Automation & Robotics Events in United States

GridFWD

GridFWD: Driving the Future of Smart, Resilient Energy Systems

In today’s fast-evolving energy landscape, one of the most urgent challenges—and opportunities—is modernizing the power grid to be more intelligent, adaptive, and resilient. GridFWD, hosted by Grid Forward, has emerged as a key annual event and platform for innovation in electric energy market frameworks. With a focus on artificial intelligence, optimization strategies, and collaborative regional planning, GridFWD continues to play a vital role in pushing the electric grid into the future.

At its core, GridFWD brings together utility leaders, regulators, technology providers, and policymakers to explore real-world solutions that are reshaping how we manage, distribute, and consume energy. It is more than a conference—it’s a movement to accelerate grid modernization efforts in the western United States and beyond.

Exploring New Frontiers in Grid Optimization and AI

The grid is no longer a static infrastructure delivering power in a one-way flow from generation to consumption. Today, it’s a complex, dynamic ecosystem with distributed energy resources (DERs), electric vehicles, demand response mechanisms, and fluctuating renewable inputs. At GridFWD, discussions emphasize how AI and machine learning are becoming critical tools in managing this complexity.

Key Innovations Explored at GridFWD Include:

AI-driven load forecasting for real-time grid management

Predictive maintenance and anomaly detection in grid assets

Optimization of DER integration and storage systems

Adaptive control mechanisms to respond to demand shifts

Digital twins and simulation models for infrastructure planning

By applying advanced algorithms and analytics, utilities can not only improve grid reliability and efficiency but also respond more effectively to climate impacts and cyber threats.

Why Membership in Grid Forward Matters

While the GridFWD event itself draws national attention, the broader mission of Grid Forward runs year-round. As a member-driven organization, Grid Forward enables companies, utilities, research institutions, and agencies to play a direct role in shaping the grid modernization movement.

Being a member offers far more than just access to events. It’s a long-term opportunity to influence energy policy, collaborate on strategic projects, and expand your network across the clean energy innovation space.

Benefits of Grid Forward Membership

Membership in Grid Forward opens doors to resources, collaboration, and leadership that are critical in today's electric energy environment. Whether your organization is an emerging startup or a major utility, there are tangible benefits to being involved.

Core Membership Benefits:

Engage and Learn:
Stay informed through regular interaction with members and energy experts. Attend exclusive briefings, participate in member-only sessions, and stay up to date on policy, technology, and funding developments.

Influence Grid Modernization Policy:
Members shape the conversation. Play an active role in organizing the annual GridFWD event, contribute to regional advocacy efforts, support original industry content, and engage with decision-makers at both the state and federal level.

Access Grid Modernization Resources:
Gain insight into funding opportunities, grid resiliency initiatives, and cybersecurity frameworks. Members share resources and support to accelerate deployment of transformative grid technologies.

Expand Your Connections:
Network with a dynamic range of stakeholders—from utilities and regulators to vendors and nonprofits. Participate in facilitated introductions, online forums, and strategic collaborations.

Shape the Organization’s Future:
Members are invited to participate in the annual meeting, vote on organizational decisions, and even apply to join the board of directors or board of advisors.

Bridging Innovation and Policy: A Unique Ecosystem

One of Grid Forward’s distinguishing features is how it connects innovation with policy in meaningful ways. While many technical conferences focus purely on engineering or systems design, GridFWD includes strategic sessions that tackle the political, economic, and social dimensions of energy transformation.

Panel discussions, workshops, and roundtables often include:

Regional utility CEOs and engineering leads

State and federal energy regulators

Technology developers and AI innovators

Academics, NGOs, and community representatives

This multi-sector approach ensures that modernization efforts are both technically feasible and socially equitable—a balance that's essential for long-term success.

Supporting Regional Leadership in Clean Energy Transformation

Grid Forward operates primarily within the western U.S., a region known for its proactive energy policies and high renewable penetration. However, the challenges of grid modernization—such as integrating intermittent solar and wind energy, ensuring grid reliability, and managing wildfire risks—are increasingly shared across states and sectors.

Through GridFWD and its network of members, Grid Forward supports:

Coordination across public and private sectors

Community engagement to ensure equitable access

Research and demonstration projects on advanced grid tools

Workforce development to prepare for the grid of the future

This regional leadership doesn’t stop at the border—it offers a replicable model for other parts of the country and the world looking to modernize their power systems.

Looking Ahead: Join the Movement

As climate, technology, and market demands continue to evolve, the need for a smarter, more resilient grid has never been clearer. Whether you're an innovator with a new energy management platform, a utility transitioning to carbon-free power, or a policymaker seeking balanced regulation, Grid Forward offers a collaborative, impactful platform for action.

Joining Grid Forward isn’t just about attending events. It’s about becoming a core part of the solution—helping shape policy, influence strategy, share insights, and ultimately build a power grid that meets the demands of the 21st century.

