Takeaways From CES: A Look at the Future of Manufacturing
Every year, CES is a must-attend event. And although consumer electronics are usually the focus, the bedrock of the event is always the industrial technology that’s debuted. This year’s gathering was no different — in fact, it was above and beyond all expectation when it comes to the innovations and disruptive tech premiered for the next generation of digital manufacturing. Although these technologies remain in various stages of development, their promise is all but certain. Manufacturing is getting smarter by the year.
What is CES?
CES is the global trade show organized by the Consumer Technology Association. It features more than 4,500 exhibitors, 1,000+ speakers, and around 180,000 attendees annually.
CES is all about innovation and showcasing what’s new in technology across just about every industry. No matter what kind of manufacturing business you run, it’s a good bet CES exhibited a solution specific to your industry.
This year, keynotes included speakers from Salesforce, Samsung, Mercedes-Benz, and Delta Airlines, along with representatives from the United States government, like U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao.
This year’s theme highlighted that every company, regardless of industry, is a technological company. The implications are significant — this modern age ensures no business can survive without fully embracing technological improvements.
Notable innovations propelling the future of manufacturing
The 2020 CES conference offered some incredible manufacturing innovations. For example, the virtual test drive simulation demonstrated solutions for autonomous vehicles, including data on how a car could operate and respond to multiple environments. This allows manufacturers to better develop their self-driving car models.
Bone conduction technology is another hot new invention. Imagine using a pair of glasses to communicate. Instead of using your ears to hear, technology is making it possible to work without ever using a speaker. For example, imagine being able to relay instructions to repair technicians in real-time, through the augmented goggle they’re wearing!
Mobile fuel cells are another intriguing prospect that could change the face of manufacturing. They only require the oxygen and hydrogen in the air to generate electricity — and moisture is the only byproduct. What avenues could this open for your business? For many manufacturers, it’s a gateway to more efficient power.
Finally, the Bot3 Zen-P VSLAM Deep Learning module has great implications for the manufacturing industry. This smart robotic technology provides everything from autonomous navigation, to high energy image computing, to other technologies that make machinery more efficient within complex or crowded work environments.
Put CES on your calendar for next year
If you haven’t attended CES before, you might wonder about the true benefits of attending. The answer is simple: technology powers all facets of manufacturing. There are numerous technological companies whose goal is to make the industry faster, more efficient, and smarter than ever before.
Whether you want an exoskeleton to lift heavy objects or field robotics for farming applications, CES displays the most cutting-edge technologies of our age, bound to benefit all sectors of industry.
