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New York Manufacturing Conference 2019

Wednesday, May 1, 2019 - 7:30am to 6:30pm
Hilton Garden Inn, Troy, NY

Keynote Speaker

Bill Pollock
Founder & President, Optimation Technology, Inc.
Keynote Speaker
Bill Pollock is founder and President of Optimation Technology, Inc. Optimation is a firm engaged in the design and fabrication of custom manufacturing systems. They are distinguished from other firms by the broad cross section of complementing services they offer for manufacturing companies. Optimation has been listed on the Rochester Top 100 list of fastest growing many times and has grown into a company of over 200 employees. Prior to founding Optimation, Bill was an associate professor of systems engineering at the State University of New York at Alfred. Earlier in his career he spent ten years as a control systems engineer at the Eastman Kodak Co. Bill earned a BS and an ME in electrical engineering from RPI and was elected to the RPI Athletic Hall of fame. He is recipient of the VandenBrul Award as Rochester’s entrepreneur of the year.
B. Wayne Bequette
Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the Technical Manager for the Northern Regional Center of the Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Normal Speaker
B. Wayne Bequette is a Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the Technical Manager for the Northern Regional Center of the Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His research efforts are focused on the modeling and control of biomedical and chemical process systems. Professor Bequette is the author of over 100 refereed journal publications and two textbooks published by Prentice Hall – (i) Process Control: Modeling, Design and Simulation (2003), and (ii) Process Dynamics: Modeling, Analysis and Simulation (1998). He serves as Board Secretary for the American Automatic Control Council and Vice President of the Computer Aids for Chemical Engineering Corporation. Dr. Bequette is a founding member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, and serves on the Editorial Board of Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. He is a Fellow of IEEE, AIChE and the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineers, and was inducted into the Arkansas Academy of Chemical Engineers. He is an avid bicyclist (commuting to campus in upstate NY throughout the entire year) and pole-vaulter (Master’s level competition refers more to age than skill level).
Matthew Carr, Stratasys
Matt Carr
Sr. Application Engineer, Stratasys
Normal Speaker
Matt Carr is a senior additive manufacturing application engineer at Stratasys with over 30 years of diverse engineering experience, including roles managing CAD/CAM/CAE product, sales, and engineering design teams. His experience spans multiple industries covering medical devices, consumer products, automotive, and defense. Prior to joining Stratasys, Matt served as VP of Sales and Technical Support for Kubotek USA. He also served as Director of Advanced Design and Professional Services for think3 and held application engineering management positions at Matra Datavision, CAMAX, and Cisigraph, in addition to technical sales roles at software startups, NexPrise (DARPA funded web collaboration platform) and Paraform, (reverse engineering software). Before moving into software vendor roles, Matt was the engineering design manager for Collins & Aikman, a tier one automotive interior supplier.
Ashwin Dani
Ashwin Dani
Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Connecticut
Normal Speaker
Ashwin Dani received M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Florida (UF), Gainesville. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs. He was a post-doctoral research associate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research interests are in the area of estimation, machine learning for control, human-robot collaboration, and vision-based control and autonomous navigation. His research in the area of passive vision-based range estimation has been transitioned to industry for range estimation for ships. He is actively engaged with the aerospace and robotics industry on various research fronts that include collaborative robotics in aerospace and manufacturing applications, perception, vision-based estimation and control, machine learning for control, and network control. He is a senior member of IEEE CSS and RAS societies, and a member of the Conference Editorial Board for IEEE Control System Society. He is a co-recipient of the 2016 FUSION student paper award - 2nd runner up, 2015 ASME Dynamics, Systems and Controls Conference Best Robotics paper award and the 2012 Technology Innovator Award from the UF for technology transition to industry. His teaching efforts are acknowledged by 2018 AAUP Teaching Innovation Award.
Steve Derby
Steve Derby
Technology Lead, AutoGuide Mobile Robots
Normal Speaker
Steve Derby is currently working with AutoGuide Mobile Robots as Technology Lead. He is exploring new markets, partnerships and technology developments. Steve is an Associate Professor Emeritus in Mechanical Engineering at RPI and was an active member of the NYS CATS for many years. Steve has worked with a number of industrial projects within the CATS organization and with his outside consulting companies. Projects included fuel cell membrane manufacturing and assembly, automated handling of soft contact lenses, and vertical indoor farming.
Claude Dinsmoor
General Manager of the General Industry and Automotive Segment for FANUC America
Normal Speaker
Claude Dinsmoor is General Manager of the General Industry and Automotive Segment for FANUC America. In this role his group manages product planning, pre and post sale application and product support for General Industry and Automotive sectors (“everything except for robots that Paint or Arcweld”). Prior to this he was General Manager of Product Development for FANUC. He was responsible for robot product software development in the US in the areas of programming software, operating systems, safe software systems, machine vision, and industrial networking and communications products. He is a member of the US R15.06 robot standards committee, is a member of the RIA Standards Development committee and helps represent the US in ISO 10218 robot safety standards activities. Claude has worked in industrial robotics product development for over 37 years, first with GE, and for the last 34 years with the FANUC group.
Arnie Kravitz
CTO, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM)
Normal Speaker
Arnie Kravitz is the CTO of Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM). In this role, Arnie drives ARM’s technical vision to help the organization fulfill its mission of increasing US global competitiveness by accelerating innovative technologies that make robots more accessible to US manufacturers. He achieves this goal, in part, by convening experts and stakeholders from among ARM’s industrial, academic, non-profit, and government partners. Arnie has spent more than 37 years designing, developing, and manufacturing a large portfolio of products that include aquatic robots, autonomous vehicles, robotic, augmented and virtual reality vision systems, self-learning inference engine-based systems, commercial consumer electronics, and cryptographic devices. He has taught as an Adjunct Professor at The Johns Hopkins University and has significant experience exploiting emerging tools and techniques to rapidly transform new ideas into manufactured products. Arnie holds a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Cody Larson
Cody Larson
Sales Engineer, MESH Automation
Normal Speaker
Cody Larson is a sales engineer for MESH Automation, located in Dawsonville, Georgia, with over 10 years of experience in manufacturing automation and welding operations. He has previously worked as a welder at a heavy industry contractor, a process engineer at General Motors and various engineering roles at MESH Automation. For the past five years Cody has been focused on robotic welding and robotic post weld processing. He has been instrumental in developing MESH’s pre-engineered flexible automation cells (MAC) that focus on robotic welding and post weld processing such as deburring, brushing, grinding and buffing. Cody earned his master’s in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University, has held an AWS welding certification along with various site certifications for welding.
Dr. Dan Lewis
Associate Professor, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Normal Speaker
Professor Dan Lewis is an associate professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Prior to joining Rensselaer, Dr. Lewis was a researcher at GE Global Research. His work focused on oxidation performance and deformation processing of advanced ferritic materials for SOFC interconnects. In addition, he studied the metallurgy and electrical properties of amorphous and nano-crystalline soft magnetic materials, oxidation resistant coatings for superalloys, and infrared heating technology development. Prior to joining GE Global Research, he was awarded a two-year National Research Council post-doctoral fellowship. Under this award, he worked at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to study eutectic solidification microstructures using experimental and computational techniques. While at NIST he co-developed a technique for quantifying solidification microstructures in ternary eutectics. He also studied the effect of solidification velocity on the phase distribution in low-volume fraction ternary eutectics containing intermetallic phases. His research focuses on prediction of microstructural features resulting from thermal-mechanical processing.
Dr. Yong Liu
Principal Member, Technical Staff, ON Semiconductor
Normal Speaker
Dr. Yong Liu has been with ON Semiconductor Corp in South Portland, Maine since September 2016 as a Principal Member of the Technical Staff. Before Fairchild was acquired by ON Semiconductor, he was a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff since 2015, a Senior Member of the Technical Staff from 2008 to 2014, a Member of the Technical Staff from 2004 to 2007, and a Principal Engineer from 2001 to 2004. His main interest areas are advanced analog and power electronic packaging, modeling and simulation, reliability and material characterization. He has been invited to give numerous keynotes talks, presentations and professional short courses. He has authored and co-authored 3 books, 3 book chapters and over 180 papers in journals and conferences and has been granted 45 US patents. Dr. Liu has won numerous awards including Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship in 1994, the Fairchild award for Power of Pen first place in 2004, Fairchild Built in Quality Award in product innovation in 2005, Fairchild Key Technologist in 2006 and 2009, the first Fairchild President Award in 2008, numerous IEEE best paper awards and the IEEE CPMT Exceptional Technical Achievement Award in 2013. He was elevated as IEEE fellow in 2015.
Antoinette Maniatty
Professor, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Normal Speaker
Professor Antoinette Maniatty has been working in the area of modeling the behavior and evolution of materials during processing for over twenty-five years. Her recent projects include developing thermal-mechanical-material simulation tools for modeling laser-based additive and subtractive manufacturing processes, and modeling microstructural evolution during thermal-mechanical processing of titanium alloys. She earned her Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1991, her M.S. from the University of Minnesota in 1988, and her B.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1987, all in Mechanical Engineering. After spending one year as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Natal in Durban, South Africa, she joined the faculty at Rensselaer in 1992. She was the Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor from 1992-1997. In 1993, she received a National Science Foundation Young Investigator Award. In 2001, she was the first Loewy Visiting Professor in the Materials Science and Engineering Department at Lehigh University. She is a Fellow of the ASME.
Grethel Mulroy, Corning Incorporated
Grethel Mulroy
Smart Manufacturing, Project Manager, Corning Incorporated, Corning, NY
Normal Speaker
Grethel Mulroy joined Corning in August 2018 as Project Manager, Smart Manufacturing Solutions. In this role, she leads collaborative, multi-organizational projects to create Corning’s new products, new processes, and provide step-change development and manufacturing capability for new and existing businesses through Smart Manufacturing technologies and approaches. She is also actively involved in the coordination of Corning’s Digital Transformation initiatives for the technical community. Prior to Corning, Grethel held positions at Xerox Corporation as Director, Manager, Executive Technical Assistant to SVP, Project Engineer, and Manufacturing Engineer. Her experience in manufacturing and supply chain, as well as in commercial solutions development, included roles ranging from manufacturing process improvements, production management, development of messaging and communications, to creation and delivery of software solutions to extend Xerox’s products and service offerings to its customers. Grethel obtained her Masters of Science (M.S.) in Engineering and Manufacturing Management from Clarkson University and her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering concentration from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Alain Ouellette
Executive – Manufacturing Innovation Operations, GE Aviation Global Automation R&D Center
Normal Speaker
Alain Ouellette was named Executive of the GE Aviation Global Automation R&D Center in the fall of 2011. He was previously involved with Operations and NPI at the GE Bromont Aviation manufacturing site. The Automation site was officially opened in July of 2013 by GE Chairman Mr. Jeffrey Immelt. This organization, co-located with the manufacturing operations has a mandate of deploying automation solutions for the eighty plus sites located in twenty one countries worldwide. He started with GE in 1989, taking on multiple assignments in operations, manufacturing and quality. He had previously worked for two years at Bell Helicopter.
Jennifer Pazour
Jennifer Pazour, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Normal Speaker
