Mt. Clemens, MI - Additive manufacturing (3D printing), advanced robotics and automation are the subjects of the next Industry 4.0 workshop hosted by the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) in partnership with Velocity.
This workshop will take place Aug. 17 from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. at Velocity, located on 18 Mile Road in Sterling Heights.
The keynote speaker is Tom Kelly, the executive director and CEO of Automation Alley, a Michigan-based nonprofit Industry 4.0 knowledge center with a global outlook and a regional focus. Kelly is a globally recognized expert on Industry 4.0 and its impact on business. Kelly has been instrumental to the success of Automation Alley’s Industry 4.0 initiatives designed to help businesses jump start or accelerate a digital path of strategic success.
“This is our fourth Industry 4.0 workshop out of a total of five this year, which are all interconnected,” said Jack Johns, the economic development program director for MCPED. “The series has grown in popularity as businesses realize the importance of I4.0 technology. The last two workshops were at full capacity. MCPED wants to make sure that Macomb County businesses remain up to speed with the latest technology to ensure that they will not be left behind.”
Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is the ongoing automation of manufacturing and industrial practices, using modern smart technology. I4.0 helps manage and optimize all aspects of the manufacturing processes and supply chain. It provides access to real-time data and insights necessary to make smarter, faster decisions, which can ultimately boost the efficiency and profitability of an entire operation.
Additive manufacturing (3D printing), advanced robotics and automation increase flexibility and create substantial improvements in the manufacturing process. When adopted into the manufacturing environment, these pillars minimize human error and create a better response to the increasing demand for customized products and single-product variations. Tedious and manual tasks are completed faster and with increased productivity. This provides a thorough solution that encompasses all processes, making it possible for information to flow through the entire system.
If saving costs, improving processes, minimizing downtime on the floor and increasing employee safety are important to a business, they should consider attending the Aug. 17 event to learn how these pillars of Industry 4.0 can be applied in a facility. A panel of industry experts and peer adopters will discuss these topics, as well as return on investment and how workers play a role in these changes.
There is no cost to attend but seating is limited. Visit macombnext.com to register.
The 3D printing, advanced robotics and automation workshop is the fourth in a series of five offered by MCPED in 2023. The first event, held in February, discussed cloud computing and the Internet of Things. The second event in April focused on big data and analytics. The third workshop in June focused on augmented reality and virtual reality. Each of the workshops addresses individual I4.0 pillars and how interconnectivity, automation and real-time data can be implemented into a facility.
The nine pillars of Industry 4.0. They include:
- Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
- Advanced robotics and automation
- Advanced simulation
- Big data and analytics
- Cloud computing
- Cybersecurity
- Internet of Things
- Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)
- System integration
The final workshop will focus on cybersecurity and will be held Oct. 19. Learn more at macombnext.com.
About Macomb County Planning and Economic Development
The Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development supports an environment where businesses prosper and people thrive. Its activities and programs are focused on stimulating the local economy through business retention, expansion and attraction while improving the overall quality of life for residents. The department specializes in providing services to businesses at all stages of development with a concentration on the high-growth industries of aerospace, alternative energy, advanced manufacturing, defense and homeland security. For more information, call 586-469-5285 or visit: https://ped.macombgov.org/Ped-Home.