March Technical Talk: The Future of Process - Robots!

The ISA Calgary Section is pleased to host this Technical Talk over the noon hour on The Future of Process - Robots! Join Us Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 11:30am.

Technical Talk Overview

Robots have been used for decades in discrete manufacturing and warehousing; can they be used just as effectively for the process industry? Technology has advanced in recent years to allow robots (and drones) to move autonomously and collect data. Several robotic companies have developed such robots with various mobility capabilities and sensor options. Sensors include those that most humans inherently possess in addition to superhuman ones, such as thermal imaging and gas sensors.  With the addition of AI, the data collected from the sensors can be used to evaluate anomalies and trends, thus allowing for predictive maintenance and preventing equipment failure and accidents. 

Today’s workforce has changed. It is becoming increasingly difficult to attract people to do inspection rounds in plants and those that are currently in such job functions are retiring. Fixed cameras, transmitters and sensors play an important role to gather asset data. However, where these cannot be easily installed or where they become too expensive to do so, robots and drones can be used to fill this gap.

In addition, robots perform tasks repeatedly without distraction and human-error thereby ensuring consistency, reliability and safety. Lastly, they also can be used for work that is dangerous and/or for work in dangerous environments, thus removing humans from potential threats. If a robot gets “hurt” or stops functioning, a repair or part replacement is much more favorable than causing a physical impairment or even worse, fatality.

Robots and drones will last years in the right environment, will never tire, get bored and make costly mistakes or quit at a moment’s notice. Robots cannot replace humans at full-scale, however, they are ready to be deployed to do operator rounds and via tele-operation, perform on-demand inspections today.

Meet Our Speaker

Sandra Fabiano
Engineering Manager, Yokogawa

Sandra Fabiano is an Engineering Manager with Yokogawa at the US Technology Center in Carrollton, Texas. Her focus is on robotic technology and related hardware and AI for process industries. She helps guide development efforts for Proof-of-Concepts and innovative technologies related to robotics.

Sandra holds a Computer Engineering Degree from Concordia University in Montreal and an MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Event Schedule 

11:30am - Check-In & Networking
12pm - Technical Talk & Lunch

Location & Parking

This event will be held at Platform Calgary, 407 9 Avenue SE in Classroom 1. This venue is attached to Calgary Parking's Platform Parkade (Lot 62) parade, find complete parking information here. Park on the east side of the parade and use the elevator to go to level 1, the Cafe team will direct you to Classroom 1. Additionally, there will be ISA directional signs throughout the building.

Registration

Please use the button below to access our Eventbrite registration page. The cost is $10 for ISA Members and students, $15 for non ISA members. Please inform Susan of any dietary requirements, [email protected].

Register Now