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Radiant Vision Systems Merges with Konica Minolta Sensing Americas to Expand Global Sensing Solutions

Radiant Vision Systems, a leading provider of imaging systems for scientific evaluation of light sources and displays, announced the merger with its sister company, Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, to form a new company.

This integration takes place on April 1, 2026, combining two leaders in the sensing market to better serve customers.  The new company, Konica Minolta Sensing Americas (KMSA), has its headquarters in Redmond, WA, and its other primary office in Ramsey, NJ. In addition, KMSA has offices in mainland China and Taiwan.

The integration offers a broader portfolio of solutions and enables customers to obtain them from a single source. It brings together market-leading sensing products from Konica Minolta, Radiant, Instrument Systems, Specim, and Eines, and includes measurement solutions for color & appearance, light & display, surface inspection, hyperspectral imaging, gas monitoring, and paint quality. 

A3 Launches Introduction to Industrial Robotics Course

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) announced the launch of its new Introduction to Industrial Robotics course. The on-demand program is designed to help professionals across industries build a foundational understanding of robotics as automation adoption continues to accelerate.

As robotics becomes an increasingly integral part of modern manufacturing and operations, the need for accessible, practical education is growing. This course provides a structured introduction to industrial robotics, helping learners understand how robots work, where they deliver value, and how they are used in real-world environments.

Delivered in a flexible, on-demand format, the 2.5-hour course is designed for a broad audience, including individuals entering the robotics field, operational professionals overseeing automated systems, and business leaders evaluating automation strategies. No prior experience is required.

Unlike academic programs or fragmented online content, this course offers:

• A vendor-neutral, system-level perspective grounded in real-world applications
• A blend of business and technical perspectives designed for a range of roles
• Standards-aligned, structured learning
• Completion in just 2.5 hours

“The rate of automation adoption is accelerating, driving the need for individuals across organizations to understand how these systems work and where they deliver value,” said Christelle Keefer, director of training and certifications for A3. “Whether you’re new to robotics, transitioning into an automation-focused role, or looking to strengthen your foundation, this course provides a practical starting point grounded in real-world applications.”

The course marks the second in a planned series of online learning offerings from A3, part of a broader effort to expand education and workforce development resources for the automation industry.

Introductory pricing (through June 30, 2026)

• A3 Members: $50 per person
• Non-members: $75 per person

The Introduction to Industrial Robotics course is available now. To register or learn more, visit https://www.automate.org/robotics/introduction-to-industrial-robotics.

Manufacturing Leaders Converged in Nashville for The Manufacturing & Automation Exchange (MAX)

Thousands of manufacturing professionals gathered at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN, from March 24–26 for the inaugural Manufacturing & Automation eXchange (MAX) - a dynamic new event uniting leaders across assembly, automation, and quality to explore the technologies and strategies shaping the future of manufacturing.

Bringing together engineers, plant managers, operations executives, and product developers from across the Southeast and beyond, MAX delivered three days of high-impact education, hands-on technology demonstrations, and meaningful networking. The event featured more than 130 exhibitors and sponsors showcasing the latest advancements in automation, robotics, smart manufacturing, and production efficiency.

“From the show floor to the conference sessions, it was clear that the manufacturing community is eager to embrace innovation, share best practices, and collaborate on solving today’s most pressing challenges,” said Bill DeYoe, Executive Director, Manufacturing Technologies, BNP Media. “As we look ahead to our next events - The ASSEMBLY Show and The Quality Show in Rosemont, IL - we’re excited to build on the momentum from MAX and bring forward many of the successful initiatives and experiences that resonated so strongly with attendees.”

The bustling exhibit hall featured leading solution providers, including Platinum Sponsor Promess, Gold Sponsor Rhino Tool House, and Silver Sponsor Ujigami, showcasing cutting-edge equipment and technologies. Attendees had the opportunity to explore innovations firsthand and connect directly with suppliers shaping the future of manufacturing.

Six in-depth workshops delivered practical, actionable insights across critical areas including manufacturing safety, advanced measurement systems, AI on the assembly line, sustainability, mixed-model line design, and real-world automation applications. These sessions provided a deep dive into the technologies and strategies driving operational excellence.

Prior to the keynote, Darryl Seland, Editorial Director of Quality Magazine, presented the annual Quality Awards, recognizing excellence across the industry. Pictured above are Rookie of the Year Sainyam Arora, Quality Assurance & Systems Engineer at Johnson Matthey; Professional of the Year Heather Wade, President of Heather Wade Group; and Plant of the Year honoree Ernesto Montiel, Quality Manager representing Power Plant Services.

