Robotic Sanding & Grinding Workshop for Manufacturers
Join the ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) Institute and Catalyst Connection for a joint workshop on robotic sanding and grinding. Sanding and finishing tasks are perfect for automation. This event covers recent advancements, real-world case studies, and practical steps to help you automate your operations.
Specifically, this workshop will:
- Present the business case for robotic sanding, grinding, and polishing.
- Help manufacturers with no robotics experience understand risks and get started.
- Share real-world case studies from small and medium manufacturers (SMMs).
- Show live demonstrations of robotic grinding and sanding with expert Q&A.
- Connect you to local grant funding through the ARM Institute Hub and Catalyst Connection’s Digital Bridge Program.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided at no cost.
Who Should Attend
This workshop is built for manufacturers of all sizes in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Small and medium-sized businesses will find this event especially valuable.
Agenda
- 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Breakfast and Networking
Enjoy a complimentary breakfast while connecting with industry peers. - 9:30 AM – 9:45 AM: No-Cost Resources for SMMs
Learn how the Build Back Better Regional Challenge Award supports small and medium-sized manufacturers. - 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM: Use Case Presentation by Premier Automation
Premier Automation shares a real-world case study. Discover how an aluminum casting company automated hand grinding to reduce worker strain, improve part quality, and boost throughput. - 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM: Use Case Presentation by Gray Matter Robotics
- 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM: Lunch and Networking
A complimentary lunch will be provided to all attendees. - 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM: Panel Discussion: Lowering Risk in Robotics
This expert panel will discuss common risks in automating sanding and grinding and how to safely avoid them. - 1:45 PM – 3:30 PM: Robotics Demonstrations & Vendor Showcase
Watch live robotic finishing demos at the ARM Hub and connect directly with local technology vendors.
About the ARM Institute
The ARM Institute is a Manufacturing Innovation Institute funded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. It is part of the Manufacturing USA® network. The institute uses a broad network of over 400 partners across industry, government, and academia to make robotics, autonomy, and AI easier to access for U.S. manufacturers. They also work to train staff, boost global competitiveness, and improve national security.
Through the Southwestern Pennsylvania New Economy Collaboration, the ARM Institute helps regional small and medium-sized manufacturers upgrade their operations. They provide direct support through the Robotics Manufacturing Hub at Mill 19 in Pittsburgh and through their Regional Innovation Accelerators.
About Catalyst Connection
Catalyst Connection is a Pittsburgh nonprofit that supports small manufacturers across southwestern Pennsylvania. They offer consulting and training services to help clients increase revenue, growth, and productivity. The group is supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
About the Southwestern Pennsylvania New Economy Collaborative
The Collaborative is an 11-county alliance of labor, nonprofit, and university partners. They work together to grow the region’s robotics and automation sector. As a winner of the federal Build Back Better Regional Challenge, the alliance received a $62.7 million grant. This funds five regional projects focused on robotics adoption and workforce development to help local communities succeed.
Parking
You can find a few outdoor parking options at Mill 19 Hazelwood Green. Free street parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is also a paid lot located across from our building. Please inform us in advance if you need handicap-accessible parking. Click here to view the map.