In collaboration with ARM Member Catalyst Connection and through the ARM Institute’s Robotics Manufacturing Hub, we recently hosted a free, hybrid workshop exploring robotic machine tending for manufacturers. Hundreds of manufacturers both from the Pittsburgh region and from across the nation joined us to learn how the use of robotics in machine tending can address their challenges, enhance their business opportunities, and strengthen their global manufacturing competitiveness.

Featuring formal presentations led by industry experts, a robust exhibit hall of robotic suppliers, networking, and live robotics demonstrations, our workshop explored:

How to know if you’re ready to explore robotic machine tending and what benefits you can expect to achieve from it
The Do’s and Don’ts of integrating robotic machine tending into your existing operations
Is lights-out manufacturing possible
Is your existing workforce ready and prepared for robotic machine tending and how you can get your workforce ready
How to keep your machine tending system fed
What’s new in the robotic machine tending market and what’s been tried and tested

Dive into Robotics Machine Tending with Our Workshop Recording

Access our full workshop recording in the video above. Leverage the video bookmarks to navigate to a specific presentation:

Bookmark One: ARM Institute and Robotics Manufacturing Hub Overview
- In this session, we reviewed resources available from the ARM Institute to help manufacturers develop an automation plan, implement robotics, and address your workforce gaps. We explored real use cases and tangible results we’ve generated for manufacturers.
Bookmark Two: Catalyst Connection Overview
- This session detailed how Catalyst Connection, a Pittsburgh-based Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) helps you on your journey to manufacturing competitiveness.
Bookmark Three: Manufacturer Panel Discussion: Lessons Learned from Robotic Machine Tending
- Matt Minner, Catalyst Connection, led an interactive panel discussion with manufacturers who have implemented robotic machine tending. We explored lessons learned, best practices, advice for others considering robotic machine tending, and opened it up for Q&A.
Bookmark Four: Closing the Skills Gap: Machine Tending with Cobots – Universal Robots
- Kevin Cabaniss, from Universal Robots, discussed how Universal Robots and its partners address the automation skills gap in applications like machine tending as well as best practices for implementing collaborative robotics for machine tending.
Bookmark Five: Automation that Works: Fast-Start Robot Solutions for Machine and Break Press Tending – FANUC
- Joe Baldiga, National Education Account Manager, highlighted how FANUC — the global leader in automation, CNC, and robotics—removes barriers to automation by developing a trained talent pipeline and easy-to-use solutions. Attendees learned how FANUC’s CRX collaborative robots and full portfolio of industrial robots support organizations seeking to modernize machine tending operations. The session introduced FANUC’s plug‑and‑play Robot‑Onsite solution for simplified robot‑to‑CNC integration and showcase pre‑engineered “Cobot and Go” systems for rapid deployment. We explored traditional machine tending applications as well as solutions for press brake tending—supported by FANUC’s extensive network of Authorized System Integrators.
Bookmark Six: Robotic Machine Tending: Pitfalls and Best Practices for Automation that Actually Works – Yaskawa
- Chris Caldwell from Yaskawa took attendees through the do’s and don’ts of integrating robotic machine tending into existing manufacturing operations. Attendees learned practical strategies for boosting efficiency, reducing waste, and addressing workforce gaps with minimal disruption to production. Designed for manufacturers of all sizes, the session focuses on how to identify the right applications, avoid common integration pitfalls, and build a clear path to automation success. Participants left with actionable guidance on how to get started, and how to scale robotics as their operations grow.
Bookmark Seven: How Advanced Robotic Machine Tending Enables Multi-Operation Processes for Multiple Parts – FlexBotics
- Marc Lind from FlexBotics discussed advanced robotic machine tending. As robotic machine tending continues to expand in factories around the world, companies are increasingly seeking greater levels of automated process integration. The benefits attained are directly determined by a plant’s ability to operate robotic cells continuously with high precision. This session explained how Advanced Robotic Machine Tending enables multiple operations across multi-machine cells for a wide range of parts. Attendees learned about the considerations for your personnel, the robots, existing machines & equipment, solutions and investments to ensure business objectives are achieved.
Bookmark Eight: Wrap Up & Final Questions

