Registration: AI and IoT Workshop #1

This is the first workshop in the 5-part interactive workshop series, AI and IoT: Smart Manufacturing Solutions for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR Workshop #1.

View Workshop 1 Final Report

Topic: “RoI for IoT-Driven Automation”

Date: September 15, 2021

Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm EST; Optional 30 minute discussion segment to follow

Location: Virtual, via Zoom (meeting invitation will be sent after registration)

Cost: FREE

Who Should Attend: The workshop is designed to benefit small & medium manufacturing enterprises across the United States. We invite participants from all levels of industry including but not limited to: shop floor personnel, plant managers, design & manufacturing engineers, data scientists, electricians, mechanics, sales, supply chain, operations, legal, management, and owners. We encourage multiple participants from each company to register and attend.

What are the benefits and value of automation for small & medium manufacturing enterprises?

In Workshop 1, we’ll explore how small and medium manufacturing businesses can unlock the potential benefits and value of automation, as well as the unique opportunities and challenges for smaller companies looking to transition to smart manufacturing.

Discuss the Return on Investment for automation and how it can help expand your business
Learn about University of Florida’s significant investment in AI education to meet the needs of industry for skilled workers
Learn how the Warren B. Nelms Institute for the Connected World is helping companies solve problems with innovative design solutions
Breakout sessions will provide an opportunity for industry participants across the nation to share their automation journeys and challenges

Featured Speakers:

Dr. Cammy R. Abernathy, Dean, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering; and Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida
Allen Carlson, Regional Director, UF Innovation Station Sarasota County
- TALK ABSTRACT: Factory Automation can be accomplished by upgrading existing equipment and/or starting with a clean sheet of paper. Either requires capital investment. We will explore the various approaches to justification including the financial rate of return (IRR).
Dr. Sandip Ray, Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Florida
- TALK ABSTRACT: Internet-of-Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have held up the promise to create revolutionary solutions to a variety of global problems, from manufacturing to infrastructure and transportation. Yet, the road to integrating IoT in a business is not a matter of following a well-defined path: a number of factors must be weighed in to determine how and when these technologies can be suitably adapted to enable a smooth transition and maximize the benefits promised by these technologies. In this talk, we will discuss some experiences in integrating AI/IoT solutions to industrial flows, share some success stories and challenges, and walk through some strategies, pitfalls, and lessons learned from these experiences.
Dr. Swarup Bhunia, Director, Warren B. Nelms Institute for the Connected World; and Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Florida
- TALK ABSTRACT: Warren B. Nelms Institute for the Connected World has brought together an outstanding set of experts from multiple disciplines – from sensor physics and 5G communication to data science and AI to develop cutting-edge IoT technology for next generation IoT solutions. The innovative IoT research being pursued in the institute is poised to drive customized IoT solutions in industrial and home automation as well as in solving global problems, including environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, food security and smart transportation. In this talk, we will highlight some of our key capabilities, major IoT research projects, and workforce development efforts.
Dr. My T. Thai, Associate Director, Warren B. Nelms Institute for the Connected World; and Professor, Department of Computer and Information Science and Engineering, University of Florida
- TALK ABSTRACT: AI has become an essential part of modern digital systems. Unfortunately, when AI makes headlines, all too often it is because of problems with unjust biases, inexplicability, and insecurity. As we become heavily relying on AI decisions, in addition to their great performance, it is critically important to ensure that they are fair, explainable, and transparent. In this talk, we will highlight some of our exciting technologies and capabilities on AI and its integration with IoT, focused on the responsible AI, accountability, and security, which are suitable for the manufacturing industry.