Agenda now available for next-gen robotic material removal and finishing event

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) today announced the full agenda for its Robotic Grinding and Finishing Conference, set for July 22-23 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. Co-presented with 3M, the two-day event will unite manufacturers, integrators, and automation experts for deep-dive technical sessions, live robotic demos, and peer networking focused on next-generation material-removal solutions that boost quality, throughput, and worker safety. Registration is open at https://www.automate.org/events/robotic-grinding-and-finishing-conference.

"Robotic grinding and finishing applications are rapidly gaining traction across manufacturing today," said Jeff Burnstein, president of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). "By partnering with industry leaders such as FerRobotics, FANUC America, and other innovators, and featuring a keynote by Mike Kesti, senior vice president of 3M's Corporate Research Laboratory, this year's program will deliver actionable insights, live demos and peer connections that manufacturers can apply immediately. We're excited to lead the next wave of robotic material‑removal innovation."

Agenda Highlights

The newly released schedule kicks off with Kesti's keynote, "Evolving R&D at 3M by Leveraging Digital," and packs more than a dozen sessions over two days, including:

CobotandGo - Latest Trends and Tech Advancements Making Cobots Even More Accessible Than Ever, Jerry Perez, Manager, FANUC America
May The Force Control Be With You, Michael Haas, Vice President America, FerRobotics
Active Compliance for Precision Robotic Grinding: A Modular Solution for High-Mix Manufacturing, Simone Bianchi, Head of Solution Portfolio Management, Suhner Switzerland
The Next Frontier: Unlocking Robotic Material Removal for Small and Medium Manufacturers, Maximiliano Falcone, VP of Sales Engineering, PushCorp

Exclusive Opportunities for Conference Attendees

In addition to the core sessions, registrants can opt into two special experiences available only to conference participants:

3M Center Tour – Gain insider access to 3M's global headquarters in St. Paul, where attendees will explore eight live robotic automation demos tackling real‑world production challenges and engage directly with 3M experts. Seating is limited to the first 120 registrants; charter buses will be provided.

3M Open PGA Golf Tournament – Cap off the conference with a complimentary hospitality‑tent pass to the opening round of the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota. (Transportation to the course is not included.)

Registration and Sponsorship Information

Event registration is now open: Register Here. Tabletops booths and sponsorships are still available and can be reserved by contacting the A3 sales team at sales@automate.org.

About 3M

3M (NYSE:MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what's possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we're working to improve lives and make what's next at 3M.com/news-center.

About Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) is the leading global advocate for the benefits of automating. A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is done. Members of A3 represent 1,380 manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, academic institutions, research groups and consulting firms that drive automation forward worldwide.

A3 hosts a number of industry-leading events, including the A3 Mexico Business Forum (September 3-4, 2025, in Querétaro, México), Humanoid Robot Forum (September 23, 2025, in Seattle, WA), FOCUS: Intelligent Vision & Industrial AI Conference (September 24-25, 2025, in Seattle, WA), the International Robot Safety Conference (November 3-5, 2025, in Houston, TX), and the A3 Business Forum (January 19-21, 2026 in Orlando, FL).

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Media Contacts:

Jackie Rose

Association for Advancing Automation

jrose@automate.org

Katie Schimmel

Outlook Marketing Services

katie@outlookmarketingsrv.com

A3 and 3M Bring Premier Robotic Grinding & Finishing Conference to Minneapolis, July 22-23