EXHIBITION REVIEW
Rockwell Automatiion
In Rockwell Automation’s network centric view of the world, boundaries do not exist as information is shared seamlessly across networks and disparate data is converted into actionable information. Goh Tz’en Long reports from Orlando, Florida where Automation Fair 2004 was recently held.
Automation Fair 2004:
Integration Everywhere
ne can sense the palpable excitement and electrifying atmosphere in the air. Indeed, there was a certain ‘buzz’ as more than 10,000 enthusiasts, industry professionals, analysts and solution partners and 60 journalists converged upon the sprawling grounds of the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in sunny Orlando, Florida for the annual learning and automation industry extravaganza that is known as the Allen-Bradley Automation Fair. The annual event hosted by Rockwell Automation has been eagerly anticipated by automation enthusiasts and industry professionals yearly since its inauguration 13 years ago. Apart from being a trade event for manufacturers, Automation Fair has evolved to become the world’s largest free educational forum where manufacturers, enthusiasts and
industry professionals hungry for learning can congregate to exchange ideas, gather market information on the latest trends and developments and view the latest innovations and products of Rockwell Automation and its solution partners. Adding to the massive appeal of the event are the free tutorials and technical sessions, demos, hands-on labs and industry tracks where techies can experience first hand the various technologies that Rockwell Automation is evangelising. “Our customers tell us we know their business and help solve their challenges better than anyone. Education – sharing our 100 years of experience and ongoing innovation – is key to how we help customers be more productive and use the latest advancements in technology to make their manufacturing operations a global competitive advantage,” said
Manufacturing Perspectives 2004 ended with the Epcot IllumiNations fireworks display.
38 // INDUSTRIALAUTOMATIONASIA
Keith Nosbusch, Rockwell Automation President and CEO.
A Perspective On Manufacturing A day before the main event, journalists from around the world had been invited to attend the Manufacturing Perspectives 2004 forum organised by Rockwell at the Rosen Plaza hotel. The forum addressed global manufacturing trends and the underlying technology drivers for increasing productivity.