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Robotics as a Partner, Not a Replacement, for Manufacturing Jobs

SOUTHEAST Session: Manufacturers today face a critical workforce challenge. An aging labor pool, persistent skills shortages, and post-pandemic attrition have created gaps that traditional hiring alone cannot solve. These pressures demand innovative approaches to sustaining productivity and competitiveness. Robotics offers a practical, scalable solution, not as a replacement for people, but as a partner that augments human capabilities. Collaborative robots (cobots) are designed to work alongside operators, taking on repetitive, physically demanding, or hazardous tasks. This partnership allows employees to focus on higher-value activities such as quality control, process improvement, and customer engagement. Studies show that human–robot teams significantly reduce idle time and improve throughput compared to all-human work environments. Real-world examples illustrate the shift. Chipotle’s “Autocado” robot automates the tedious process of cutting and coring avocados, while staff concentrate on quality and service. On manufacturing floors, cobots assist with material handling, precision assembly, and inspection; areas where ergonomics and consistency are critical. Rather than eliminating jobs, robotics transforms them, creating safer workplaces and more sustainable operations. This session, “Robotics as a Partner, Not a Replacement, for Manufacturing Jobs,” will explore how manufacturers can strategically adopt robotics to address workforce shortages without diminishing employee value. Attendees will gain insights into the benefits of cobot integration, practical considerations for implementation, and the long-term potential of human–robot collaboration. The presentation emphasizes that the future of manufacturing is not a choice between people and machines, but a partnership that strengthens both.

How Lean Teams Cut Downtime and Boost Output with Smart Maintenance

SOUTHEAST Session: Unexpected breakdowns, rising costs, and limited asset visibility continue to be a challenge for manufacturers, especially as teams face mounting pressure to do more with less – fewer technicians, tighter budgets, and limited time. But with the right technology and a practical approach to reliability, lean teams can shift from fighting fires to building long-term, operational resilience into every layer of production. In this session, we’ll showcase how manufacturers are using modern CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) tools to drive higher uptime, extend asset life, and reduce reactive work – all without needing additional headcount or new equipment. We’ll demonstrate how top performing teams have digitized preventive maintenance schedules, deployed QR code-enabled work orders, and built mobile-first maintenance workflows that keep machines running and teams aligned. Whether you’re still using spreadsheets or looking to get more out of your current system, this session will provide a clear blueprint for building a smart, scalable maintenance program.

A Connected, Organized and Process Driven Shop Floor Starts with Security

SOUTHEAST Session: This panel will discuss the importance of security in driving the ever-connected organization and supply chain. From the simple best practices of the small shop owner to the NIST and Cybersecurity Defense CMMC 2.0 requirements, this team has the history and experience to enlighten you on your journey. Join us for an engaging presentation and follow-up Q&A session that will leave you glad you took the time to hear best practices, mistakes to avoid, questions to ask, and how to position your shop to be safe well into the future. From the Top Floor to the Shop Floor - manufacturers cannot remain competitive without connectivity and transparency. Keeping you protected, connected, and systemized with process will lead to efficiency, consistency, and scalability. It is the system and service provider's job to keep you safe so you can produce good parts on time and make a profit - join us for some valuable dialog!

Steve Logue

Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Steve Logue, General Manager, Sensolus

Dennis Easter

Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Dennis Easter, Sr. Solutions Engineer, Algorithm Inc

Nicky Pettit

Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Nicky Pettit, Account Executive, Limble

New Growth Strategies for Small and Medium CNC Shops

SOUTHEAST Session: Are you getting the most out of your operations? Many manufacturers leave performance on the table due to outdated CNC machining processes, practices and programming. In this expert panel presentation, FANUC America’s Executive Director of Aerospace and Defense Rick Schultz will lead a discussion about how to take advantage of new technologies, create automation strategies, and utilize IOT and digitalization software to drive operational success. Audience Takeaways: -Learn growth strategies on how to keep machining operations competitive and profitable. -Hear from industry leaders on their realistic approaches to AI for impactful ROI. -How to mitigate pain points with optimizing equipment and taking advantage of advanced machining functionality. -Best practices on setting up shops to support more flexible and effective operations. -Using cutting-edge CNC technology, IoT, digitalization and other tools to drive operational success. -Phasing in newer technologies into existing production lines. -Planning and preparing for your next CAPEX for the best ROI. -How to be effective and productive while facing a tight labor market and a growing skills gap. -Steps to a more self-reliant company using in-house capabilities. -Developing meaningful partnerships in the industry.

Kevin Clark

Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Kevin Clark, Chief Evangelist Officer, Nanoprecise