Leaders of manufacturing’s digital transformation will meet at Zoller Inc. for Automation Days, the company’s first event on how automation can tackle the industry’s biggest challenges.
The August 9-10 event at Zoller’s North American headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, will feature presentations from customers, industry leaders, and company experts on implementing optimized, connected, and automated processes around the complete management of cutting tools.
Automation aims to address the labor shortages and skills gaps plaguing U.S. manufacturing. By 2030, the lack of skilled workers is expected to leave 2.1 million unfilled jobs, according to a 2021 study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute.
“We know that we can solve the challenge of labor shortage,” said Zoller Inc. president Alexander Zoller, who will provide the keynote address during Automation Days. “We can help to automate processes, to improve processes, and every company in the manufacturing world will have a great benefit from that.”
Among the customers and experts who will share their process optimization and automation success stories at Automation Days are:
- Peter Cockburn, principal engineer – manufacturing innovation at Bell Helicopter.
- Tim Falcone, CEO, and Jim Cuthbert, COO, at JANUS Engineering.
- Brian Tompkins, production cell manager – tool grind at TURBOCAM Aero Engines.
- Jeremy St. Pierre, principal manufacturing engineer at GKN Aerospace and owner of Benchmark Manufacturing Solutions.
- Keith Grillot, sales manager at ANCA CNC Machines.
- Christopher Townsend, instructor and advisor at Eagle Manufacturing.
The theme of Automation Days — “Automate. Success.” — is reflected in the agenda, which includes presentations on topics such as how to prepare a shop for process automation, establishing a lights-out tool inspection process, and creating an efficient tool grinding or regrinding facility. Breakout sessions and workshops will be offered on specific automation interest areas.
Zoller’s unique automation technology, such as the »roboSet 2« automation solution for 24/7 lights-out tool inspection, will be displayed at the event. Demos will also highlight the collaborative robotic assistant »cora« and the »roboBox« system, which enables automatic assembly of heat-shrink tools with integrated shrinking, cooling, and measuring modules. Attendees are encouraged to schedule one-on-one consultations with Zoller experts to find a roadmap of solutions tailored to their needs.
Ample time for networking is structured throughout the event, including coffee breaks, catered lunch, and an evening Automation Fest with live music, German beer, and barbecue in an outdoor tent. Those who attend will also be the first to learn about Zoller Inc.’s Toolroom of the Year competition. The winner will win a trip for two to Zoller’s Smart Factory in Pleidelsheim, Germany.