Jennifer Pazour, Ph.D. is an associate professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Her research and teaching focus on the development and use of mathematical models to guide decision making for logistics and supply chain challenges. She has been recognized through a number of national awards for her research and teaching and is an advocate for youth to pursue engineering and logistics careers. She is always looking for challenging supply chain and logistics problems to motivate her research and incorporate into her classes. If you have some, please contact her at pazouj@rpi.edu More information can be found at her research and teaching blog: http://jenpazour.wordpress.com/
Dr. Stephen Rock
Senior Research Scientist, NYS Center for Automation Technologies and Systems at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Normal Speaker
Dr. Stephen Rock is a Senior Research Scientist in the NYS Center for Automation Technologies and Systems at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Steve serves as lab director for the CATS' Additive Manufacturing Lab, and he leads projects and conducts research on information-driven manufacturing process development - often involving advanced technologies such as laser systems, industrial robotics, and ultrasonic processing. Steve began work in Additive Manufacturing in 1989 on CAD/CAM interfacing, model validity checking, automated repair, topology-based slicing, and creation of an improved file format for storing facet model data. Steve invented and patented a powder-based metal additive manufacturing process, and he applied finite element modeling techniques and powder sintering models to perform shape optimization and correct for process-induced geometric distortions introduced during powder consolidation. Steve leads metal additive manufacturing R&D within the CATS and serves on the NY State Additive Manufacturing Steering Committee jointly organized by NYSERDA and ESD/NYSTAR. Steve has also served on the Robotic Industries Association board of directors and chaired the RIA Education Committee. Beyond Additive Manufacturing, Steve has conducted research on manufacturing process improvements for fuel cell membrane electrode assembly production. Results of this work have been commercialized and fielded on manufacturing lines in Germany and the United States. Steve participated on the team that proposed, won, and developed several courses for an NSF sponsored IGERT in the Engineering, Science, and Entrepreneurship of Fuel Cells, and he participated on the multi-year DOE project entitled Adaptive Process Controls and Ultrasonics for High Temperature PEM MEA Manufacture. He served as a Subject Matter Expert on the ONR-sponsored Fuel Cell Manhattan Project, and he has conducted numerous projects related to manufacturing process energy efficiency and energy management algorithm development.
Larry Ruff
Larry Ruff, Ph.D.
Senior Systems Engineer, School of Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Normal Speaker
Larry Ruff, Ph.D. is a Senior Systems Engineer in the School of Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His responsibilities include managing activities in the Manufacturing Innovation Learning Laboratory (MILL) and teaching courses in manufacturing. The MILL is a teaching facility that includes a wide range of manufacturing capabilities. Dr. Ruff’s industrial experience includes work in the areas of robotics and automation, machining, machine tool design and composites manufacturing.
Dr. Johnson Samuel
Associate Professor in the Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear engineering department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Normal Speaker
Dr. Johnson Samuel currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear engineering department of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), NY. As director of the Nano/Micro-scale Manufacturing and Material Design Lab (NanoM3 Design Lab) at Rensselaer, he leads research and education efforts in the areas of advanced manufacturing and material design. The lab has attracted funding from several agencies including the US NSF, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Defense Health Program, America Makes, DARPA and NASA. His research recognitions include the National Science Foundation CAREER award (2014), Rensselaer School of Engineering Research Excellence Award (2016) and The World Economic Forum – Young Scientist Award (2016). He has also been awarded the Rensselaer Class of 1951 Outstanding Teaching Award (2014) and the School of Engineering Education Innovation Award (2015), in recognition of his manufacturing education efforts at RPI. Dr. Samuel the is an alumnus of University of Illinois (PhD Mechanical Eng. 2009, MS Industrial Eng. 2003) and was the recipient of their 2016 MechSe Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
Glenn Saunders
Senior Research Engineer with the Center for Automation Technologies and Systems (CATS) at Rensselaer
Normal Speaker
Glenn Saunders is a Senior Research Engineer with the Center for Automation Technologies and Systems (CATS) at Rensselaer where he has been conducting industrially relevant, applied research for 20 years, specializing in robotics, manufacturing processes and new product development. Prior to that, he spent 15 years in industry, where he worked in machine tools, automation systems, robotics, manufacturing and machine design. He has an M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer. He is President and founder of the Upstate New York Laboratory Robotics Interest Group, a 501(c)(3) non-profit industry advocacy organization, and currently serves as the elected Mid-Atlantic Regional Robotics Collaborative Council representative within the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute.
Alyson Slack
Vice President – NYSTAR Business Development, Empire State Development – Division of Science, Technology & Innovation
Normal Speaker
Alyson works with the team at Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation (NYSTAR) to advance technology development and commercialization in New York State. She promotes the network of ESD-supported innovation assets and implements initiatives to ensure that technology companies have access to expertise, specialized equipment, and other resources needed for growth. She frequently works with federal agencies and other funding partners on opportunities related to technology- and innovation-led economic development in New York State. Alyson was previously an economic development analyst at Camoin Associates, and prior to that was responsible for special projects at the Albany-based Center for Economic Growth. She began her career as a researcher at the Center for Strategic & International Studies in Washington, D.C. Alyson has master’s and bachelor’s degrees in international economic policy from American University. She lives in Washington County, NY.
Skip Swift
Skip Swift
Vice President and Founder, Arcrite Automation
Normal Speaker
Skip Swift is the Vice president and founder of Arcrite Automation, established in 2010. Arcrite Automation provides a wide variety of solutions for manufacturing through ground-up development of semi-automated, “hard-automated”, and fully-automated (flexible) systems. Arcrite specializes in turn-key, tooled systems that incorporate cutting edge technologies and custom engineered solutions. Mr. Swift serves as Vice President with an extensive background in business development, sales, marketing, engineering and welding solutions. His background is a result of a family manufacturing business that targeted production welding solutions. Later, as a process specialist for Airgas, Mr. Swift worked with many manufactures in the North-East representing most segments of the metals manufacturing industries. In 1995 his career advanced him to a National Account Managers position with Thermadyne; Responsibilities included new product development as well as support for many large manufacturers throughout the US market. In 2003 Mr. Swift took a Director’s position at ABCO Welding Supply developing their new automation division, Eastern Welding Automation. EWA designed and developed automated solutions primarily for the defense industry.
Charles (Burt) Theurer
Charles (Burt) Theurer
Principal Scientist, GE’s Research Center
Normal Speaker
Dr. Charles Burton Theurer is a Principal Scientist at GE’s Research Center. He earned his BS, MS, and PhD in Electromechanical systems design at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst finishing in 2003. He joined GE’s Global Research Center in 2004 and has been working on design and building of electromechanical systems since. Most recently in his role as Robotics Principal Scientist he has provided Technical leadership to a team of robotics and software research professionals. In this role he leads a team in the creation of a modular autonomy engine using AI & Machine Learning to support robotics generalized autonomy, and democratizing the development of robots. With the goal of Enabling more capable robots, developed in less time, with fewer resources. Earlier, as a Robotics Research Special Projects Leader, Charles lead team of ~25engineers, roboticists, and AI researchers in a Fast-Works style development of GE’s flagship field robotics program focusing on object detection, manipulation, navigation, & robotic autonomy. In his career Charles has published > 10 peer reviewed papers, has > 25 Issued patents, and launched 2 independent businesses within GE.
Dan Walczyk
Dan Walczyk
Director of CATS and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Normal Speaker
Dan Walczyk is currently the Director of Rensselaer’s Center for Automation Technologies and Systems (CATS), a NY-designated Center for Advanced Technology in Advanced Manufacturing, Automation and Robotics, and also a Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Prior to beginning his academic career in 1996, Dr. Walczyk worked seven years in industry (primarily at GE), did graduate work at Rensselaer and MIT, and held a post-doctoral position at a Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, RWTH Aachen. His research interests include advanced composites and biocomposites manufacturing, additive manufacturing, rapid fixturing and tooling, and manufacturing process development.
John Wen
John Wen
Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute
Normal Speaker
John T. Wen has been with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute since 1988 where he is currently the Head of the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering. From 2013-2018, he was the Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. From 2005-2013, he served as the Director of the Center for Automation Technologies and Systems (CATS). He led the New York State participation in the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute and serves on the ARM Technical Advisory Council. His research is in the area of control theory and applications, particularly for challenging problems that lie at the intersection of multiple disciplines, including robotics, material processing, thermal management, biochronicity, and optomechantronics systems.
Simon Whitton
Regional Division Manager, North America, KUKA Robotics
Normal Speaker
Simon Whitton is the Regional Division of KUKA Robotics in North America, where he oversees KUKA’s welding, electronics, and mobility centers. He has more than 30 years of experience in the robotics and electronics industries and has extensive knowledge in robotics, electronics and manufacturing. Simon previously was at Stӓubli and worked across the globe, including the U.K., France, China, and Japan, before settling in the U.S. to work with KUKA Robotics.
Dr. Bin Zhang
Research Director, Modeling & Scientific Computing, Corning Incorporated
Normal Speaker
Dr. Bin Zhang was appointed research director in December 2017. Zhang leads the S&T Modeling & Scientific Computing team and is responsible for providing modeling support for Corning global research, development, engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams. As leader of the group, he is focusing on developing a strong technical team to deliver impactful solutions to Corning’s technologies and businesses to enhance competitive effectiveness. Zhang joined Corning in 2011 as a senior research associate. His technical contributions are primarily in the development of Corning’s device drop/impact modeling capabilities for consumer electronics, including handheld devices, large display covers, LCD, and OLED displays. In his role, he led the growth of the modeling competency in Sullivan Park, and later expanded to global modeling teams. He worked closely with research, development, and commercial teams to support product reliability assessment and customer engagement for Corning Specialty Materials and Corning Display Technologies. In 2013, Zhang was appointed research manager of the Applied Mechanics Group, S&T Modeling & Simulation. As functional leader of the group, Zhang led the team to provide support in modeling of processes and products for various Corning businesses. Zhang put a considerable effort into people and team development, both in technical capabilities and in workplace culture. Other than managing the Applied Mechanics group in Sullivan Park, Zhang also worked closely with other modeling teams in MTE, Europe, and Asia to develop a collaborative modeling community and build Corning’s global modeling competency. Prior to joining Corning, Zhang held positions at Xerox from 1996 to 2011, including modeling engineer, principal scientist, and manager of the modeling team. Zhang holds a Ph.D. in civil engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Dr. Lucy Zhang
Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Normal Speaker
Prof. Lucy Zhang is currently an Associate Professor at the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Her research interests are building advanced and robust computational tools and software for accurate and efficient multiphysics and multiscale simulations that can be used for engineering applications. In 2016, she received Young Investigator Award at the International Conference for Computational Methods. Her pioneer work in developing the Immersed Finite Element Method (IFEM) had been and is still being widely used in academic engineering and scientific communities. Recently, the concept has been recently used in simulations of additive manufacturing process where multiphase fluids involving melting and solidification occur. Prof. Zhang is now developing open-source tools and technologies that can conveniently and efficiently couple any existing solvers for multiphysics and multiscale simulations and analysis. The coupled multiphysics code is now integrated with uncertainty quantification framework, which provides convenient way to perform forward propagation of parameter uncertainties, global sensitivity studies, and parameter calibration.
NY Manufacturing Conference 2019

