The IDEA Conference

Track Sessions*


Wired vs. Wireless	In an age of 5G and Single-Pair Ethernet, which application works best for your environment.
Analytics and Software	How to help your team make sense of the data tsunami and generate real results really quickly.
Connected Systems	Putting all the pieces together: How interoperability REALLY works.
Digital Twin	Preview your automation solution before you install; how the digital twin creates efficiency
Edge Computing	A look at the hardware, software and human needs to get the most from your edge computing strategy

Track Sessions*


Robotics and Safety	From cobots to ergonomics, understanding the hidden value of a more automated assembly process.
System Integration	Technology may be daunting. A system integrator can deliver a scalable solution for your plant.
Additive Manufacturing	It's a mature technology now, but innovations are everywhere. What's next for additive manufacturing?
The Human Factor	What does a manufacturing world with more robots mean for the human worker?
Robotics	How to identify and "hire" the right robot for your applications


Fluid Power's Role in INfrastructure	With a major federal infrastructure initiative under way, how will fluid power play a role in its success?
Compressed Air Efficiency	Compressed air leaks may be the greatest waste of energy in your plant. How to audit your system to minimize that waste.
How IoT and Fluid Power Fit Together	How software and sensors provide greater insight into your system's efficiency.
Connecting The Systems	If you overlook the value of hoses, couplings and valves in your fluid power system, you're overlooking cost management.
Hydraulics and Lubrication	How has lubrication changed to meet the needs of hydraulics in a variety of manufacturing environments?

Offers an efficient, non-contact method for working with a wide variety of materials. It plays a critical role in best manufacturing practices for not only macro-products such as airplanes, but also micro-products such as implantable medical devices. The technology is essential to modern smart manufacturing strategies such as additive manufacturing and helps manufacturers produce higher quality products at lower cost. This conference deals with the science and technology of smart laser materials processing.

Track Sessions*


E-mobilty Applications Autonomous Vehicles	Rising demand from the auto industry as electric vehicle usage grows exponentially, and the advantage of laser energy is factored into battery design has led to the development of more cost-effective lasers and beam delivery concepts.
Micro-Machining/Drilling of Glass and Ceramics	Micro- and Nano- applications at compatible laser wavelengths now enable the 'cold processing' of thermally challenged materials. The manufacture of displays for mobile communication products such as smart phones and medical devices such as used in knee replacements are examples of this laser attribute.
Laser Systems for Various Non-Metal Materials Applications	Laser energy at output wavelengths compatible with non-metals are now widely used in production processes that require a low total heat input to reduce secondary post-treatment operations, such as glass cutting, packaging identification, medical device processing and wood engraving.
Additive Manufacturing with Selective Laser Melting	Additive manufacturing using high-power lasers is revolutionizing today's manufacturing operations. Moving from a prototyping process to a serial role has been facilitated through the development of adjustable beam control laser energy. Now on -demand, large parts can be fabricated cost effectively, allowing manufacturers to rapidly respond to market conditions.
Laser Assisted Production Techniques	Lasers today, represent more than 10% of annual machine tool sales, showing a 10% CAGR compared with 1% CAGR for machine tool sales over a five-decade span. An overview of the cost-effective applications that have driven this growth will describe technology features that have changed how users utilize laser power.

Machine Vision IDEAs

Properly deploying machine vision technologies in industrial settings improves product quality and process control, increases productivity, and saves on cost. Automotive, food and beverage, and semiconductors and electronics are just a few examples of manufacturing environments that rely heavily on machine vision systems today. This conference will cover all aspects of machine vision, from introductory descriptions, definitions, and concepts; to the latest innovations in enabling technologies such as artificial intelligence, non-visible imaging, and 3D imaging technologies.

Track Sessions*


Advanced Inspection Concepts: Deep Learning/AI, Non-Visible Imaging	Machine vision technologies continue to advance and keeping up with them can prove daunting. This presentation covers some of the hottest technologies in machine vision and how they can be applied, including deep learning and artificial intelligence; multispectral, hyperspectral, and shortwave infrared imaging.
3D and Other Enabling Technologies in Vision-Guided Robotics	Robotic vision advancements have had quite the impact on today’s manufacturing and distribution environments. 3D machine vision components and software, for example, continue to evolve and add a new dimension to machine vision systems. This presentation will cover the latest in 3D technology as it pertains to robotics
Machine Vision Trends 2021 and Beyond / Vision Systems Design 2021 Audience Survey Results	Machine vision continues to grow in terms of both adoption and technology. Advances in components and software have powered recent machine vision growth, along with the applications that are being further enabled by these developments. This discussion touches on the latest cutting edge technologies and trends and will cover the results of a 2021 Vision Systems Design audience survey on the same topic.
Improving Process and Quality Control with Machine Vision	Machine vision technologies offer an efficient and effective way to streamline manufacturing processes, but grasping the fundamentals is vital and will help accelerate the development process. This presentation touches on what machine vision does, how it works, the components of a system, the different types of machine vision system types and platforms, and how to get started with machine vision.

Track Sessions*


Sustainable Automation
Connecting Hardware and Software	The modern integrated plant requires the ability to put the legacy machines together with cutting-edge technology.
What's Next For The Supply Chain?	Supply chains were challenged in 2020. What lessons did we learn that will give us a more robust, agile product process moving forward?
Design To Operate	Breaking out of manufacturing's silos has never been more important. How can designers deliver a more perfect machine on Day 1?
The Next Wave of Sensors	So much progress has been made in gathering and managing sensor data, but there's more to do. What's the next step in sensors?