People interested in robotics often eagerly read magazines and blogs to stay up to date on the latest developments. It’s helpful to do those things since reading expands knowledge.
However, it’s an entirely different experience to see new robotic technologies in action by attending a specialty event.
Here are six upcoming conferences sure to fascinate robotics professionals and enthusiasts alike.
1. ICRA 2019-IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation
Happening from May 20-24, 2019, in Montreal, this conference is primarily a gathering where the world’s leading robotics researchers formally present their work and discuss it.
It’s likely that the people who go to this conference will be among the first in the world to hear about robotics advancements before those feats get widespread press coverage. Attendees can also look forward to workshops, technical sessions, tutorials and keynote speeches.
Robot challenges will demonstrate the capabilities of new technologies while onlookers watch to see which ones win out in certain situations.
In the exhibition area, people can browse the latest offerings from companies all over the world. There will be a startup corner, too. Entities are eligible for that section if they got incorporated less than two years from the event date or have fewer than 25 employees.
2. Automate 2019
From April 8-11, 2019, as many as 20,000 people will flock to Chicago to learn about the latest in automated technologies, from high-end robotics to motion control systems. Advertised as “North America’s broadest automation event,” Automate 2019 lets people see how robotics and associated technologies could change the future and streamline processes.
Attendees can wander through an exhibition hall featuring the products and services from hundreds of companies or go to the Automate Conference, which offers one to four days of educational opportunities for attendees who want to beef up their knowledge by learning from people with high-level experience. Those professionals are aware of challenges within the industry and have suggestions to conquer them.
There are also Expert Huddles, where people can get face-to-face with industry leaders and gain takeaways they can apply to their work.
3. The IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems
Nov. 3-9, 2019 is the timespan for this conference in Macau, China, often abbreviated as IROS. The theme for the upcoming conference is Robots Connecting People, so guests can expect to see examples of robots benefitting humans.
Exhibition opportunities are open to companies of all sizes that want to get their products seen by people considered among the most respected leaders of the robotics sector. Attracting visitors to trade show booths means creating an atmosphere that embodies the brand. Robotics companies might create photo opportunities or design their spaces in ways that make people want to linger.
The conference has also released a call for competitions that could showcase the latest advancements in drones, humanoid robots and more. The purpose is for robotics research labs associated with both companies and academic institutions to show off what their technologies can do.
4. Global Robot Expo
If people are interested in taking a trip to Madrid to explore the Spanish city and feed their interest in robotics at the same time, the Global Robot Expo could present the perfect opportunity. It happens on May 8 and 9, 2019, and the event has a Technology for Business theme.
There is also a Mega-Trends arm that spotlights some of the sectors representing substantial momentum or growth. In 2019, those areas of emphasis will be artificial intelligence and autonomous robotics. In the latter case, special attention is given to unmanned aerial systems. Concerning artificial intelligence, some of the topics will explore the Internet of Things, deep learning and more.
Furthermore, the conference features five sectors, such as Industry 4.0 and Service Robotics. Attendees can choose to devote the majority of their time to the topics most relevant to them.
5. Automation Technology Expo (ATX) East
This event, which happens in the Big Apple from June 11-13, 2019, caters to people interested in applying robotics to manufacturing and design. People who are still on the fence about going will appreciate the various reasons to attend, like panel discussions from industry leaders, macro-trend presentations and insights from supplier experts.
Organizers expect at least 8,000 people in attendance. Individuals can make the most of their time by going to educational sessions, matchmaking events between exhibitors and attendees, and peer-to-peer speed networking opportunities.
6. AUVSI XPONENTIAL
AUVSI XPONENTIAL is another Chicago-related conference, this one happening from April 29-May 2, 2019. The event centers on using automation technologies in the commercial and defense sectors.
One of the ongoing offerings scheduled to happen again in 2019 is the Women and Diversity in Robotics discussion. The specifics for 2019 are still being ironed out, but last year’s panel featured eight female experts weighing in with their thoughts.
Overall, conference attendees can expect to mingle with about 8,500 of their peers, plus 700 exhibitors. The hope is that people who go to this gathering will come away feeling inspired about what’s possible in the world of unmanned technologies.
Individuals will even get chances to ride in autonomous vehicles while participating in a low-speed ground demo within the exhibition hall. There are geographic pavilions that feature the technologies from various states and countries, from Virginia to Korea. That assortment of exhibitors proves that people are hard at work improving robotics and related technologies all over the world.
Get Excited About These Action-Packed Events
Although some of these events explore fields other than robotics alone, all of them offer hefty doses of the best and brightest robotics offerings to thrill attendees and make them feel hopeful about the future.
People who plan to attend should check the event websites regularly, especially since details about the 2019 events are forthcoming.