Hosted by Rensselaer's Center for Automation Technologies and Systems

 

Enjoy. Learn. Connect.

 

It is my honor to welcome you to the 2019 NY Manufacturing Conference.  I will consider this conference a success if attendees experience three benefits. First, enjoy the day – the food, the sessions, the people.  Second, learn from the day.  From our keynote speaker, Bill Pollock of Optimation, to the break-out sessions and expertise of our exhibitors, we believe we have put together informative, technically relevant, and applicable content.  Third, make new connections.  We have dedicated networking and exhibitor time blocks for that purpose – so you do not have to choose between a session and making new business contacts.

This conference could not happen without the support of so many people.  We at CATS heartily thank our sponsors, session chairs, speakers, exhibitors, and students for their enthusiastic participation.

About CATS:  Rensselaer’s Center for Automation Technologies and Systems is a leading industry provider for applied manufacturing R&D in automation, robotics, and new product development.  We are proud to be part of NYSTAR’s Centers for Advanced Technology program.  We are a non-profit center with a mission to improve the profitability of our partner manufacturers.  

 

 

Daniel F. Walczyk, Ph.D., P.E.

Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Director, Rensselaer Center for Automation Technologies and Systems

 

 

 

Registration

Registration is available through EventBrite:

REGISTER NOW!

