, commercial and government research engineering, project and program management, operations management, and patent and IP portfolio management. Steve has served customers across a variety of industry sectors including automotive, aerospace, chemical, consumer products, defense, energy, heavy manufacturing, transportation and technical training.
Maximiliano A. Falcone has more than 25 years of automation experience having spent 10 years with a large automotive system integration firm, over five years with a robot OEM and now over nine years with PushCorp, Inc. Having been a part of projects in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Germany and China, he has extensive hands-on field knowledge of large system installations especially pertaining to metal finishing, welding where he holds one patent, assembly, machine vision and robotic guidance where he holds another patent.
Max holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Masters of Science in Product Development from the University of Detroit-Mercy where he also resides on the advisory board for the School of Mechanical Engineering. As of August 2017 Max is based out of Wixom Michigan and is responsible for the growth and support of PushCorp’s integration and end user network, specifically ensuring PushCorp’s customers have the knowledge and support they need to be successful.
Ed LaBruna was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He first graduated as an Electronic Technician and later earned a degree in Electronic Engineering from the Buenos Aires Institute of Technology.
His passion for electronics began at the age of six, and he has been working with computers since he was nine.
He is currently a partner and co-owner of Janus Automation, a company specializing in automation and IT solutions.
