Collaborative robots continue to advance, resulting in even more questions on what this means for the future of the robotics industry. To help answer these questions, the Robotic Industries Association (RIA) is hosting the International Collaborative Robots Workshop on May 3-4, 2016 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts.

The event features some of the brightest minds in the industry presenting on an array of topics, including:

Overview of Collaborative Robots: The workshop kicks off with an overview of collaborative robots presented by Dr. Henrik Christensen of Georgia Tech. Dr. Christensen conducts research on systems integration, human-robot interaction, mapping and robot vision and his presentation will help define collaborative robots and their usage implications in many industries.

User Panel – How We Implemented Collaborative Robots: Representatives from General Motors, Procter & Gamble, and General Electric will discuss how they successfully implemented their current collaborative robot applications, lessons learned, and their needs in the future.

Getting Started with Collaborative Robots: Samuel Bouchard, President of Robotiq, will present an educational overview on how to initiate work processes using collaborative robot applications, while emphasizing required safety measures. This presentation will be especially helpful for industry professionals that are new to collaborative robotics.

Collaborative Robot Technologies and Customer Applications: The workshop will offer the opportunity for robot suppliers to present real user applications where their customers have successfully applied collaborative technologies. Companies scheduled to present include Rethink Robotics, Nachi, Precise Automation, FANUC, Universal Robots, ABB and KUKA.

TR 15066 Overview: Safety for Collaborative Applications: One of the most anticipated talks at the workshop will be from Roberta Nelson Shea, of Rockwell Automation. In her presentation she will examine what the new technical specification 15066 will amount to when it comes to human and robot systems working together, or more specifically, how closely they will work together. Shea will also share what this technical specification will mean for the future.

Mobile Robots – Another Type of Collaboration: New to RIA’s Workshop is a session on mobile robot technologies and their impacts on the industry. Companies presenting include Clearpath Robotics, Aethon, Adept and Vecna.

The Future of Collaborative Robots: Wrapping up the two-day workshop is Dr. Rodney Brooks of Rethink Robotics who will share his expert insight on collaborative robots and how he sees the future of the industry. Dr. Brooks regularly speaks around the world to the benefits of robotics and human interactions with robots.

Don’t miss this event! See you on May 3rd in Boston, one of the world’s hotbeds for robotics research and start-up companies. The conference is being held in conjunction with The Vision Show 2016, May 3 – 5, also at the Hynes Convention Center. You’ll be able to find many of the companies speaking at the conference also exhibiting in a special “Collaborative Applications” section on the show floor.

To check out the full agenda, click here. Attendees can also register to attend our Networking Night, on May 3^rd, where over 300 industry leaders in the robotics and machine vision industries will enjoy food and refreshments at Boston’s historic Fenway Park. (Additional fee applies)

The Mass Technology Leadership Council (MassTLC) and MassRobotics are partners for this event. Registration for RIA and MassTLC members is $595 ($695 for non-members) through April 2nd. After April 2^nd, registration is $695 for RIA/MassTLC members ($795 for non-members). For complete details and registration information, visit the event website or call RIA Headquarters at 734-994-6088.