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS: 

The rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn, Troy, NY are sold out. We have secured a room block at the BW Plus Franklin Square Inn, 1 Fourth Street, Troy, NY 12180 for $109/night for those who still need a hotel room. Any rooms not reserved with a credit card by Friday, April 26th will be released back to the general public. Guests may still call to reserve a room at the discounted rate after this time - subject to hotel availability. Please use the below link to book your room. Once on the website, please be sure to scroll down to see the group name and rate. Group name is NYMC19. Promo code for discounted room is 0370. https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.33144.html?groupId=5B8AG0C4

We have also secured an additional room block at the Courtyard Albany Troy/Waterfront, 515 River Street, Troy, NY 12180 for $109/night. Please use this reservation link to make online reservations: Book your group rate for NYMC19

 

 

Schedule

Time

General Sessions

Automation & Robotics Track

Advanced Manufacturing Track

7:30 am - 8:30 am

Breakfast and Opening Remarks

 

 

8:30 am - 9:45 am

 

Robotic Grinding and Finishing – Cody Larson, MESH Automation and Simon Whitton, KUKA Robotics

Product DFMA & Prototyping
· Matthew Carr, Stratasys, Principles & benefits of DFAM - Ford Use Case
· John Lawler, Rensselaer CATS, Prototyping with Sheet Metal
· Larry Ruff, Rensselaer MILL, Rapid Design and Manufacturing for FIRST Robotics
· Daniel Walczyk, Rensselaer CATS, Design for Manufacture and Assembly: A Primer

9:45 am - 10:30 am

Networking / Exhibitors

 

 

10:30 am - 11:45 am

 

Review of ARM Projects
· John Wen, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Robot Assistant for Composites Panel Assembly
· Ashwin Dani, University of Connecticut, Robot Assistant for Wire Harness Assembly
· Taskin Padir, Northeastern University, Foster Innovation for Seafood Handling (FISH)
· Arnie Kravitz, ARM Institute, ARM Roadmap to Robotics in Manufacturing Innovation

Recent Developments in Automated Material Handling and Distribution
· Jennifer Pazour, Rensselaer Dept. of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Supply Chain Trends and the Need for Innovation
· Chris Merta, Raymond Corporation, Industry Trends in Material Handling
· Stephen Derby, AutoGuide Mobile Robots, Recent Developments in Automated Material Handling and Distribution

11:45 am - 1:15 pm

Lunch and Keynote:  Building on NY’s Manufacturing Legacy in the Fourth Industrial Revolution– Bill Pollock, Optimation

 

 

1:15 pm - 2:30 pm

 

Robotic Welding – Skip Swift, ARCRITE Automation and Glenn Saunders, Rensselaer CATS

Manufacturing Process Design and Optimization
· Bin Zhang and Grethel Mulroy, Corning Incorporated, Digital Transformation of Inventing, Making and Selling at Corning
· Lucy Zhang, Rensselaer Dept. of Mechanical, Aerospace & Nuclear Engineering, Simulations of Vapor-Liquid-Solid Interaction in Additive Manufacturing using Immersed Coupling Approach
· Yong Liu, ON Semiconductor, Robust Modeling and Optimization for Automotive Power Electronic Packaging Reliability & Assembly Process
· Dan Lewis, Rensselaer Dept. of Materials Science & Engineering, Microstructure Modeling for Process to Performance Control in Advanced Manufacturing

2:30 pm - 3:15 pm 

Networking / Exhibitors

 

 

3:15 pm - 4:30 pm

 

A.I. and Machine Learning in Manufacturing – Charles Theurer, GE Global Research

Manufacturing Systems
· B. Wayne Bequette, Rensselaer Dept. of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Opportunities and Case Studies in Smart Manufacturing
· Daniel Walczyk, Rensselaer CATS and Dept. of Mechanical, Aerospace & Nuclear Engineering, Manufacturing Cell Design

4:30 pm - 5:15 pm

Networking Reception, Posters and Exhibitors

 

 

5:15 pm - 6:30 pm 

Dinner and a discussion of resources from State and Federal Programs.

 

 

 

Location

Hilton Garden Inn, Troy, NY

The New York Manufacturing Conference 2019 will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy, New York

This year's conference will be held at the
Hilton Garden Inn, 235 Hoosick Street, Troy, NY 12180