Four dedicated Learning HUBs offered free, expert-led presentations throughout the event, delivering concise, high-value insights directly on the show floor. Sessions, including those hosted by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), focused on practical applications and real-world solutions that attendees could immediately implement.

Jaemin Kim, Marketing Director of the Smart Factory Solutions Center & Production Engineering Research Institute at LG Electronics, delivered a compelling keynote on AI-driven production and smart factory innovation. Drawing from LG’s global manufacturing leadership and its Tennessee Lighthouse Factory, Kim shared real-world examples of how advanced technologies are transforming production environments.

The MAX eXperience conference program featured thought-provoking sessions and interactive lunch roundtables addressing key industry topics, including reshoring strategies, responsible packaging legislation, smart factory transformation, workforce development, and the future of coatings and advanced materials.

Closing out the event, Allison Grealis, President of Women in Manufacturing, moderated a dynamic session titled “Future-Ready Workforce: Skills, Culture & Adaptation in Modern Manufacturing,” featuring panelists Morgann Harrell, Owner and Operator of Nellie & Knot; Denise Hall, President & CEO of Peak Performance; and Meaghan Ziemba, Podcast Host of Mavens of Manufacturing.

MAX was produced by BNP Media’s industry-leading brands—including ASSEMBLY, Quality Magazine, Adhesives & Sealants Industry (ASI), Industrial Safety & Hygiene News (ISHN), Packaging Strategies, and Paint & Coatings Industry (PCI).

BNP Media also produces The ASSEMBLY Show and The QUALITY Show, taking place October 27–29, 2026, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, bringing together thousands of industry professionals to explore the latest in assembly technology, equipment, and processes.

For more information, visit https://www.assemblymag.com/the-assembly-show/quality-show.

MVTec Appoints DeMellier as Business Development Manager

MVTec Software GmbH announced the appointment of Rob DeMellier as Business Development Manager for North America. In this role, DeMellier will support companies across various industries in identifying efficiency gains and optimizing automation processes using MVTec’s powerful software solutions.

“MVTec’s software portfolio provides companies with a flexible and future-proof foundation for automation,” said Rob DeMellier. “I look forward to working with customers across North America to identify practical opportunities where machine vision and AI-driven technologies from MVTec can deliver measurable business value.”

DeMellier has extensive experience in the robotics industry, as well as in machine vision - complimented by an early career in manufacturing as a process engineer. This perspective affords DeMellier a unique understanding of both the engineering and business challenges facing manufacturers, as well as the opportunities provided by the latest automation technologies.

DeMellier will work closely with manufacturers, system integrators, and technology partners to help them leverage machine vision for improved quality, productivity, and operational performance. By applying MVTec’s powerful software products HALCON, MERLIC, and the Deep Learning Tool, organizations can unlock new levels of efficiency in inspection, measurement, identification, and robotics applications.

For more information, visit mvtec.com.

AMT Announces 2026-27 Board of Directors at The MFG Meeting in March

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, which represents U.S.-based providers of manufacturing technology, has elected its 2026-2027 board of directors to guide the organization and industry through a period of accelerating demand for advanced manufacturing capabilities. Michael Cicco, president and CEO of FANUC America Corp., continues his term as chairman.

“As we look ahead, the manufacturing technology industry is at a critical inflection point, with growing demand for advanced capabilities driven by economic and national security priorities. Our board is focused on ensuring the industry is positioned to lead,” Cicco said. “I want to thank Glynn Fletcher, Melanie Lang, and Rajas Sukthankar for their dedicated service. Their contributions have strengthened AMT and improved the manufacturing technology industry. We are also pleased to welcome Steve Carlson, Milton Guerry, and Jim King to the board and appreciate the leadership they will provide in the coming year.”

“AMT continues to play a central role in advancing the manufacturing technology ecosystem at a time when innovation, investment, and policy alignment are more important than ever. We are actively engaging with leaders across government and industry to ensure our members’ capabilities are recognized and supported,” said AMT President Douglas K. Woods. “With a strong board in place, we are well positioned to deliver value to our members and help drive the next phase of growth and competitiveness for U.S. manufacturing.”

In addition to Cicco, Gregory Volovic, president and CEO of Hurco Companies Inc., serves as first vice chairman; Willie Eichele, president of The HEH Group, serves as secretary; Blake Consdorf, president of QComp Technologies, serves as treasurer; and Dan Janka, president of Mazak Corp., serves as ex officio.

