[Click for video] This highlights video offers a look inside the last edition of the Automate trade show, from 2017. Source: Association for Advancing AutomationHeld just once every two years, the Automate show presented by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has a stated mission to “bring together North America’s broadest range of automation solutions.” Included are robotics, machine vision, AI, motion control and related technologies.

This year’s show, which will take place April 8-11, 2019, at McCormick Place in Chicago, will feature over 500 exhibitors — the largest exhibit floor to date. Passes for the exhibition are free, and include admission into the collocated material handling and supply chain solution show, ProMat. “Huddle” sessions led by industry experts to discuss hot topics in automation will be held on the show floor. The show also features a startup competition with a $10,000 prize that serves as a way for innovative new companies to generate awareness of their technology and find new sources of funding.

In addition to the exhibition, Automate offers fee-based courses covering several tracks including automation solutions and innovations, collaborative and mobile robotics and smart manufacturing. Sample course titles include:

• The ROI of Automation
• Safety Implications of Collaborative Applications
• Cloud Robotics and Automation
• Improving the Accuracy of Your Industrial Robot
• How to Develop Human Motion in Machines
• How Autonomous Mobile Robots Support a Lean Approach to Business Operations
• Motion Control for Robotic Bin Picking

The conference also offers the opportunity to participate in certification programs including Certified Vision Professional (CVP) programs developed by the AIA and the Certified Motion Control Professional (CMCP) program developed by the Motion Control & Motor Association (MCMA). For the latter, the track of courses leading to certification includes topics such as understanding inertia, an introduction to magnetism and motor basics, positioner selection and motor sizing, digital servo amplifier basics and others. Additionally, an option to take the CMCP exam during the show is available.

To learn more about Automate 2019, click here.