Speakers

Bill Pollock
Founder & President, Optimation Technology, Inc.
Keynote Speaker
Bill Pollock is founder and President of Optimation Technology, Inc. Optimation is a firm engaged in the design and fabrication of custom manufacturing systems. They are distinguished from other firms by the broad cross section of complementing services they offer for manufacturing companies. Optimation has been listed on the Rochester Top 100 list of fastest growing many times and has grown into a company of over 200 employees. Prior to founding Optimation, Bill was an associate professor of systems engineering at the State University of New York at Alfred. Earlier in his career he spent ten years as a control systems engineer at the Eastman Kodak Co. Bill earned a BS and an ME in electrical engineering from RPI and was elected to the RPI Athletic Hall of fame. He is recipient of the VandenBrul Award as Rochester’s entrepreneur of the year.
B. Wayne Bequette
Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the Technical Manager for the Northern Regional Center of the Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Normal Speaker
B. Wayne Bequette is a Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the Technical Manager for the Northern Regional Center of the Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His research efforts are focused on the modeling and control of biomedical and chemical process systems. Professor Bequette is the author of over 100 refereed journal publications and two textbooks published by Prentice Hall – (i) Process Control: Modeling, Design and Simulation (2003), and (ii) Process Dynamics: Modeling, Analysis and Simulation (1998). He serves as Board Secretary for the American Automatic Control Council and Vice President of the Computer Aids for Chemical Engineering Corporation. Dr. Bequette is a founding member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, and serves on the Editorial Board of Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. He is a Fellow of IEEE, AIChE and the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineers, and was inducted into the Arkansas Academy of Chemical Engineers. He is an avid bicyclist (commuting to campus in upstate NY throughout the entire year) and pole-vaulter (Master’s level competition refers more to age than skill level).
Matthew Carr, Stratasys
Matt Carr
Sr. Application Engineer, Stratasys
Normal Speaker
Matt Carr is a senior additive manufacturing application engineer at Stratasys with over 30 years of diverse engineering experience, including roles managing CAD/CAM/CAE product, sales, and engineering design teams. His experience spans multiple industries covering medical devices, consumer products, automotive, and defense. Prior to joining Stratasys, Matt served as VP of Sales and Technical Support for Kubotek USA. He also served as Director of Advanced Design and Professional Services for think3 and held application engineering management positions at Matra Datavision, CAMAX, and Cisigraph, in addition to technical sales roles at software startups, NexPrise (DARPA funded web collaboration platform) and Paraform, (reverse engineering software). Before moving into software vendor roles, Matt was the engineering design manager for Collins & Aikman, a tier one automotive interior supplier.
Ashwin Dani
Ashwin Dani
Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Connecticut
Normal Speaker
Ashwin Dani received M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Florida (UF), Gainesville. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs. He was a post-doctoral research associate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research interests are in the area of estimation, machine learning for control, human-robot collaboration, and vision-based control and autonomous navigation. His research in the area of passive vision-based range estimation has been transitioned to industry for range estimation for ships. He is actively engaged with the aerospace and robotics industry on various research fronts that include collaborative robotics in aerospace and manufacturing applications, perception, vision-based estimation and control, machine learning for control, and network control. He is a senior member of IEEE CSS and RAS societies, and a member of the Conference Editorial Board for IEEE Control System Society. He is a co-recipient of the 2016 FUSION student paper award - 2nd runner up, 2015 ASME Dynamics, Systems and Controls Conference Best Robotics paper award and the 2012 Technology Innovator Award from the UF for technology transition to industry. His teaching efforts are acknowledged by 2018 AAUP Teaching Innovation Award.
Steve Derby
Steve Derby
Technology Lead, AutoGuide Mobile Robots
Normal Speaker
Steve Derby is currently working with AutoGuide Mobile Robots as Technology Lead. He is exploring new markets, partnerships and technology developments. Steve is an Associate Professor Emeritus in Mechanical Engineering at RPI and was an active member of the NYS CATS for many years. Steve has worked with a number of industrial projects within the CATS organization and with his outside consulting companies. Projects included fuel cell membrane manufacturing and assembly, automated handling of soft contact lenses, and vertical indoor farming.
Claude Dinsmoor
General Manager of the General Industry and Automotive Segment for FANUC America
Normal Speaker
Claude Dinsmoor is General Manager of the General Industry and Automotive Segment for FANUC America. In this role his group manages product planning, pre and post sale application and product support for General Industry and Automotive sectors (“everything except for robots that Paint or Arcweld”). Prior to this he was General Manager of Product Development for FANUC. He was responsible for robot product software development in the US in the areas of programming software, operating systems, safe software systems, machine vision, and industrial networking and communications products. He is a member of the US R15.06 robot standards committee, is a member of the RIA Standards Development committee and helps represent the US in ISO 10218 robot safety standards activities. Claude has worked in industrial robotics product development for over 37 years, first with GE, and for the last 34 years with the FANUC group.
Arnie Kravitz
CTO, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM)
Normal Speaker
Arnie Kravitz is the CTO of Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM). In this role, Arnie drives ARM’s technical vision to help the organization fulfill its mission of increasing US global competitiveness by accelerating innovative technologies that make robots more accessible to US manufacturers. He achieves this goal, in part, by convening experts and stakeholders from among ARM’s industrial, academic, non-profit, and government partners. Arnie has spent more than 37 years designing, developing, and manufacturing a large portfolio of products that include aquatic robots, autonomous vehicles, robotic, augmented and virtual reality vision systems, self-learning inference engine-based systems, commercial consumer electronics, and cryptographic devices. He has taught as an Adjunct Professor at The Johns Hopkins University and has significant experience exploiting emerging tools and techniques to rapidly transform new ideas into manufactured products. Arnie holds a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Cody Larson
Cody Larson
Sales Engineer, MESH Automation
Normal Speaker
Cody Larson is a sales engineer for MESH Automation, located in Dawsonville, Georgia, with over 10 years of experience in manufacturing automation and welding operations. He has previously worked as a welder at a heavy industry contractor, a process engineer at General Motors and various engineering roles at MESH Automation. For the past five years Cody has been focused on robotic welding and robotic post weld processing. He has been instrumental in developing MESH’s pre-engineered flexible automation cells (MAC) that focus on robotic welding and post weld processing such as deburring, brushing, grinding and buffing. Cody earned his master’s in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University, has held an AWS welding certification along with various site certifications for welding.
Dr. Dan Lewis
Associate Professor, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Normal Speaker
Professor Dan Lewis is an associate professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Prior to joining Rensselaer, Dr. Lewis was a researcher at GE Global Research. His work focused on oxidation performance and deformation processing of advanced ferritic materials for SOFC interconnects. In addition, he studied the metallurgy and electrical properties of amorphous and nano-crystalline soft magnetic materials, oxidation resistant coatings for superalloys, and infrared heating technology development. Prior to joining GE Global Research, he was awarded a two-year National Research Council post-doctoral fellowship. Under this award, he worked at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to study eutectic solidification microstructures using experimental and computational techniques. While at NIST he co-developed a technique for quantifying solidification microstructures in ternary eutectics. He also studied the effect of solidification velocity on the phase distribution in low-volume fraction ternary eutectics containing intermetallic phases. His research focuses on prediction of microstructural features resulting from thermal-mechanical processing.
Dr. Yong Liu
Principal Member, Technical Staff, ON Semiconductor
Normal Speaker
Dr. Yong Liu has been with ON Semiconductor Corp in South Portland, Maine since September 2016 as a Principal Member of the Technical Staff. Before Fairchild was acquired by ON Semiconductor, he was a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff since 2015, a Senior Member of the Technical Staff from 2008 to 2014, a Member of the Technical Staff from 2004 to 2007, and a Principal Engineer from 2001 to 2004. His main interest areas are advanced analog and power electronic packaging, modeling and simulation, reliability and material characterization. He has been invited to give numerous keynotes talks, presentations and professional short courses. He has authored and co-authored 3 books, 3 book chapters and over 180 papers in journals and conferences and has been granted 45 US patents. Dr. Liu has won numerous awards including Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship in 1994, the Fairchild award for Power of Pen first place in 2004, Fairchild Built in Quality Award in product innovation in 2005, Fairchild Key Technologist in 2006 and 2009, the first Fairchild President Award in 2008, numerous IEEE best paper awards and the IEEE CPMT Exceptional Technical Achievement Award in 2013. He was elevated as IEEE fellow in 2015.
Antoinette Maniatty
Professor, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Normal Speaker
Professor Antoinette Maniatty has been working in the area of modeling the behavior and evolution of materials during processing for over twenty-five years. Her recent projects include developing thermal-mechanical-material simulation tools for modeling laser-based additive and subtractive manufacturing processes, and modeling microstructural evolution during thermal-mechanical processing of titanium alloys. She earned her Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1991, her M.S. from the University of Minnesota in 1988, and her B.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1987, all in Mechanical Engineering. After spending one year as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Natal in Durban, South Africa, she joined the faculty at Rensselaer in 1992. She was the Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor from 1992-1997. In 1993, she received a National Science Foundation Young Investigator Award. In 2001, she was the first Loewy Visiting Professor in the Materials Science and Engineering Department at Lehigh University. She is a Fellow of the ASME.
Grethel Mulroy, Corning Incorporated
Grethel Mulroy
Smart Manufacturing, Project Manager, Corning Incorporated, Corning, NY
Normal Speaker
Grethel Mulroy joined Corning in August 2018 as Project Manager, Smart Manufacturing Solutions. In this role, she leads collaborative, multi-organizational projects to create Corning’s new products, new processes, and provide step-change development and manufacturing capability for new and existing businesses through Smart Manufacturing technologies and approaches. She is also actively involved in the coordination of Corning’s Digital Transformation initiatives for the technical community. Prior to Corning, Grethel held positions at Xerox Corporation as Director, Manager, Executive Technical Assistant to SVP, Project Engineer, and Manufacturing Engineer. Her experience in manufacturing and supply chain, as well as in commercial solutions development, included roles ranging from manufacturing process improvements, production management, development of messaging and communications, to creation and delivery of software solutions to extend Xerox’s products and service offerings to its customers. Grethel obtained her Masters of Science (M.S.) in Engineering and Manufacturing Management from Clarkson University and her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering concentration from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Alain Ouellette
Executive – Manufacturing Innovation Operations, GE Aviation Global Automation R&D Center
Normal Speaker
Alain Ouellette was named Executive of the GE Aviation Global Automation R&D Center in the fall of 2011. He was previously involved with Operations and NPI at the GE Bromont Aviation manufacturing site. The Automation site was officially opened in July of 2013 by GE Chairman Mr. Jeffrey Immelt. This organization, co-located with the manufacturing operations has a mandate of deploying automation solutions for the eighty plus sites located in twenty one countries worldwide. He started with GE in 1989, taking on multiple assignments in operations, manufacturing and quality. He had previously worked for two years at Bell Helicopter.
Jennifer Pazour
Jennifer Pazour, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Normal Speaker
