From Microgravity Manufacturing to AI, Robotics and More

Summary

Ever wonder about the commercial viability of microgravity manufacturing in space? Wouldn’t you like to talk to someone who has?

Manufacturers are continually tasked with pushing boundaries across every aspect of the product lifecycle, from design and prototyping straight through to development and packaging. Product and process design engineers have a lot to ponder and a wealth of smart manufacturing technologies and strategies to evaluate and apply. Keeping up with the opportunities means finding good sources of information, inspiration, and examples.  
 
IME West , coming Feb. 6-8, 2024, at the Anaheim Convention Center, is the nation’s largest advanced design and smart manufacturing event and the place to find the conversations, connections and opportunities that forecast what is to come in the fast-evolving frontiers of our industry.  
 
From the latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and sustainable material development to managing the complexities of the global supply chain, workforce management and industry regulations, IME West 2024 brings together the thought leaders and industry disruptors that are pushing the boundaries of manufacturing to deliver innovative new products and technologies. Two keynote speakers bring that point home.  
 
Jana Stoudemire is director of In-Space Manufacturing for Axiom Space, a provider of human spaceflight services and the developer of Axiom Station, the commercial successor to the International Space Station. Stoudemire leads the opening keynote panel on Tuesday, Feb. 6 to discuss the commercial viability of microgravity manufacturing for the development of biomedical and advanced material products.  
 
Distinguished panelists will share the potential of leveraging in-space production to solve some of the industry’s most challenging issues such as quality control, defect management, among others. Speakers include Dr. Arun Sharma, assistant professor, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; Dr. Yupeng Chen, co-founder and Scientific Advisor, Eascra Biotech; Dr. Nicole Wagner, president and CEO, LambdaVision; and Dr. Partha Dutta, chief technologist, United Semiconductors  
 
The following day keynote levels back down to earth to focus on the role human and machine interfaces (HMIs) play in the future of medical tech development. Jennifer Samproni, chief technology officer of Health Solutions for Flex, will share the critical emphasis that HMIs have as manufacturers seek to create connected experiences that promote positive health outcomes, while also integrating seamlessly into patient lifestyles. Samproni will also discuss how manufacturers can design innovative, future-proof medical devices to deliver easier, faster and more reliable access to quality care to the increasing number of patients facing chronic illness. 
 
Encompassing five co-located events, IME West includes Medical Design and Manufacturing (MD&M) West, WestPack, Automation Technology (ATX) West, Manufacturing (D&M) West and Plastec West, IME West 2024 offers attendees access to the companies and technologies that are revolutionizing smart manufacturing across multiple industries.  
 
Last year’s three-day event boasted more than 1,600 exhibitors and 145 expert-led sessions. Top exhibitors this year include 3M, Nexeo Plastics, Bosch Rexroth, Canon USA, Hitachi Industrial Solutions, and Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. 
 
Registration is officially open. The popular Event Dashboard will again let exhibitors and attendees schedule and plan their on-site experience prior to, during and after the show.