The fourth industrial revolution has prompted manufacturers to digitize their factories, bringing together information technology and operational technology to create a cyberphysical network. These networks can leverage AI and IoT to establish real-time feedback loops enabling “every part better than the last”. This technology showcase will address the need to close the loop between innovative thinking and practical application with a special emphasis on the advantages that come from being a well-informed early adopter of new technology. Attendees will hear from MIT’s Dr. Neil Gershenfeld about breaking down boundaries between digital and physical worlds in a presentation about his current work, “Assembling Assemblers.” Participants will also explore completed MxD projects that have practical applications and hear unique industry perspectives on closing the loop between pilot and practice.

Date: May 21, 2019

Time: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Location: MxD (1415 N. Cherry Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642)

Registration Deadline: May 14 by 5:00 PM CT

Reasons to Attend

• Hear from MIT’s Dr. Neil Gershenfeld about his current efforts on “Assembling Assemblers” and breaking down boundaries between digital and physical worlds

• Understand the advantages of being a well-informed early adopter of innovative technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Explore a selection of completed MxD projects that closed the loop between visionary ideas and practical applications within a factory setting

• Learn from industry leaders such as Dow, Microsoft, Siemens, and Tulip about their movement from pilot projects to practical applications of new digital technology

• Network with MxD members including manufacturers, solution providers, and universities who are engaged in developing and deploying more effective technology

Who Should Attend

The ideal attendees are manufacturing professionals who are involved in and responsible for crafting and deploying digital strategy within their organization, as well as academics, solution providers, and government representatives who are interested in working collaboratively to progress digital technology within the manufacturing sector.

Tentative Agenda

7:30am – 8:00am: Registration

8:00am – 8:15am: Welcome & Overview of the Day – Chandra Brown, Chief Executive Officer, MxD

8:15 – 8:30 AM: The Importance of Interagency Collaboration – Dr. Bindu Nair, Deputy Director, Basic Research Office, Office of the Secretary of Defense

8:30am – 9:15am: Breaking Down Boundaries Between Digital and Physical Worlds – Dr. Neil Gershenfeld, MIT

9:15am – 10:00am: Becoming a Lighthouse Manufacturer -- Craig Melrose, Partner, McKinsey & Company

10:00am – 10:15am: Break

10:15am – 11:15pm: Panel Discussion: Advancing from Pilot to Practice -- The Manufacturer's Perspective

- Moderator: Tyler Vizek, Project Engineer, MxD

- Dan Rozinski, Technology Fellow - Manufacturing & Engineering, Dow Chemical

- Jim Rocker, Engineering Manager, Duracell

- Brandon Johnson, Analytics Manager, John Deere Harvester Works

11:15 -- 11:45am: Creating an Agile Working Environment -- TBD, Fast Radius

11:45am – 12:00pm: Exhibitor Introductions

12:00pm – 1:15pm: Lunch & Technology Showcase

1:15pm – 2:00pm: Panel Discussion: Advancing from Pilot to Practice -- The Solution Provider's Perspective

- Moderator: Tyler Vizek, Project Engineer, MxD

- Diego Tamburini, Principal Industry Lead - Manufacturing, Microsoft

- TBD, Tulip

- Chad Shaffer, Digitalization, Business Development, Siemens

2:00pm – 2:15pm: Introduction to Breakout Sessions: Closing the Loop Between Visionary and Practical

2:15pm – 2:45pm: Breakout Session 1

Group A: Autodesk Demonstration

Group B: MxD Projects

Group C: MxD Projects

2:45pm – 3:15pm: Breakout Session 2

Group C: Autodesk Demonstration

Group A: MxD Projects

Group B: MxD Projects

3:15pm – 3:45pm: Breakout Session 3

Group B: Autodesk Demonstration

Group C: MxD Projects

Group A: MxD Projects

3:45pm -- 4:00pm: Closing Remarks

4:00pm – 5:30pm: Networking Reception and Technology Showcase

For press inquiries, please contact Alyssa Sullivan, Director of External Relations, at alyssa.sullivan@mxdusa.org.