AI Robotics Transitions from Lab to Factory Floor

From left: Andy Lonsberry of Path Robotics; Anders Beck of Universal Robots; and Dave Coleman of PickNik Robotics.
Artificial intelligence is now a fundamental part of every robotic system. It transforms how robots interpret sensor data, make decisions, and interact with their environment. With AI, robots no longer need manual programming to define their movements and task sequences within a workcell.
But is AI truly ready for real-world production deployments? What does it take to deliver a functional AI-driven robotic system to an end customer? At the 2026 Robotics Summit & Expo, a panel of industry leaders will share insights and best practices drawn from actual field deployments. The discussion will aim to address key questions:
Is AI simplifying robot programming, operation, and deployment?How is AI reshaping production automation?How rapidly can robots learn new tasks?What level of effort and support is required for a first-time deployment of an AI-driven robot in production?How difficult is it to modify a program or help a robot "re-learn" a new skill?The panel will also explore the infrastructure considerations necessary to support AI systems. These factors are becoming increasingly critical as AI robotics transitions from labs and trade show demonstrations to practical, real-world applications.
Learn from the AI robotics experts
Join Anders Beck, Vice President of AI Robotics Products at Universal Robots; Dave Coleman, Founder and Chief Product Officer of PickNik Robotics; and Andy Lonsberry, CEO of Path Robotics. The session will be moderated by Mike Oitzman, Senior Editor of The Robot Report, an industry veteran who has observed the evolution of robotics over the past four decades.
WHEN:
Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. ET
Robotics Summit & Expo, Thomas M. Menino Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
About the 2026 Robotics Summit & Expo
Registration is now open for the Robotics Summit & Expo, the world's premier technical event for commercial robotics developers. The event is produced by The Robot Report and WTWH Media.
The conference will feature over 50 sessions across tracks including artificial intelligence, design and development, enabling technologies, healthcare, and logistics. The Engineering Theater on the show floor will also host presentations by industry experts.
More than 70 speakers from leading companies are confirmed, including AWS, Brain Corp, Fictiv, Harmonic Drive, maxon, RealSense, the Robotics and AI Institute, Robust AI, Tesla, the Toyota Research Institute, and others.
The 2026 Robotics Summit will offer numerous networking opportunities, such as a Mix & Mingle Networking Reception after the first day, the Women in Robotics Breakfast, and the ticketed RBR50 Awards Dinner.
The Robotics Summit & Expo is co-located with DeviceTalks Boston, an event focused on the medical device industry.
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From left: Andy Lonsberry of Path Robotics; Anders Beck of Universal Robots; and Dave Coleman of PickNik Robotics.
Artificial intelligence is now a fundamental part of every robotic system. It transforms how robots interpret sensor data, make decisions, and interact with their environment. With AI, robots no longer need manual programming to define their movements and task sequences within a workcell.
But is AI truly ready for real-world production deployments? What does it take to deliver a functional AI-driven robotic system to an end customer? At the 2026 Robotics Summit & Expo, a panel of industry leaders will share insights and best practices drawn from actual field deployments. The discussion will aim to address key questions:
Is AI simplifying robot programming, operation, and deployment?How is AI reshaping production automation?How rapidly can robots learn new tasks?What level of effort and support is required for a first-time deployment of an AI-driven robot in production?How difficult is it to modify a program or help a robot "re-learn" a new skill?The panel will also explore the infrastructure considerations necessary to support AI systems. These factors are becoming increasingly critical as AI robotics transitions from labs and trade show demonstrations to practical, real-world applications.
Learn from the AI robotics experts
Join Anders Beck, Vice President of AI Robotics Products at Universal Robots; Dave Coleman, Founder and Chief Product Officer of PickNik Robotics; and Andy Lonsberry, CEO of Path Robotics. The session will be moderated by Mike Oitzman, Senior Editor of The Robot Report, an industry veteran who has observed the evolution of robotics over the past four decades.
WHEN:
Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. ET
Robotics Summit & Expo, Thomas M. Menino Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
About the 2026 Robotics Summit & Expo
Registration is now open for the Robotics Summit & Expo, the world's premier technical event for commercial robotics developers. The event is produced by The Robot Report and WTWH Media.
The conference will feature over 50 sessions across tracks including artificial intelligence, design and development, enabling technologies, healthcare, and logistics. The Engineering Theater on the show floor will also host presentations by industry experts.
More than 70 speakers from leading companies are confirmed, including AWS, Brain Corp, Fictiv, Harmonic Drive, maxon, RealSense, the Robotics and AI Institute, Robust AI, Tesla, the Toyota Research Institute, and others.
The 2026 Robotics Summit will offer numerous networking opportunities, such as a Mix & Mingle Networking Reception after the first day, the Women in Robotics Breakfast, and the ticketed RBR50 Awards Dinner.
The Robotics Summit & Expo is co-located with DeviceTalks Boston, an event focused on the medical device industry.
Designing Hospital Logistics Robots for Success at Robotics Summit
From left to right: David Crabb, Spencer Krause, and Peter Seiff.Robots have been supporting hospital operations for years, from the operating room and rehabilitation to logistics. Many people are familiar with how such systems have reshaped surgery
QNX Showcases Robotics Innovations and Live Demos at Industry Summit
QNX develops physical AI software for diverse robot platforms. | Source: QNXQNX, a division of BlackBerry Ltd., will feature prominently at the Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston on May 27 and 28.The company will present interactive demonstrations, sha
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A recent global study has analyzed the dynamics between robot manufacturers and system integrators. Click to enlarge. Source: STIELER Technology & Market Advisors, RSI Market IntelligenceThe true bottleneck: Even the world's most sophisticated AI-pow





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