Penn State Berks will hold its inaugural AI in Manufacturing Summit on Friday, Feb. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Perkins Student Center Multipurpose Room. This dynamic event is targeted to small- and medium-sized manufacturers and technology professionals with an interest in AI in manufacturing. The cost is $30 and includes lunch and a networking reception.Space is limited and advanced registration is required.
The AI in Manufacturing Summit brings together faculty experts, industry leaders and cutting-edge technology professionals for a day of collaboration, insight and hands-on learning. Designed with small- and medium-sized manufacturers in mind, the summit focuses on sharing practical, real-world knowledge that can be applied immediately. Participants will discover how artificial intelligence is transforming manufacturing, exchange ideas with peers and experts, and build connections that can help drive their organization forward.
There will be two keynote presentations:
- Ronn Cort, president and chief executive officer of Dunmore, a Steel Partners Company, will present "Practical. Protected. Possible. The Next Chapter: Turning Generative AI into Manufacturing Reality."
- Soundar Kumara, professor of industrial engineering, Penn State, will present "Small and Medium Manufacturers in the AI Embedded Future."
The summit also will include a panel discussion titled "Navigate AI Adoption: Your Roadmap to Resources." Panelists include Marisa Bishop, regional manager for Greater Berks County and Reading, Ben Franklin Technology Partners in Northeastern PA; Jen Gilburg, deputy secretary of technology and entrepreneurship, PA Department of Community and Economic Development; and Keith Stamm, director of workforce development, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance.
In addition, there will be two hands-on workshops:
- Abdullah Konak, distinguished professor of information sciences and technology, Penn State Berks, will lead "Prompt Engineering: From Theory to Practice."
- Andreas Welsch, founder and chief human agentic AI officer at Intelligence Briefing, will lead "Building Your First AI Agent."
The event will also include roundtable discussions focused on AI adoption in manufacturing, supply chains and logistics.
The AI in Manufacturing Summit will conclude with a tour of the college's new Manufacturing and Innovation Learning Lab (MILL). The MILL is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a collaborative environment where industry partners, community members, students and faculty can work together to innovate and solve real-world manufacturing challenges. Through hands-on learning and cutting-edge research, the MILL is driving advancements that enhance efficiency, productivity and sustainability in manufacturing operations.
The AI in Manufacturing Summit is sponsored by the Penn State Berks Artificial Intelligence, Modeling and Simulation (AIMS) Lab, the Manufacturing Innovation and Learning Lab (MILL) and the Flemming Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development (CEED) Center.
For questions about registration, contact Erica Kunkel, director of continuing education, at [email protected] or 610-396-6221. For questions about the program, contact Sadan Kulturel-Konak, professor of management information systems, at [email protected] or 610-396-6137.
For additional details and registration information, visit the Summit website. Please note: The registration link directs users to IST 6774 - AI in Manufacturing Summit Continuing Education course. The link will only register users for the summit, not the course.
About the Artificial Intelligence, Modeling and Simulation (AIMS) Lab
The AIMS Lab is a Penn State Berks center of excellence in the applications of intelligent computing, artificial intelligence and data sciences. It serves to inform and educate the community about emerging issues in intelligent technologies, provide research-guided assistance to local industries and organizations for developing data-driven decisions, and inspire and educate future generations of data analytics and AI experts.
About the Manufacturing Innovation and Learning Lab (MILL)
The MILL at Penn State Berks is working to revolutionize industry in Greater Berks County by expanding advanced robotics, smart technology, and AI. The state-of-the-art facilities provide a collaborative environment where industry partners, community members, students and faculty can work together to innovate and solve real-world manufacturing challenges. Through hands-on learning and cutting-edge research, the MILL is driving advancements that enhance efficiency, productivity and sustainability in manufacturing operations.
About the Flemming Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development (CEED) Center
The mission of the Flemming CEED Center is to inspire an entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking in the Penn State Berks community. The CEED Center fosters economic growth and development in the Greater Reading area through technology-based solutions, human capital development and enterprise creation. It provides student entrepreneurs with an incubator in which to develop their startup ideas and mentoring from faculty and local business community members.
