Automate

Sarah Andrzejewski
Product Manager
Software, Yaskawa Motoman

Unlocking Unstructured Environments Through AI Robotics
Traditional industrial robotics has excelled in structured, repetitive manufacturing environments. However, a significant portion of industrial tasks, such as random bin picking, variable assembly, logistics, and material handling in high-mix, low-volume scenarios, remain unautomated due to the complexity and unpredictability of unstructured environments.

Key features discussed will include autonomous adaptivity, allowing the robot to perceive its dynamic surroundings, make human-like judgments, and generate optimal, collision-free paths without being explicitly programmed for every scenario. We will also define AI in robotics and where we see them fitting into the real world. We will present practical examples of Motoman NEXT successfully performing tasks that require human-level perception such as sorting and boxing irregularly placed items, and its ability to operate alongside human workers in flexible, unpredictable workcells.

Track: AI & Smart Automation | Robotics: Applications, Systems, & Innovations
Experience Level: Intermediate
Monday, June 22, 2026
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM CDT
Room: S403ab

Empowering Students with Motoman NEXT and Physical AI
Track: Education | Robotics: Physical AI
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
A3 NextGen Theater - Booth 32054

Josh Leath
Senior Product Manager
Thermal Robotics, Yaskawa Motoman

Beyond Collaborative Robots: How Smarter Automation Redefines Simplicity
As automation continues to advance, manufacturers are demanding solutions that deliver high performance without high complexity. We will examine a brief history of programming and what tomorrow holds from the perspective of a robot OEM. Features like lead-to-teach have proven that improving ease of use makes automation more approachable for small and medium enterprises. "Beyond Collaborative Robots: How Smarter Automation Redefines Simplicity" explores how the next generation of automation is redefining this approachable automation for real-world production environments. This session looks beyond today’s very popular collaborative robots to highlight real and emerging technologies with design trends that make advanced automation more intuitive, adaptive, and accessible. From streamlined programming methods to artificially intelligent systems that optimize operation, these innovations enable faster deployment and greater flexibility on the factory floor for even more applications. Real-world examples will be shown. Attendees will gain a clear view of how this user-centric design and smarter automation architectures are shaping the future of welding and fabrication—empowering teams to scale automation faster, reduce integration barriers, and achieve higher productivity with less complexity.

Track: Collaborative Robots | Robotics: Applications, Systems, & Innovations
Experience Level: Intermediate
Thursday, June 25, 2026
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM CDT
Room: S401d

Clint Chapman
Sr. Manager Strategic Partner Relations - EDU / WD
Yaskawa America Inc., Motoman Robotics Division

Robots, Role Models, and Reality
Track: Education | Robotics: Workforce Development
Monday, June 22, 2026
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM CDT
A3 NextGen Theater - Booth 32054