The New Manufacturing Playbook: Integrating Robotics, Data and Automation Across the Factory Floor
Manufacturers across industries are moving beyond isolated automation projects toward fully integrated, data‑driven factory environments. This session explores how robotics, automation, and connected data systems are reshaping modern production—from assembly and material handling to inspection, quality, and maintenance. Attendees will examine what a digitally connected factory floor truly looks like, including the role of robotics, intelligent automation, real‑time data, and predictive modeling in driving consistency, throughput, and operational resilience.
Moderated by Lisa Masciantonio, Chief Workforce Officer at ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing), the discussion will be guided by a leader deeply focused on aligning workforce development with the future of robotics and automation. She will be joined by Ani Kelkar, Partner at McKinsey & Company, who brings a strategic, cross‑industry perspective advising global OEMs on scaling AI, robotics, and advanced manufacturing systems, and Chris Caldwell, Product Manager at Yaskawa Motoman Robotics, representing the robotics OEM perspective with hands‑on experience developing and deploying industrial automation solutions across diverse manufacturing environments. Together, this panel brings a powerful combination of workforce, strategy, and technology expertise, enabling a truly cross‑industry dialogue. The session will highlight how organizations are scaling automation beyond pilots, aligning investments with long‑term business strategy, and preparing their workforce for transformation—while offering practical insight into how manufacturers can successfully integrate robotics and data to drive performance and value creation at scale.
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