For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started, the International Robot Safety Conference will be in person this year.
The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has been putting on the event for over 30 years. This year’s show will include more than 40 guest speakers, three days of sessions, and an exhibit hall filled with robots. The conference runs from Sept. 27 to 29 at the Hyatt Regency Columbus in Columbus, Ohio.
Carole Franklin, A3’s director for standards development for robotics, told Robotics 24/7 that the conference is designed to cater to two types of stakeholders—those who are new to robotics safety standards and seasoned industry veterans who are looking to learn more about the latest updates.
One of the highlights of the show will be the session focused on updates to the ISO 10218 robot safety standard. The conference will also touch on topics such as cybersecurity, understanding how mobile robots (AMRs) and collaborative robots can be safely used, and more.
Executives from FANUC, Honda, Proctor & Gamble, Rockwell Automation, SICK Sensor Intelligence, and Universal Robots will speak during the event.
As robot sales increase, so does the need for knowledge about safety standards, says A3
Franklin said one of the main goals of her organization is getting the word out about the many safety standards that exist within the robotics space. With robot sales in North America continuing to hit record-high numbers, the association said the need for safety education is “paramount.”
A recent report released by the association detailed that 12,305 robots were sold during the second quarter of 2022. A3 added that 59% of those orders came from the automotive industry.
But adoption is growing in other sectors as well. The food and consumer goods industry saw a bump, buying 13% more robots this past quarter in comparison with April through June of last year.
International Robot Safety Conference registration open
“As robotics applications continue to become more advanced, more capable and more popular, the need for comprehensive robot safety knowledge increases exponentially,” reads an excerpt from A3’s website. “For nearly 35 years, companies have relied on this conference to improve their team’s knowledge about robots, safety, and risk assessment.”
Registration for the IRC event costs $1,295 for A3 members and $1,395 for nonmembers.
“Companies of all sizes and in nearly every industry are purchasing and deploying robots at a rate never seen before in North America,” stated Jeff Burnstein, president of A3.
“As a result, the International Robot Safety Conference is more important than ever for integrators, manufacturers, and end users who need to make sure their knowledge of robot safety and risk assessment is current,” he added. “This event is part of our association’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing the safety of workers as the demand for robots increases.”
A3 will be doing double duty that week. It will also host its AI & Smart Automation Conference, which will also be in Columbus, Ohio.
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