Newly elected to the AMT board for the 2026-2027 term are Steve Carlson, president, Mayfran International; Milton Guerry, president, Schunk USA; and Jim King, president, CEO, and COO, Okuma America Corp.

Also serving on the AMT board are Dr. Jason Jones, co-founder and CEO, Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies; and Markus Stolmar, president and CEO, United Grinding North America.

AMT extends its sincere appreciation to outgoing board members Glynn Fletcher, president of EOS North America; Melanie Lang, co-founder and CEO of FormAlloy; and Rajas Sukthankar, vice president, motion control, Siemens Industry, for their leadership and lasting contributions to the manufacturing technology industry.

For more information, visit AMTonline.org.

QT9 Software Announces New Global Headquarters in Historic Downtown Batavia

QT9 Software announced plans to relocate its global headquarters from Aurora to a newly redeveloped campus in downtown Batavia, Illinois. The former Pamarco factory, a 100-year-old industrial building along the Fox River, will be transformed into a modern, approximately 40,000-square-foot office environment that preserves the site’s historic character while creating a new hub for technology, innovation, and collaboration.

The headquarters project is part of a $12 million adaptive reuse initiative led by Manhattan Real Estate Ventures, LLC, under a Redevelopment Agreement authorized by the Batavia City Council. The investment will rehabilitate a long-neglected riverfront property into a state-of-the-art workspace designed to support QT9 Software’s continued global growth, while aligning with the City of Batavia’s Downtown Plan for sustainable revitalization and historic preservation.

QT9 Software’s relocation will initially bring approximately 65 employees to downtown Batavia, with staffing projected to grow to around 100 high‑skilled technology roles as the company expands. By establishing a new global headquarters in the heart of the city, QT9 Software will help honor the area’s industrial heritage while creating a modern, connected workspace that reflects its culture of innovation and long-term commitment to the region.

The redevelopment will preserve the historic industrial architecture of the former factory while modernizing its interior systems, infrastructure, and layout to meet the needs of a growing global technology organization. The project is expected to serve as a visual and economic catalyst for the broader riverfront district, complementing other recent investments and reinforcing Batavia’s position as a competitive destination for technology-driven businesses. Construction is anticipated to begin following final approvals and financing, with occupancy targeted before the end of 2028.

QT9 Software’s new headquarters will further strengthen the company’s ability to deliver pre‑validated QMS, ERP, and MRP solutions that connect quality and operations for manufacturers across life sciences, pharmaceutical, medical device, biotechnology, aerospace, and industrial markets. From Batavia, QT9 Software will continue to support customers in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific with platforms designed to streamline operations, maintain compliance with global standards, and provide real-time visibility into critical quality and production data.

With its expanded presence in Batavia, QT9 Software plans to deepen its engagement with the local community, fostering new opportunities for collaboration, workforce development, and long-term economic stability. The company expects that the new headquarters, combined with Batavia’s evolving mix of historic properties and new development, will help attract and retain top technology talent while reinforcing QT9 Software’s role as a trusted partner for regulated manufacturers worldwide.

For more information, visit www.qt9software.com.

January 2026 US Cutting Tool Shipments Totaled $220.7M, Up 9.9% From January 2025

Shipments of cutting tools, measured by the Cutting Tool Market Report, a collaboration between AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI), totaled $220.7 million in January 2026. Orders increased 2.7% from December 2025 and were up 9.9% from January 2025. While the dollar value of shipments increased in January, the number of units shipped decreased slightly from December.

“Activity, usage, and new projects all indicate that the latest trend is very positive,” said Jack Burley, chairman of AMT’s Cutting Tool Product Group and president of Big Daishowa, a cutting tool manufacturer. “Overall, this year is off to a good start, with no indications of a slowdown. However, the cost of tungsten carbide raw materials continues to increase, challenging cutting tool manufacturers to stay competitive.”

Bret Tayne, president of Everede Tool Company, a cutting tool manufacturer, said, “The data on cutting tool shipments shows indications of continued volatility. Cutting tool shipments increased 2.7% from December 2025 to January 2026, which was the slowest growth between December and January since 2022. Recent events have raised economic uncertainty, complicating efforts to project levels of overall industrial production.”

For more information, visit amtonline.org.

Women in Manufacturing, AMT Announce Partnership to Host ELEVATE Conference at IMTS 2026

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, the owner and producer of IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, has joined forces with the Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM) to strengthen and advance the manufacturing technology community. Together, the organizations will coproduce IMTS ELEVATE, powered by AMT and WiM, a half-day conference and networking reception debuting at IMTS 2026, Sept. 14-19, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

The event is designed to unite professionals across every sector of manufacturing technology, including engineers, technicians, executives, educators, and entrepreneurs. 