Jennifer Pazour, Ph.D. is an associate professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Her research and teaching focus on the development and use of mathematical models to guide decision making for logistics and supply chain challenges. She has been recognized through a number of national awards for her research and teaching and is an advocate for youth to pursue engineering and logistics careers. She is always looking for challenging supply chain and logistics problems to motivate her research and incorporate into her classes. If you have some, please contact her at pazouj@rpi.edu More information can be found at her research and teaching blog: http://jenpazour.wordpress.com/
Dr. Stephen Rock
Senior Research Scientist, NYS Center for Automation Technologies and Systems at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Normal Speaker
Dr. Stephen Rock is a Senior Research Scientist in the NYS Center for Automation Technologies and Systems at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Steve serves as lab director for the CATS' Additive Manufacturing Lab, and he leads projects and conducts research on information-driven manufacturing process development - often involving advanced technologies such as laser systems, industrial robotics, and ultrasonic processing. Steve began work in Additive Manufacturing in 1989 on CAD/CAM interfacing, model validity checking, automated repair, topology-based slicing, and creation of an improved file format for storing facet model data. Steve invented and patented a powder-based metal additive manufacturing process, and he applied finite element modeling techniques and powder sintering models to perform shape optimization and correct for process-induced geometric distortions introduced during powder consolidation. Steve leads metal additive manufacturing R&D within the CATS and serves on the NY State Additive Manufacturing Steering Committee jointly organized by NYSERDA and ESD/NYSTAR. Steve has also served on the Robotic Industries Association board of directors and chaired the RIA Education Committee. Beyond Additive Manufacturing, Steve has conducted research on manufacturing process improvements for fuel cell membrane electrode assembly production. Results of this work have been commercialized and fielded on manufacturing lines in Germany and the United States. Steve participated on the team that proposed, won, and developed several courses for an NSF sponsored IGERT in the Engineering, Science, and Entrepreneurship of Fuel Cells, and he participated on the multi-year DOE project entitled Adaptive Process Controls and Ultrasonics for High Temperature PEM MEA Manufacture. He served as a Subject Matter Expert on the ONR-sponsored Fuel Cell Manhattan Project, and he has conducted numerous projects related to manufacturing process energy efficiency and energy management algorithm development.
Larry Ruff
Larry Ruff, Ph.D.
Senior Systems Engineer, School of Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Normal Speaker
Larry Ruff, Ph.D. is a Senior Systems Engineer in the School of Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His responsibilities include managing activities in the Manufacturing Innovation Learning Laboratory (MILL) and teaching courses in manufacturing. The MILL is a teaching facility that includes a wide range of manufacturing capabilities. Dr. Ruff’s industrial experience includes work in the areas of robotics and automation, machining, machine tool design and composites manufacturing.
Dr. Johnson Samuel
Associate Professor in the Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear engineering department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Normal Speaker
Dr. Johnson Samuel currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear engineering department of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), NY. As director of the Nano/Micro-scale Manufacturing and Material Design Lab (NanoM3 Design Lab) at Rensselaer, he leads research and education efforts in the areas of advanced manufacturing and material design. The lab has attracted funding from several agencies including the US NSF, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Defense Health Program, America Makes, DARPA and NASA. His research recognitions include the National Science Foundation CAREER award (2014), Rensselaer School of Engineering Research Excellence Award (2016) and The World Economic Forum – Young Scientist Award (2016). He has also been awarded the Rensselaer Class of 1951 Outstanding Teaching Award (2014) and the School of Engineering Education Innovation Award (2015), in recognition of his manufacturing education efforts at RPI. Dr. Samuel the is an alumnus of University of Illinois (PhD Mechanical Eng. 2009, MS Industrial Eng. 2003) and was the recipient of their 2016 MechSe Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
Glenn Saunders
Senior Research Engineer with the Center for Automation Technologies and Systems (CATS) at Rensselaer
Normal Speaker
Glenn Saunders is a Senior Research Engineer with the Center for Automation Technologies and Systems (CATS) at Rensselaer where he has been conducting industrially relevant, applied research for 20 years, specializing in robotics, manufacturing processes and new product development. Prior to that, he spent 15 years in industry, where he worked in machine tools, automation systems, robotics, manufacturing and machine design. He has an M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer. He is President and founder of the Upstate New York Laboratory Robotics Interest Group, a 501(c)(3) non-profit industry advocacy organization, and currently serves as the elected Mid-Atlantic Regional Robotics Collaborative Council representative within the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute.
Alyson Slack
Vice President – NYSTAR Business Development, Empire State Development – Division of Science, Technology & Innovation
Normal Speaker
Alyson works with the team at Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation (NYSTAR) to advance technology development and commercialization in New York State. She promotes the network of ESD-supported innovation assets and implements initiatives to ensure that technology companies have access to expertise, specialized equipment, and other resources needed for growth. She frequently works with federal agencies and other funding partners on opportunities related to technology- and innovation-led economic development in New York State. Alyson was previously an economic development analyst at Camoin Associates, and prior to that was responsible for special projects at the Albany-based Center for Economic Growth. She began her career as a researcher at the Center for Strategic & International Studies in Washington, D.C. Alyson has master’s and bachelor’s degrees in international economic policy from American University. She lives in Washington County, NY.
Skip Swift
Skip Swift
Vice President and Founder, Arcrite Automation
Normal Speaker
Skip Swift is the Vice president and founder of Arcrite Automation, established in 2010. Arcrite Automation provides a wide variety of solutions for manufacturing through ground-up development of semi-automated, “hard-automated”, and fully-automated (flexible) systems. Arcrite specializes in turn-key, tooled systems that incorporate cutting edge technologies and custom engineered solutions. Mr. Swift serves as Vice President with an extensive background in business development, sales, marketing, engineering and welding solutions. His background is a result of a family manufacturing business that targeted production welding solutions. Later, as a process specialist for Airgas, Mr. Swift worked with many manufactures in the North-East representing most segments of the metals manufacturing industries. In 1995 his career advanced him to a National Account Managers position with Thermadyne; Responsibilities included new product development as well as support for many large manufacturers throughout the US market. In 2003 Mr. Swift took a Director’s position at ABCO Welding Supply developing their new automation division, Eastern Welding Automation. EWA designed and developed automated solutions primarily for the defense industry.
Charles (Burt) Theurer
Charles (Burt) Theurer
Principal Scientist, GE’s Research Center
Normal Speaker
Dr. Charles Burton Theurer is a Principal Scientist at GE’s Research Center. He earned his BS, MS, and PhD in Electromechanical systems design at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst finishing in 2003. He joined GE’s Global Research Center in 2004 and has been working on design and building of electromechanical systems since. Most recently in his role as Robotics Principal Scientist he has provided Technical leadership to a team of robotics and software research professionals. In this role he leads a team in the creation of a modular autonomy engine using AI & Machine Learning to support robotics generalized autonomy, and democratizing the development of robots. With the goal of Enabling more capable robots, developed in less time, with fewer resources. Earlier, as a Robotics Research Special Projects Leader, Charles lead team of ~25engineers, roboticists, and AI researchers in a Fast-Works style development of GE’s flagship field robotics program focusing on object detection, manipulation, navigation, & robotic autonomy. In his career Charles has published > 10 peer reviewed papers, has > 25 Issued patents, and launched 2 independent businesses within GE.
Dan Walczyk
Dan Walczyk
Director of CATS and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Normal Speaker
Dan Walczyk is currently the Director of Rensselaer’s Center for Automation Technologies and Systems (CATS), a NY-designated Center for Advanced Technology in Advanced Manufacturing, Automation and Robotics, and also a Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Prior to beginning his academic career in 1996, Dr. Walczyk worked seven years in industry (primarily at GE), did graduate work at Rensselaer and MIT, and held a post-doctoral position at a Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, RWTH Aachen. His research interests include advanced composites and biocomposites manufacturing, additive manufacturing, rapid fixturing and tooling, and manufacturing process development.
John Wen
John Wen
Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute
Normal Speaker
John T. Wen has been with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute since 1988 where he is currently the Head of the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering. From 2013-2018, he was the Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. From 2005-2013, he served as the Director of the Center for Automation Technologies and Systems (CATS). He led the New York State participation in the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute and serves on the ARM Technical Advisory Council. His research is in the area of control theory and applications, particularly for challenging problems that lie at the intersection of multiple disciplines, including robotics, material processing, thermal management, biochronicity, and optomechantronics systems.
Simon Whitton
Regional Division Manager, North America, KUKA Robotics
Normal Speaker
Simon Whitton is the Regional Division of KUKA Robotics in North America, where he oversees KUKA’s welding, electronics, and mobility centers. He has more than 30 years of experience in the robotics and electronics industries and has extensive knowledge in robotics, electronics and manufacturing. Simon previously was at Stӓubli and worked across the globe, including the U.K., France, China, and Japan, before settling in the U.S. to work with KUKA Robotics.
Dr. Bin Zhang
Research Director, Modeling & Scientific Computing, Corning Incorporated
Normal Speaker
Dr. Bin Zhang was appointed research director in December 2017. Zhang leads the S&T Modeling & Scientific Computing team and is responsible for providing modeling support for Corning global research, development, engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams. As leader of the group, he is focusing on developing a strong technical team to deliver impactful solutions to Corning’s technologies and businesses to enhance competitive effectiveness. Zhang joined Corning in 2011 as a senior research associate. His technical contributions are primarily in the development of Corning’s device drop/impact modeling capabilities for consumer electronics, including handheld devices, large display covers, LCD, and OLED displays. In his role, he led the growth of the modeling competency in Sullivan Park, and later expanded to global modeling teams. He worked closely with research, development, and commercial teams to support product reliability assessment and customer engagement for Corning Specialty Materials and Corning Display Technologies. In 2013, Zhang was appointed research manager of the Applied Mechanics Group, S&T Modeling & Simulation. As functional leader of the group, Zhang led the team to provide support in modeling of processes and products for various Corning businesses. Zhang put a considerable effort into people and team development, both in technical capabilities and in workplace culture. Other than managing the Applied Mechanics group in Sullivan Park, Zhang also worked closely with other modeling teams in MTE, Europe, and Asia to develop a collaborative modeling community and build Corning’s global modeling competency. Prior to joining Corning, Zhang held positions at Xerox from 1996 to 2011, including modeling engineer, principal scientist, and manager of the modeling team. Zhang holds a Ph.D. in civil engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Dr. Lucy Zhang
Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Normal Speaker
Prof. Lucy Zhang is currently an Associate Professor at the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Her research interests are building advanced and robust computational tools and software for accurate and efficient multiphysics and multiscale simulations that can be used for engineering applications. In 2016, she received Young Investigator Award at the International Conference for Computational Methods. Her pioneer work in developing the Immersed Finite Element Method (IFEM) had been and is still being widely used in academic engineering and scientific communities. Recently, the concept has been recently used in simulations of additive manufacturing process where multiphase fluids involving melting and solidification occur. Prof. Zhang is now developing open-source tools and technologies that can conveniently and efficiently couple any existing solvers for multiphysics and multiscale simulations and analysis. The coupled multiphysics code is now integrated with uncertainty quantification framework, which provides convenient way to perform forward propagation of parameter uncertainties, global sensitivity studies, and parameter calibration.

