Getting Started with Robotics & Physical AI for Fabricators: A Practical & Realistic Guide to Implementing Automation in the Shop.
1:00 pm – 4:30 pm Basic
Metal fabricators face increasing pressure to boost throughput, improve quality, and address ongoing labor shortages, yet many still struggle to take the first step into robotics and automation. This session provides a practical and realistic guide to getting started with collaborative robots, traditional industrial robots, and emerging Physical AI technologies that are reshaping work on the shop floor. Designed for teams new to automation or looking to expand, the session explains what successful deployment looks like in a fabrication environment. Attendees will learn to avoid common pitfalls, evaluate robot types and mobile platforms, and identify applications such as welding, cutting, tending, material handling, finishing, and both high‑mix and high‑volume production. The session also covers working effectively with integrators, defining ROI, managing risk, and setting achievable expectations. Participants will leave with a clear framework to plan, launch, and scale automation initiatives that deliver measurable value and support long‑term competitiveness.