“This partnership is a great example of how AMT and the Women in Manufacturing Association can bring together some of the brightest minds in manufacturing to share ideas, spark collaboration, grow leaders, and enhance representation and workforce development within the industry,” says Bonnie T. Gurney, vice president, strategic partnerships and industry relations, AMT. 

ELEVATE is open to manufacturing professionals nationwide, with a special emphasis on Chicago’s manufacturing community and the more than 86,000 visitors IMTS attracts, from global manufacturers to exhibitors, who come to experience the show firsthand and build meaningful connections with innovators, peers, and emerging leaders. The program builds on successful IMTS 2022 and 2024 events that highlighted women in manufacturing, featuring conversations on leadership, innovation, and the growing influence of women across the manufacturing technology sector.

“We are thrilled to partner with AMT to bring ELEVATE to life at IMTS 2026,” says Allison Roberts Grealis, president and founder of WiM. “This collaboration enhances our shared commitment to supporting and advancing all women in the manufacturing technology community. By uniting professionals from every corner of the industry, ELEVATE will spark meaningful conversations, foster new connections, and empower attendees to drive innovation and positive change within their organizations and across the sector.”

Highlights include opening remarks from WiM and AMT leaders, an inspiring keynote on resilience and authentic leadership, and a panel of women driving transformation across engineering, operations, and manufacturing technology. During a fireside chat, Grealis and a prominent industry leader will explore career pivots and the future of women in advanced manufacturing. The event concludes with closing remarks and a networking reception to connect attendees and continue the dialogue. A full speaker list will be released in spring 2026.

“I'm a mechanical engineer by trade, and I love listening to powerful women who can articulate what it means to have diversity in their organizations,” says IMTS 2024 attendee Susan Ipri-Brown, founder of Empowerment Levers Consulting, former engineering educator, and a former president of ASME. “It’s inspiring and reminds us of all of the value of the work that everybody’s doing and how it permeates organizations.” 

The IMTS ELEVATE Conference is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, from 1-4:30 p.m., followed by an exclusive on-site networking reception from 4:30-6 p.m. at McCormick Place. Registration is now open.

For more information, visit IMTS.com/ELEVATE.

IDS, Prophesee Deepen Collaboration to Advance Next-Generation Event-Based Industrial Vision Systems

Building on a proven existing joint development and successful commercial track record, IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH (IDS) and Prophesee SA announced an expanded collaboration to develop next-generation industrial cameras integrating Prophesee’s Metavision® event-based vision technology.

At the embedded world conference, the two organizations signed a Letter of Intent to jointly pursue the development of next-generation industrial vision systems integrating event-based sensing, combining Prophesee’s expertise in event-based hardware and software with IDS’s strengths in camera integration, multi-sensor system design, and industrial manufacturing. The collaboration will explore several technology directions and builds on the successful commercialization of IDS uEye EVS cameras incorporating Prophesee’s event-based sensing technology, marking the next phase of cooperation between the companies.

The new initiative combines conventional imaging with event‑based sensing to enable new capabilities in machine vision, such as high‑speed motion analysis and emerging sensing technologies. In parallel, the companies intend to strengthen their joint commercial engagement, coordinating business development activities and approaching selected customers together with complementary solutions — IDS providing camera hardware and integrated systems, and Prophesee delivering its sensors, development tools, and event-based vision software stack.

“Over the past years, our collaboration with Prophesee has demonstrated the powerful benefits of event-based vision for industrial machine vision,” said Jan Hartmann, CEO of IDS Imaging Development Systems. “Neuromorphic sensing is key to the future of industrial vision. Working closely with Prophesee enables us to advance this technology faster and more consistently. Our collaboration is built on trust, shared goals and a clear technological direction.”

“Our partnership with IDS shows how event-based sensing can bring a new level of performance to industrial machine vision,” says Jean Ferré, CEO of Prophesee. “Through the open, flexible and accessible nature of our Metavision technology platform and recent enhancements to our sensor products, we can advance this by working together to explore next-generation sensing architectures and machine vision systems incorporating event-based technology. This further pushes the boundaries of what machine vision can achieve, delivering faster detection, higher accuracy, and significantly improved power efficiency for demanding real-world applications.”

The companies plan to work closely with shared customers and partners to explore new machine vision solutions across industries including industrial automation, robotics, logistics, transportation, and intelligent systems.

For more information, visit https://en.ids-imaging.com/ueye-evs-cameras.html or www.prophesee.ai.