Exhibitors

Advanced Motion Systems, Inc.

Advanced Motion Systems Inc. has been providing automation solutions for a wide spectrum of applications since 1992.  From basic machine controls to processes that require extremely complex submicron positioning, vision, lighting, safety, automation and robots, we have the products and expertise to deliver a solution that fits your needs.

Email: shawn.cunningham@allaboutmotion.com
Web: www.allaboutmotion.com
Phone: (585) 381-9320

Advanced Robotics Manufacturing Institute of New York

The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute is a national resource and network for all companies seeking to improve productivity through industrial robotics. ARM-NY, the NYS ARM Collaborative, coordinates the NYS participation in the ARM Institute. ARM-NY is a partnership between Fuzehub and Rensselaer Center for Automation Technologies and Systems, and aims to connect NYS industry with robotics technology, business network, funding opportunities, and human and physical resources in the ARM community.

Web: www.fuzehub.com/arm-ny/
 

Applied Robotics

Applied Robotics, established in 1983 and headquartered in Glenville, NY, is a leading provider of specialized robotic end-of-arm tooling and connectivity solutions. Products are designed to bring flexibility, efficiency and increased throughput to automation-based processes. Applied Robotics' tool changers, collision sensors, grippers and accessories serve a variety of markets including automotive, aerospace, energy, life sciences, and general manufacturing. These wrist-down solutions can be found in material handling, assembly, cutting, dispensing, machining, welding and other industrial applications worldwide.

Web: www.appliedrobotics.com
Phone: (518) 384-1000

ATI Industrial Automation

ATI Industrial Automation is the world-leading engineering-based developer of robotic accessories and robot arm tooling, including Automatic Tool Changers, Multi-Axis Force/Torque Sensing Systems, Utility Couplers, Robotic Deburring Tools, Robotic Collision Sensors, Manual Tool Changers, and Compliance Devices. Our robot end-effector products are found in thousands of successful applications around the world. Since 1989, our team of mechanical, electrical, and software engineers has been developing cost-effective, state-of-the-art end-effector products and solutions that improve robotic productivity.

Email: kristin.kemp@ati-ia.com
Web: www.ati-ia.com
Phone: (919) 772-0115 x323

Axis New York
  • We Help Companies Automate
  • Motion Control, Robotics, Machine Vision
  • A Focus on Leading Edge Technology
  • Selectable Levels of Assembly

Web: www.axisny.com
Phone: (585) 377-6688

Beckhoff Automation

Beckhoff Automation is a global provider of open automation systems based on advanced PC Control technology. The “New Automation Technology” philosophy at Beckhoff represents universal and open automation solutions used in a wide spectrum of high-tech applications around the world. These applications range from control of machines and robots used in manufacturing, to Internet of Things (IoT) systems, intelligent building automation and much more.

Email: k.beadle@beckhoff.com
Web: www.beckhoff.com
Phone: (585) 545-5696

The Center for Industrial Effectiveness (TCIE), University at Buffalo

Since 1987, the University at Buffalo Center for Industrial Effectiveness (TCIE) has assisted public and private businesses and organizations to develop excellence in people, processes and technology. TCIE leverages UB School of Engineering and Applied Sciences resources to resolve a wide spectrum of business challenges through technical assistance, OpEx/continuous improvement consultation, and professional education.

Web: www.tcie.buffalo.edu
Phone: (716) 645-8845

CoveyCS

CoveyCS is a software consulting, integration, and development firm with offices in Utica and Rome, NY. We help organizations buy, build, and integrate software solutions to fit specific needs, improve pain points with efficiency, save money, and keep their competitive edge. Our software and technology consulting ensures proper utilization of existing software, correct purchase of new software systems, and successful integrations with current or custom software. We specialize in process architecture, process automation, ERP applications, SaaS development, software integration, cloud architecture and design, custom solutions, DevOps continuous integration, and staff augmentation.

Web: www.coveycomputersoftware.com
Phone: (315) 738-6016

CS Automation

CS Automation is a solution provider and distributor for world-class manufacturers of industrial automation products. We focus on Machine Control, Pneumatic Automation, Electric Actuators, Robotics, Motion Control, Machine Framing, and Machine Safeguarding. We offer a high level of technical support for the disciplines that we promote. We have a well-trained Sales Staff along with several Application Engineers to help our customers specify and implement cost effective and efficient solutions. We are very skilled at building higher level sub-assemblies for many customers using our core products in all segments of manufacturing including medical, automated assembly, food processing, printing, packaging, process control and electronic assembly.

Email: Brandon.Cooper@csautomation.net
Web: www.csautomation.net 
Phone: (585) 265-4330

Euchner

Euchner USA is a subsidiary of Euchner GmbH, a leader in designing and manufacturing safety interlocks. Our solutions include: RFID Safety Interlocks, Machine safety control pendants, Electromechanical safety Interlocks, Safety Relays and Programmable Controllers, Access Control Products designed to limit access to parameters. 

Web: www.euchner-usa.com
Phone: (866) 547-7206

FuzeHub

FuzeHub provides New York State manufacturers with guided access to our extensive network of industry experts, programs and assets to solve productivity, commercialization, research and development issues, and other challenges to growth. The FuzeHub team consists of experienced manufacturing and business professionals who are knowledgeable gateways to New York State’s vast technology, research, engineering, and equipment assets. FuzeHub responds directly to all company requests within 24-48 hours, as the first step to connecting you to specialized technical resources, programs, and services.

Web: www.fuzehub.com
Phone:  (518) 768-7030 

 

 

Haun Welding Supply

Haun distributes welding supplies, industrial supplies, and compressed and liquid gases through 19 stores located within this region. We also provide welding training, repair, and rental services. Industries serviced by Haun include construction, fabrication, manufacturing, commercial, medical, laboratories, education, and homeowners.

Web: www.haunweldingsupply.com
Phone: (315) 463-5241

Horizon Solutions

Horizon Solutions delivers industrial automation solutions through control systems, motor control, and smart device portfolios for applications from simple machines to complex process systems. Our products, solutions, and professional services can help you address your network infrastructure, industrial security, automation, and information solutions needs. Let us help you design, implement and support your automation investment.

