The Automate 2011 show at Chicago’s McCormick Place was held from March 21-24, saw the launch of new certification programs for both robotics and machine vision system integrators.
These programs were formally announced at a talk given by Jeff Burnstein, who is the President of Robotic Industries Association (RIA) on 21st March. Burnstein revealed that they had been planning this certification program for over a year, and were thrilled to broadcast the details during the show. He further stated that they were planning to certify integrators by the year end.
Burnstein also stated that the certification program would assist the users to find qualified integrators, which would in turn lead to successful application of robotics. The users had difficulty in recognizing, which integrators were the best in the field and the RIA certification would eventually be a key factor in the decision process. This program was sponsored by RIA’s sister trade group, Automated Imaging Association (AIA) and both of these organizations co-sponsored the Automate 2011 show. The Program would be discussed by Greg Hollows of Edmund Optics who is also an AIA Board Member and Dana Whalls, Vice President on 21st March. Whalls revealed that the AIA program was focused on certifying machine vision professionals and would begin an advanced level certification soon. Both basic and advanced courses along with certification tests were offered at the conference. By 2011 they were also planning on certifying integrator companies.
Both Whalls and Burnstein acknowledged that growth of robotics and machine vision industries depended on qualified system integrators, as users wanted complete solutions, which are problem free and this is possible only with the help of integrators. The integrators know the main processes in specific industries and also completely understand automation technology. Over 20 leading integrators participated in the show in a special pavilion and displayed solutions for a broad range of applications. According to Burnstein, the visitors to the show were able to observe the new solutions and get to meet the different integrators and then decide, as to which solutions partner would be suitable for them.
The Automate 2011 was represented by 575 companies from over 30 nations that integrate, supply and use robotics, motion control and machine vision along with prominent consulting and research organizations.
Source: http://www.automate2011.com