Design Automation Conference

Design Automation Conference: Driving Innovation in Electronic Circuit and System Design

The Design Automation Conference (DAC) has long stood as one of the most influential gatherings for professionals involved in electronic circuit and system design. With its rich history and forward-looking agenda, DAC has become the go-to event for engineers, researchers, and companies pushing the boundaries of design automation technologies.

What sets DAC apart is its dynamic mix of academic insight, industrial innovation, and practical application. Every year, it brings together thousands of attendees—from seasoned engineers to aspiring students—who are passionate about improving the design and functionality of the electronic systems that power our world.

This year’s edition is particularly exciting, with nominations open for student awards and keynote addresses from some of the most visionary figures in the industry, including Jim Keller, Alan Lee, and Sarita Adve. Their presence signals a deep dive into the future of compute architecture, AI systems, and hardware/software co-design.

A Central Stage for the Global EDA Community

DAC is globally recognized as a pivotal platform where Electronic Design Automation (EDA), system-level design, and embedded systems development converge. It serves as both a trade show and a technical conference, giving equal attention to groundbreaking research, commercial products, and career development.

The event’s comprehensive scope includes:

Semiconductors and microarchitecture

Embedded systems and software integration

AI/ML hardware acceleration

Security in hardware design

Design-for-test and verification

System-level and SoC (System on Chip) modeling

This intersection of disciplines ensures that DAC remains relevant to professionals across various domains—from chip design and IP integration to tool vendors and systems engineers.

Notable Keynote Speakers Shaping the Future

The inclusion of prominent speakers such as Jim Keller, Alan Lee, and Sarita Adve has generated significant buzz. Each of them brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of leadership in the tech industry.

Keynote Highlights:

Jim Keller – Known for his work at Apple, Tesla, AMD, and Intel, Keller is a legend in chip design. His insights on processor architecture and hardware scalability are expected to inspire a new generation of designers.

Alan Lee – As an executive at AMD with a background in advanced technology and R&D leadership, Lee is expected to share his vision on heterogeneous compute and the next wave of EDA tool evolution.

Sarita Adve – A pioneering academic voice in systems and architecture, Adve brings deep knowledge of memory models, hardware-software interfaces, and ethical tech development.

These speakers ensure that DAC will not only reflect current trends but also ignite conversations about where the industry is headed.

Empowering Students and Early-Career Professionals

One of the most forward-thinking aspects of the Design Automation Conference is its active engagement with students and emerging talent. By offering dedicated student sessions, poster presentations, and award nominations, DAC fosters early inclusion and mentorship within the EDA and chip design community.

Opportunities for Students Include:

Design contests and hackathons

PhD Forum showcasing ongoing research

Student Design Contest Awards

Travel grants and sponsorships for top applicants

Recruitment booths hosted by leading companies

These initiatives create valuable bridges between academia and industry, allowing students to gain visibility and connect with potential employers and collaborators.

Networking, Expo, and Professional Development

Beyond technical sessions, DAC is also a major marketplace and networking event. The exhibition floor features major industry players, tool vendors, and innovative startups demonstrating EDA software, verification tools, AI accelerators, and IP solutions.

Highlights from the Expo Zone:

Live product demos and software walkthroughs

Partner pavilions from major chipmakers

University research showcases

Start-up pitches and investor meetings

Career fairs and skill workshops

These elements are especially important for companies seeking visibility, as well as professionals looking to keep up with the latest advancements in tools and methodologies.

Collaborative Spirit: Industry Meets Academia

What truly makes DAC unique is its dual identity as both a commercial and academic conference. While the expo buzzes with commercial activity, the technical program dives deep into peer-reviewed research, offering insights that are both innovative and applicable.

Key Research Areas Featured:

Machine Learning for EDA

Formal verification and hardware security

Emerging technologies like quantum and neuromorphic computing

Low-power design methodologies

3D integration and heterogeneous packaging

This fusion of science and business helps participants gain a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry—from theoretical models to real-world deployments.

Why DAC Remains Essential in a Rapidly Evolving Industry

In today’s fast-paced semiconductor landscape, the need for smarter, faster, and more power-efficient designs has never been greater. Technologies like AI, 5G, IoT, and edge computing demand new approaches to design, verification, and testing.

The Design Automation Conference provides a critical platform where these challenges can be openly discussed, and solutions collaboratively developed. Whether through interactive tutorials, panel discussions, or technical deep dives, DAC equips its attendees with the tools they need to innovate.

Where the Best Minds in EDA Converge

With a balanced focus on technical depth, industry insight, and community-building, DAC remains a cornerstone of the electronics design ecosystem. The participation of visionary speakers like Jim Keller and Sarita Adve underscores the importance of the topics being addressed.

From seasoned engineers to ambitious graduate students, from tool providers to chip manufacturers—everyone leaves DAC more informed, more connected, and more inspired.

Automate Detroit

Automate Detroit: North America’s Leading Robotics and Automation Event

In the heart of Detroit, a city historically associated with industrial innovation, Automate stands as the definitive event for robotics, machine vision, motion control, and industrial automation. Organized annually by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), Automate is not just the largest automation trade show in North America—it’s where the future of global manufacturing is envisioned, discussed, and set into motion.

