Conference

Automation / Robotics

F001: The Strategic Imperative for Industrial AI

  • Date

  • Time

  • Experience Level

    Intermediate

  • Location

    N219-220

Presentations

Manufacturing at a Crossroads: The Cost of Doing Nothing in the Age of Industrial AI

9:00 am – 9:30 am Intermediate

Manufacturing is not at risk of being replaced by AI — it is at risk of being left behind without it. This session confronts the real issue facing fabricators and industrial leaders: the operational and financial consequences of delaying AI adoption. We will examine how agentic AI and “systems of action” are transforming shop-floor execution, workforce productivity, quality control, and supply chain responsiveness — moving beyond dashboards to intelligent systems that act in real time. Drawing from real-world industrial deployments, we will explore measurable outcomes including productivity gains, reduced downtime, faster decision cycles, and frontline empowerment. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for evaluating AI readiness in their operations, understanding where ROI is generated, and identifying the competitive risks of inaction. The future of manufacturing will not be decided by who experiments with AI — but by who operationalizes it.

How to Successfully Improve Your Manufacturing with the Latest Technology

9:30 am – 10:30 am Intermediate

Due to internal paradigms or industry related regulations/certifications, manufacturing facilities typically expand their
current processes or make small incremental changes to reduce risk. The ramifications are a stagnant
manufacturing process that makes it harder to compete effectively in the future. There are many technologies
available today that provide significant leaps in efficiency and manufacturing capability. This presentation will
describe some case studies and walk through how to break the cycle of "this is how we've always done it" and help
US manufacturing make major leaps forward by successfully phasing in new technologies. Topics will including
digitalization, automation, analytics, AI, and programming/machining concepts that are rarely utilized.

About the Speakers

  • Sanjay Brahmawar

    QAD | Redzone

    Biography

    Sanjay Brahmawar became CEO of QAD in March 2025, leading a bold repositioning of the company at the center of global manufacturing transformation. A seasoned technology executive, he previously served as CEO of Software AG and held senior leadership roles at IBM, PwC, FedEx, DSM, and Honda. Sanjay champions AI-powered “Systems of Action” to help manufacturers operate with greater agility, resilience, and intelligence.

    More Details about Sanjay

  • Rick Schultz

    FANUC America

    Biography

    Rick has been in the manufacturing industry for 30+ years working at many different levels with all major US manufacturing companies. He has broad, but deep experience with machining processes, automation, and modern software solutions. Rick's background and perspective focuses on how to improve the entire manufacturing process rather than a narrow focus on a specific product or single process.

    More Details about Rick

Pricing & Registration

Early-Bird Pricing
Through September 11

Price
Individual Sessions $220 $175
Workshops $600 $480
Full Conference (5-10 Sessions) $900 $720

Price
1 Session $125
2 Sessions $225
3 Sessions $300
4-8 Sessions $450

Early-Bird Pricing
Through September 11

Price
Weld-Ed Conference $75 $50
One-Hour Sessions FREE
90-Minute Sessions $200 $150
Half-Day Sessions $550 $450
Full-Day Sessions $600 $500
Professional Program $425 $325

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