Email: info@hs-e.com
Web: https://hs-e.com/products/industrial-automation/
Phone: (800) 724-4750

Minuteman | Empire Automation Systems (MASEAS)

Minuteman | Empire Automation Systems (MASEAS) is the singular force driving Minuteman Automation Systems and Empire Automation Systems. Both companies have decades of experience operating as premiere industrial automation distributors in the Northeastern United States and within the last few years have branched out to also be leading technical value providers. Our offerings and expertise span many product segments including robotics, motion control, pneumatics, vision, and marking & traceability. MASEAS prides itself on being customer focused and driven by honesty, integrity, accountability, respect, and innovation.

Web: www.maseas.com
Phone: (585) 352-3333

 

 

New Scale Robotics

New Scale Robotics is a division of New Scale Technologies. Inc. and located in Victor, NY.  Founded in 2002, New Scale delivers smart motion solutions that make our customers more competitive. We design and manufacture unique motion products that provide the smallest size, highest precision, “plug-and-play” integration, and save time. In 2018 we launch New Scale Robotics to deliver precision smart grippers and end-of-arm tooling for the collaborative robots. Our team has created extensive IP and proprietary know-how including 19 patents for SQUIGGLE® & UTAF® piezoelectric motors, drives, mechatronic motion systems and advanced manufacturing processes.

Web: www.newscalerobotics.com
Phone: (585) 924-4450

Optimation Technology, Inc.

Optimation Technology, Inc. is focused on supporting and strengthening the US Manufacturing Industry by designing and fabricating custom automated manufacturing systems.   Optimation is unique in its ability to provide complete engineering, automation, construction and maintenance services, from the conceptual stage to full production-scale operations. From their facilities in Rochester, NY Optimation's multidiscipline engineers, systems integrators and skilled tradesmen work together to successfully deliver thousands of projects each year.  Clients are located throughout the US and the world. Leveraging ISO9001 and CSIA Best Practices, the Optimation project team's complementary skill sets offer a single source for seamless, cost effective and timely project completion. Optimation serves clients across a wide spectrum of industries, including chemical, life sciences, oil & gas, glass, utilities, automotive and aerospace.

Web: www.optimation.us
Phone: (585) 321-2300

Precision Design Solutions

Precision Design Solutions provides mechanical engineering support for companies large and small. With over 25 years of custom mechanical design experience and the latest 3D CAD software (PTC Creo, Solidworks, Autodesk Inventor), PDS allows businesses to augment their in-house staff as needed, bring specialized expertise to their design projects, and access on-demand product and development support. PDS offers custom mechanical design and analysis that is specific, creative, and application driven taking projects from concept to production. Specializing in “one-of-a-kind”, PDS can provide engineering and design support for electro-mechanical devices, specialty tooling, prototypes, process piping systems, structural platforms, frames, and more. Areas of expertise include: mechanical design, structural analysis, finite element analysis, 3D modeling, and detailed manufacturing drawings for a wide range of industries and applications.

Web: www.precisiondesignsolutions.com
Phone: (518) 925-1174

Ralph W. Earl

The Ralph W. Earl Company is a leading fluid power automation solutions distributor, headquartered in Syracuse, NY, with seven sales offices covering all of Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania.  Founded in 1954, Ralph W. Earl Company specializes in the engineering and assembling of complete electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, process and automation solutions, and partner with over 50 leaders in the industry.  We have a proven commitment to innovation, and focus on supporting and strengthening the industrial automation capabilities of our clients with a seamless and cost-effective project completion, on-site support, and certified training staff. 
Engineering      ●      Systems      ●      Assembly      ●      Components

Email:  rwearl@rwearl.com
Web:  www.rwearl.com
Phone:  (315) 454-4431
 

Robotunits

Robotunits has the smartest fastening technology for aluminum extrusions in the industry! Out of New Jersey, we design, manufacture and deliver high quality extrusion and conveyor technology as well as safety fence and linear motion systems for material handling and assembly applications. The idea of the Robotunits modular automation system is to use the least possible number of components to offer a maximum of possible solutions. For Robotunits customers, this translates into time and cost savings in design, logistics, storage, training and assembly.

Email: Michael.Luethi@robotunits.com
Web: www.robotunits.com
Phone: (732) 438-0500

Interested in exhibiting?

Read about exhibiting and contact us!

Sponsors

The Business Council
Heather Briccetti
President and CEO, The Business Council of New York State
The Business Council of New York State, Inc., is the leading business organization in New York, representing the interests of large and small firms across the state. Membership is made up of roughly 2,400 member companies, local chambers of commerce and professional and trade associations. Though 72 percent of members are small businesses, The Business Council also represents some of the largest and most important corporations in the world. Combined, Business Council members employ more than 1.2 million New Yorkers. The Business Council serves as an advocate for employers in the state’s political and policy-making arenas, working to create a healthy business climate, sustained economic growth, and a strong workforce.
http://www.bcnys.org/index.html
Center for Economic Growth
Andrew Kennedy
President & CEO, Center for Economic Growth (CEG)
The Center for Economic Growth (CEG) is the professional economic and business development organization serving New York’s Tech Valley. With over 200 C-level investors in business, manufacturing, technology, government, education, and the not-for-profit sectors, CEG's vision is to lead Tech Valley as one of the most prosperous and innovative ecosystems in the world. Together with its partners, the organization works to build a skilled and sustainable Workforce and Education pipeline; cultivate a strong Entrepreneurial ecosystem; and ensure a modern Infrastructure to grow local companies, attract new investment and prepare our communities for growth. In addition, in its role as the regional technology development center, and designated by ESD, NYSTAR as part of the NY Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the federal NIST/Manufacturing Extension Partnership, assisting local manufacturing and technology companies with generating new sales, creating stronger operational infrastructure and overcoming barriers to growth and innovation.
http://www.ceg.org/
FuzeHub
Everton H. Henriques
NY MEP Solutions Manager
FuzeHub drives NYS competitiveness in manufacturing by helping companies discover, navigate, and leverage the state’s extensive innovation ecosystem.
https://fuzehub.com/

info@fuzehub.com
518-768-7030

Empire State Development – Division of Science, Technology & Innovation
Matthew C. Watson
Director, Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) at Empire State Development
Matthew C. Watson leads the division of New York State’s economic development agency responsible for advancing science, technology, and innovation in support of industry growth and competitiveness. He oversees $58 million in annual funding that the state dedicates to supporting a robust network of research and innovation assets. These include Centers for Advanced Technology, Centers of Excellence, Innovation Hot Spots, Certified Business Incubators, and Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers. In this role, he has created new initiatives to accelerate the commercialization of research and to improve the pathway by which early-stage New York State companies address growth hurdles and innovation needs. He instituted a new framework for the division’s programs that has resulted in higher volumes of companies drawn into the pipeline of assistance and a more successful method of matching companies to appropriate resources and tracking them to their resolution.
https://esd.ny.gov/nystar/
The Rochester Technology & Manufacturing Association (RTMA)
Kevin Kelley
Executive Director of the RTMA
The Rochester Technology & Manufacturing Association promotes advanced manufacturing innovation and growth, in the Greater Rochester-Finger Lakes Region, by partnering with industry, academia, and government. Its members are comprised of small to mid-size contract manufacturers which provide assembly, machining, fabrication and engineering services. There are approximately 80 manufacturing companies which employ 4,800 people and another 80 companies which provide services to support the manufacturers.

Contact

Brian Apkarian
Director of Business Development
518-276-8096 | apkarb@rpi.edu

Exhibitor Information

If you're interested in promoting your product/service to New York state manufacturers, please register to be an exhibitor. Your exhibit booth includes:

- 10 ft. booth with 6 ft. table
- $575 to exhibit
- Cost includes full access to all events for up to three individuals
- One registers as exhibitor – then email Brian at apkarb@rpi.edu the names and email addresses of the other attendee(s).  He will use promo code to register them without further charges.
- Secure your booth now – 14 spots in main ballroom and additional spaces will be made available in hallway outside ballroom
- Review the Conference Exhibitor Layout below. 

RPI CATS exhibitor layout

 

Exhibitor set-up: 6PM Tuesday night – start of breakfast 7:30 AM, Wednesday, May 1, 2019.