International Robots & Vision Show

Feb. 1, 2004
Ann Arbor, MI -- Two of the world's leading manufacturing trade shows have announced a blockbuster co-location plan for 2005. The International Robots

Ann Arbor, MI -- Two of the world's leading manufacturing trade shows have announced a blockbuster co-location plan for 2005. The International Robots & Vision Show and the Assembly Technology Expo (ATExpo) will be held side-by-side September 27-29, 2005 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont (Chicago), Illinois.

The two shows bring together some 850 suppliers of automation technology including robotics, machine vision, and assembly equipment designed to help manufacturing companies improve product quality, reduce costs, and become stronger global competitors.

More than 15,000 manufacturing and engineering professionals are expected to attend the co-located shows.

"The initial reaction from past exhibitors and attendees has been outstanding," said Donald A. Vincent, Executive Vice President of Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the trade group that together with the Automated Imaging Association (AIA) co-sponsors the International Robots & Vision Show.

"Based on the enthusiasm we're hearing, we think this will become the 'must attend' venue for global manufacturing leaders in 2005," Vincent added.

The International Robots & Vision Show, which began in 1976, and ATExpo, now celebrating its 25th year, rank among the world's most important showcases of leading technologies and solutions. In recent years, both shows have been held separately in Rosemont, three months apart in the odd years.

Kel Marsden-Kish, Vice President, Reed Exhibitions, producer and manager of ATExpo, said the co-location will prove beneficial to manufacturing and engineering professionals in virtually every industry. "Manufacturing companies want to maximize the time spent away from the office by their key people. The enormous range of complimentary technologies available at these co-located shows lets manufacturing leaders efficiently use their time in order to select the products and suppliers who can best meet their needs," Marsden-Kish asserted.

The co-location plan also features in-depth technical conferences on robotics, machine vision, assembly and related automation topics. While crossover attendance between the shows will be free of charge, separate conference fees will be required, with discounts available for people attending both conferences.

As part of the agreement, RIA and AIA will endorse ATExpo's Robotics Pavilion in 2004 and develop conference sessions on robotics and machine vision. The 2004 event will be held September 28-30 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

The International Robots & Vision Show is held every two years and features exhibits from some 200 leading suppliers of robots, machine vision systems, and related technologies. For more information on the show as well as other robotics and machine vision activities, visit www.roboticsonline.com , www.machinevisiononline.org , or call Association Headquarters at 734/994-6088.

The ATExpo is held every year and features exhibits from some 600 suppliers of advanced assembly systems to simple hand tools, fasteners and adhesives. For more information on ATExpo, visit www.atexpo.com or call 888/267-3796.