Proax 4.0: Looking forward in Canada
February 12, 2020
Early this year Proax Technologies hosted Proax 4.0, an event focused on educating those in relevant industries about new products and trends within the industry. This included a number of booths showcasing new technologies from a number of Proax’s primary partnerss, as well as Q&A discussion session with several industry experts.
The event was incredibly successful, drawing a wide variety of those involved in the automation and control industry, including manufacturers, industry experts, panel builders, systems integrators and a wide variety of others working with automation and control.
Some of the partners on-site showcasing their advanced technology were Omron, ABB, Rittal, Schunk, Phoenix Contact among others. Each partner delivered on providing new information and displays of their products, as well as having numerous product experts and sales staff on-site.
The primary focus of the event however was the Q&A discussion period, lead by Stephen Daub, President of Proax Technologies. The discussion panel was made up of Matthew Wilson, Senior Vice President, Policy, Government Relations & Ontario Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. Matthew spoke heavily about the growth and position of advancing automation in the manufacturing sector, noting that although we do see growth Canada is behind the game in terms of full adoption and support. That said he did note that Canada is seeing growth in this area, and that support is available, and that with a continued focus growth will continue.
Also present on the panel was Rob Vomiero, Technical Specialist – Machine and Robot Safety at Workplace Safety & Prevention Services. Rob came into working around machine safety from an engineering background and focused heavily on discussing the growth of the robotics and motion industries in a safe and advanced manner. Discussions surrounded the costs of implementing safety alongside robotics and motion technology, and the need to ensure that we see growth alongside safe implementation.
The final panelist was Prasant Prusty, Leader in Global Quality, Food Safety and Regulatory Affairs and Co-founder of Pathogenia inc. Prasant was very knowledgeable and informative about the need for advanced industry 4.0 solutions in the food and beverage market and advanced tracking systems for food. His discussion focused on block chain technology and the standardization of food processing and shipping across borders. Prasant got many questions from integrators considering the implementations of such tracking in the food and beverage industry and overall safety that would come about from a fully implemented industry 4.0 solution from the global food and beverage market.
In all the panel provided deep insight on a wide variety of topics and were focused on ensuring each question from the attendees was addressed in a clear and open forum where the reality of the current state of industry 4.0 in Canada and globally was discussed.
The event by Proax was highly beneficial for those in attendance, and events such as this are necessary for the advancement of industry 4.0 across Canada. Bringing together partners, clients and industry professionals is incredibly value and a great service to the growth of technological advancement and adoption across Canada.