Invest WindsorEssex/Media Release
WINDSOR-ESSEX, ONT. (Oct. 23, 2024) – Over 350 attendees, 45 exhibitors and 30 world-class presenters attended the annual Emerging Technologies in Automation Conference and Trade Show: Automate with Intelligence at Caesars Windsor.
The Emerging Technologies in Automation Conference and Trade Show is a signature event of Invest WindsorEssex in partnership with Automate Canada, the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program, the Canadian Association of Mold Makers, the Canadian Tooling & Machining Association and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
Windsor-Essex suppliers had the opportunity to showcase their cutting-edge automation and technology solutions to international purchasers and delegates representing a wide-range of industries. Participants experienced leading developments in advanced manufacturing, agri-business, construction, defence, next-generation vehicle production and more.
This year’s keynote speaker was Paul Zikopoulos, vice president, IBM technology sales – skills vitality and enablement who provided great insight into how companies across all industries can harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to increase productivity and efficiencies.
Other plenary presentations included topics such as current trends in automation used in the production of military defense equipment, next-generation transportation systems using AI technology and how to achieve autonomous operations across a variety of production systems.
The day was complemented by many outstanding breakout sessions on topics such as implementing automation in construction processes, robotics as well as how artificial intelligence has impacted the latest developments in automation. Participants also had the opportunity to network with industry leaders and experience exhibitors showcasing the latest developments in automation and Industry 4.0.
A special thank you to this year’s conference sponsors whose contributions helped to support local industry and make the event a great success:
Gold Sponsors: University of Windsor and Next Dimension
Silver Sponsors: Vista, St. Clair College and Siemens
Start-Up Zone Powered By: WEtech Alliance
Closing Reception Sponsor: Trillium Networking for Advanced Manufacturing
Quotes
“Adopting artificial intelligence is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity for any organization looking to stay competitive. As we’ve seen at this year’s Emerging Technologies in Automation Conference and Trade Show, AI is revolutionizing industries, driving efficiencies, and unlocking unprecedented productivity. Invest WindsorEssex is committed to supporting our local companies in adopting the latest technologies and innovations and ensuring they remain global leaders in automation and next-generation manufacturing. We are pleased to provide this platform to present cutting-edge technologies across all industries that are changing the face of automation not only in our region but throughout the world. – Joe Goncalves, Interim CEO, Invest WindsorEssex
“From its beginning in 2016 as a regional gathering, this event now welcomes attendees, exhibitors and speakers from across Ontario, Michigan and beyond, while still highlighting the world-class automation cluster in Windsor-Essex. It provides a platform to unite innovators in AI, robotics, and IT/OT convergence across many sectors to shape the future of industry and drive transformative change.” – Wendy Stark, Director, Business Retention & Expansion, Invest WindsorEssex
“Automation is increasingly recognized as a universal solution to address both current and future shortages in human resources. This conference offers a unique opportunity to explore and engage with innovative Canadian industrial automation solution providers. Attendees will have the chance to discover the latest technologies, including applications of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics, merging IT and OT across various industrial manufacturing sectors. AI solutions are enhancing industrial automation through smarter decision-making, predictive maintenance, and improved efficiency. This event is particularly valuable for buyers of industrial automation equipment in industries such as automotive, construction, and agriculture, providing a platform to connect with companies capable of integrating these advanced solutions into their operations. Additionally, it serves as a vital forum for automation solution providers to stay abreast of the latest innovations and available support to drive future advancements.” – Vladimir Franjo, Regional Director – Ontario Cross Regional Team, National Research Council Canada – Industrial Research Assistance Program
ABOUT INVEST WINDSORESSEX
Invest WindsorEssex is the lead economic development agency for the Windsor-Essex region. The focus of the organization is to develop and execute strategies to retain, expand, attract and help new businesses start-up in the Windsor-Essex region. Invest WindsorEssex is led by a board of distinguished community leaders. A team of professional staff will assist you with all your location and investment decisions by working one-on-one with businesses, to facilitate the process of starting, growing or locating in Windsor-Essex. investwindsoressex.com
Media Contact
Gina Meret-Dybenko
Director, Marketing and Communications
Invest WindsorEssex
Mobile: 519-791-6223 Email: gmeret@investwindsoressex.com