With its ever-growing reputation, Automate has evolved into a must-attend gathering for professionals looking to adopt or improve automation within their operations. Whether you're a plant engineer, executive decision-maker, or a technology supplier, Automate provides the space, network, and resources necessary to stay competitive in the age of intelligent manufacturing.

Why Automate is the Premier Automation Conference in North America

Automation is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s today's competitive edge. From smart robotics to advanced machine vision systems, Automate Detroit gives attendees firsthand access to the tools and techniques that are transforming global industries.
Core advantages of Automate include:

A comprehensive trade show floor featuring 800+ world-class exhibitors

Direct access to factory automation leaders and top-tier industry specialists

Unrivaled networking opportunities with integrators, OEMs, and manufacturing strategists

A massive 365,000+ sq ft exhibition area filled with practical automation solutions

Each year, the event draws more than 30,000 attendees, proving its value as a knowledge-sharing and deal-making hub.

Diverse Exhibitor Base and Industry Reach

From Fortune 500 manufacturers to nimble automation startups, Automate welcomes organizations at all stages of their automation journey. The diversity of exhibitors ensures a wide array of perspectives, tools, and innovations across key sectors.
Exhibitors represent technologies and services such as:

Collaborative and industrial robotics

Machine vision and AI-based inspection systems

Industrial sensors and IoT integration

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs)

End-of-line packaging and materials handling solutions

This wide scope makes Automate not only a technical showcase but also a strategic marketplace where solution providers and buyers come together with purpose.

High-Impact Learning Through Keynote Talks and Technical Sessions

Automate doesn’t just show technology—it teaches how to implement and optimize it. The conference features over 200 expert speakers, including industry veterans, engineers, and researchers, delivering talks that tackle real-world problems and futuristic possibilities alike.
Topics covered include:

Digital transformation in manufacturing

Industrial cybersecurity in automated environments

ROI-driven automation deployment

Robotics programming and integration

Machine learning in factory settings

These sessions help participants evaluate the feasibility of adoption, understand cost-benefit analyses, and prepare for the evolving regulatory and technical landscape.

Key Attendee Profiles: Who Comes to Automate?

Automate’s attendee list reads like a who’s who of modern manufacturing. The show is attended by professionals with direct influence over operations, procurement, and strategic planning.

You’ll meet:

Plant engineers responsible for automation integration

Operations managers exploring tools for efficiency gains

C-level executives scouting innovation to maintain a competitive edge

System integrators seeking components for large-scale projects

R&D specialists evaluating early-stage technologies

This elite attendee base ensures that conversations at Automate are meaningful and geared toward action.

Why Detroit is the Perfect Location

Detroit, Michigan has long been considered the epicenter of industrial progress in North America. As the home of automotive giants and numerous tech-forward manufacturers, it provides an ideal backdrop for discussions on robotics and automation.

Besides its symbolic status, Detroit offers world-class venues and infrastructure to support a global-scale event. From convenient travel connections to ample space for demonstrations and facility tours, the city plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall event experience.

Unique Benefits for Exhibitors and Sponsors

Participating in Automate as an exhibitor or sponsor delivers measurable ROI and long-term brand visibility. Whether your company is launching a new product or aiming to solidify its market position, Automate offers a highly qualified audience eager for innovative solutions.
Exhibitor advantages include:

Access to over 30,000 targeted buyers and engineers

Real-time feedback and demo engagement

Exposure in pre-event marketing and digital outreach

Participation in exclusive networking and press events

By interacting directly with attendees, companies can fine-tune their offerings, build trust, and generate high-quality leads.

Fueling Business Development and Strategic Partnerships

One of the most powerful aspects of Automate is the ecosystem of partnerships that it nurtures. The show is more than a sales opportunity—it’s a breeding ground for long-term collaboration.

As component OEMs interact with system integrators and solution developers, new alliances form that lead to:

Joint ventures

White-labeled solutions

Exclusive distribution deals

Collaborative product development

These partnerships help accelerate the deployment of automation technologies across diverse sectors, from food processing to aerospace.

What’s New at Automate This Year?

Each new edition of Automate introduces fresh experiences and features that reflect the dynamic nature of the industry. Here’s what attendees can look forward to this year:

A dedicated AI & Machine Learning Pavilion

Live robotics competitions and programming challenges

Enhanced interactive exhibitor demos

Women in Automation leadership forums

Guided tours of automation facilities in the Detroit metro area

These additions not only enrich the event experience but also offer new opportunities to connect, learn, and be inspired.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Automation Starts Here

In a rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, staying current with automation technology is no longer optional—it’s essential. Automate Detroit is the premier gathering where the best minds, tools, and strategies converge to shape the future of industrial efficiency and intelligence.

From high-level strategy to ground-level implementation, Automate offers something for everyone involved in robotics and automation. It’s where business goals meet technological excellence—and where ideas are transformed into operational reality.