IMTS 2024 Conference: Worker-Centric Mobile Robot Integration: Unlocking Manufacturing Excellence

Monday September 9 3:15 PM CST
IMTS14 Room W192-B

Learn about the presentation
Recent advancements in mobile robot technology have made it increasingly accessible for integration into manufacturing environments. Nevertheless, manufacturing workers are process champions and experts with invaluable insights for successful automation. It is important to protect workers but also empower them as key stakeholders in the ongoing automation journey. By merging technology with workforce expertise, we can unlock the full potential of mobile robots in manufacturing while upholding principles of respect and shared responsibility.

This presentation offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities associated with mobile robot integration in manufacturing. It delves into the distinctions between stationary and mobile robot integration, with a particular emphasis on their impact on workers. Unlike stationary collaborative robots, mobile robots engage more intimately with workers, necessitating deeper consideration of their well-being and expertise. In a world where respect, responsibility, and equitable treatment in the workplace are increasingly advocated, recognizing workers' input is pivotal.

Meet your presenter
Denise is fascinated by the “human element” in robotics and believes listening to skilled workers is the key to success. Among her favorite quotes is one by Ernest Hemingway, “When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.”

In her role as business development manager for KUKA Robotics, Ms. Stafford works with local sales and account management to provide customers in North America with innovative automation solutions using human-robot collaboration and mobile robotics. She offers valuable insight for both KUKA and their customers on a wide range of topics, such as Industry 4.0, mobility, and human-robot collaboration.

A KUKA employee since 2008, her role with the company has evolved over time to include a variety of key positions, including head of Service Robotics Research for KUKA Laboratories and as a key account manager. Prior to KUKA, Ms. Stafford was the patent coordinator for AKsys GmbH, where she set up the company’s patent department, with a focus on ensuring company processes and formulas were legally compliant. She also served as a patent engineer for REINZ-Dichtungs-GmbH.

Ms. Stafford obtained a Master of Science degree in Business Administration and Economics from the University of Hagen after completing her graduate studies in Industrial Engineering at the Ulm University of Applied Sciences. She enjoys exploring her new home, the City of Detroit, connecting with her neighbors, traveling, and golfing with her husband.