Grow the Use of Robotics in Your Manufacturing Facility with a Plan Backed by the Nation’s Leading Experts

Looking to get started with robotics or grow the use of robotics / physical AI in your manufacturing facility? Evaluate your existing operations and develop a customized game plan for success with the ARM Institute’s Automation Assessment. Our assessment answers:

How robotics and AI can improve your ROI and strengthen your competitiveness
How automation can solve your manufacturing challenges
How robotics can augment your workforce gaps
How you can improve efficiency, quality, and safety using robots
How you can integrate robotics into your existing manufacturing lines
What technology is commercially available to solve your challenges and what technology could solve your challenges with further customization

We’ve helped every type of organization, from Organic Industrial Base (OIB) facilities to manufacturers of all sizes, develop and execute on plans for automation success in manufacturing. With an ARM Institute Automation Assessment, you’re not going it alone. We are the nation’s leader in robotics and AI innovation for manufacturing. We act as an extension of your team to help you objectively evaluate how robotics and AI can enhance your operations – all without requiring an installation commitment or the pressure to purchase a system.

Our team is augmented by our robust member consortium representing nearly 500 member organizations and 2,000+ experts helping you to truly understand the art of the possible and ensuring you feel secure in any robotics investment you choose to make.

Learn More and Get Started Here

Unlike other organizations that offer assessments, the ARM Institute isn’t selling you equipment – that means there’s no pressure to move forward or make a purchase. If you do opt to move forward with our recommendations, we can provide support in executing on your automation action plan in collaboration with our expert consortium. Once we identify where robotics can help you, we can also create a curated support plan, which can include:

Engineering services to prototype and test robotics and AI solutions
Customized Project Calls to our member consortium for customized solutions if existing products won’t address your needs
RFP support to save your team’s time
Program management services to deliver your solutions on time and in budget
Connections to suppliers you may have otherwise missed in the market
Ability to test solutions without disruption to your operations using our state-of-the art facility

Find Qualified Talent on the Nation’s Only Resource for Robotics Careers in Manufacturing – at No Cost

Technology implementation alone won’t enhance your competitiveness; you also need a skilled workforce to operate and maintain your robots.

RoboticsCareer.org is the nation’s only workforce solution dedicated to robotics careers in manufacturing. This free platform helps you connect to the workforce you need to operate/maintain robots, grow your use of robotics, complete robotics integrations, and more. From technician level roles to experienced robotics engineers, find the curated talent you need in one place.

Search our national talent database to connect to thousands of qualified candidates: search by skills, download resumes, and easily click-to-contact candidates within our platform
Post your jobs to reach 100K+ job seekers across the nation who visit our site
Receive automated email notifications about job seekers who meet your hiring needs
Explore training programs to upskill your current workforce, including training programs that have been vetted and endorsed by industry experts

Find Qualified Talent Here

Connect to Our Exhibitors

Thank you to the following organizations for hosting a table during our event:

ABOUT THE ARM INSTITUTE

The ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) Institute is a Manufacturing Innovation Institute (MII) funded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense/War under Agreement Number W911NF-17-3-0004 and is part of the Manufacturing USA® network. The ARM Institute leverages a unique and robust consortium of nearly 500 member organizations and partners across industry, academia, and government to make robotics, autonomy, and artificial intelligence more accessible to U.S. manufacturers large and small, train and empower the manufacturing workforce, strengthen our economy and global competitiveness, and elevate national security and resilience. Based in Pittsburgh, PA since 2017, the ARM Institute’s mission is to assert the US as the leading nation in manufacturing output through the adoption of robotics and AI. For more information, visit www.arminstitute.org and follow the ARM Institute on LinkedIn and X.

Workshop Recording: Robotic Machine Tending