Integr8™ conference planners prep for an anticipated 500 manufacturing and technology professionals to head to Detroit Nov. 9

Media Contacts: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; barbara@eafocus.com; 248.260.8466; Nicole Kampe, Automation Alley; kampen@automationalley.com; 248.457.3210

TROY, Mich., Aug. 3, 2017 —  Automation Alley, Michigan’s leading technology and manufacturing business association, has announced that its Integr8™ conference, the country’s first cross-discipline global conference focused on Industry 4.0 technologies, is gaining buzz as global thought leaders in Industry 4.0 sign on as speakers, sponsors and attendees.

Integr8™, taking place in Detroit on Nov. 9, is expected to attract 500 manufacturing and technology professionals from across the region and world and will advance attendees’ knowledge and understanding of the eight key technologies associated with Industry 4.0, or the fourth industrial revolution currently disrupting the manufacturing industry. Those eight technologies include cybersecurity, big data and artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, advanced materials, robotics, the Industrial Internet of Things, cloud computing and modeling, simulation and visualization.

Confirmed keynote speakers are Howard Heppelmann, divisional vice president and general manager of Connected Operations Solutions at PTC, the creator of leading Internet of Things and augmented reality platforms, and The Honorable Kenneth E. Hyatt, deputy undersecretary for International Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, who advised leading private sector organizations in the automotive, banking, consumer goods, entertainment, insurance and travel and tourism sectors prior to his trade appointment. Other confirmed speakers include Industry 4.0 thought leaders from GE, General Motors, Lear Corporation, FACTON Inc., Carnegie Mellon University, Fraunhofer Institute, University of Michigan and Omron Automation.

Tom Kelly, Automation Alley’s CEO and executive director, said enthusiasm and interest in Integr8™ continues to build as it serves as a call to action for the manufacturing industry to mobilize for the tremendous technological changes driving the global industrial economy toward digitization.

“Smart, connected factories have created both immense opportunities and great challenges for manufacturers both locally and across the globe. Because the speed of change related to Industry 4.0 is so rapid, manufacturers, especially the small and medium-sized manufacturers, need help navigating this uncharted territory. That’s why we created Integr8™,” Kelly said. “Through Integr8™, we are delivering knowledge to help ensure companies embrace the technological changes associated with Industry 4.0 and don’t get left behind.”

Integr8™ will also feature a targeted technology expo, panel discussions and breakout sessions with world-renowned Industry 4.0 experts focused on advancements in manufacturing, how to overcome obstacles to adoption, financial ROI and blueprints for successful Industry 4.0 implementation in the eight disruptive technology areas.

Integr8™ sponsors include PTC, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Omron Automation, ASK, LHP Engineering Solutions, Oakland County, Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, RSM, Oakland Community College, Behco-MRM, FACTON Inc., NovaStar Solutions, JustBots, Walsh College, Harness Dickey and Hirotec America.

In addition to the Integr8™ conference on Nov. 9, which is taking place at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, Automation Alley is hosting a VIP Dinner and Cocktail Reception the day before the conference on Nov. 8 at the new Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Ticket and sponsorship information for both events can be found at automationalley.com/integr8.

About Automation Alley

Integr8™ is presented by Automation Alley, Michigan’s leading nonprofit technology and manufacturing business association, connecting industry, academia and government to fuel Southeast Michigan’s economy and accelerate innovation. The mission of Automation Alley is to position Southeast Michigan as a global leader in Industry 4.0 by helping our members increase revenue, reduce costs and think strategically as they keep pace with rapid technological changes in manufacturing.

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