Manufacturing Automation at Scale: Leadership Insights

Alongside leadership conversations, ElevateX 2026 showcases select real-world automation applications that reflect how collaborative robots are being deployed across manufacturing operations today.

This application demonstrates flexible palletizing for packaging and warehouse operations, handling boxes of varying sizes and weights with consistency. Designed for fast setup and easy recipe changes, it highlights how collaborative automation can reduce manual lifting while improving productivity in multi-SKU environments.

The welding application showcases how collaborative robots can support precision welding tasks with extended reach and coordinated motion. By enabling smooth weld paths and consistent torch control, it highlights improved weld quality, reduced operator strain, and easier integration into existing fabrication cells.

This setup demonstrates how collaborative robots can track and pick moving parts directly from a conveyor without stopping production. It also highlights the simplicity of programming and hand-guiding, making it ideal for operator training, skill development, and compact automation scenarios.

The machine tending application illustrates automated loading and unloading for machining operations such as CNCs. By delivering consistent handling at sustained speeds, it shows how manufacturers can improve throughput, reduce downtime, and maintain quality in continuous production environments.