More than 20 robotics and automation vendors will be participating in the upcoming Waves of Innovation event at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on November 15. This unique event, held at the home of the Dallas Cowboys, will provide hands-on demonstrations of the latest automation and robotics solutions for manufacturing professionals.
Despite the recent addition of over 10,000 manufacturing jobs in the Dallas metro area, there continues to be a significant gap between job vacancies and available applicants. This is due to historically low labor participation rates in the region, making it challenging for manufacturers to find skilled workers.
Nick Armenta, regional manager of Olympus Controls, emphasizes the difficulties faced by manufacturers in staffing their shifts. Olympus Controls specializes in the integration of motion control, machine vision, and robotic technologies. Armenta points out that the manufacturing industry in Texas currently has 0.8 unemployed persons per job opening, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to bridge this gap.
The Waves of Innovation event aims to address this challenge by showcasing the latest advancements in automation and robotics. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness live demonstrations presented by experienced problem solvers. From collaborative robots capable of handling grueling tasks to vision-guided robotic arms using deep learning algorithms, a wide range of automation solutions will be on display.
Scott Paulk, engineering manager with Alexandria Industries, emphasizes the importance of staying informed about the latest automation technologies. With 40% of their work centers already automated, Alexandria Industries has experienced the benefits of offsetting the challenges of hiring skilled labor through automation. Furthermore, Paulk highlights that robots also attract younger generations to the manufacturing industry, giving companies a competitive advantage in attracting talented employees.
Among the companies attending Waves of Innovation is Aircraft Tooling Inc., a Dallas-based repair center for the aviation industry. They were pleasantly surprised to discover that collaborative robots could withstand high temperatures and harsh environments while performing plasma spray processes, freeing up their employees from this task. Juan Puente, a thermal spray supervisor at Aircraft Tooling, initially had doubts about the robot’s reliability in the extreme conditions of their spray booth, but was impressed by its performance.
The Waves of Innovation event will provide Texas manufacturers with valuable insights into the capabilities and potential of automation technologies. By bringing together local talent and resources, this event aims to enhance manufacturing capabilities and showcase the developing and established talent already present in the state.
FAQ
What is the Waves of Innovation event?
The Waves of Innovation event is a free-to-attend showcase of the latest automation and robotics solutions for manufacturing professionals. It features hands-on demonstrations presented by experienced problem solvers.
Why is there a gap between job vacancies and available applicants in manufacturing?
The Dallas metro area has experienced a significant increase in manufacturing jobs, but there is still a shortage of skilled workers. Historically low labor participation rates in the region have made it difficult for manufacturers to find qualified candidates for their job openings.
What are the benefits of automation for manufacturers?
Automation enables manufacturers to offset the challenges of hiring skilled labor by reallocating resources. It also attracts younger generations to the industry, giving companies a competitive advantage in attracting talented employees.
What surprises have been discovered in relation to collaborative robots?
Aircraft Tooling Inc., a repair center for the aviation industry, found that collaborative robots (cobots) could withstand high temperatures and harsh environments while performing plasma spray processes. This freed up their employees from performing this task and improved overall efficiency.
How can Waves of Innovation enhance manufacturing capabilities in Texas?
By showcasing the latest automation and robotics solutions, Waves of Innovation aims to provide Texas manufacturers with valuable insights and connections. It brings together local talent and resources, illuminating the capabilities and potential already present in the state.