The 12th Annual Assembly Show wrapped up at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, with the announcement of the New Products Award winners. The program featured 20 new products which were selected by the editors of Assembly Magazine. Attendees voted during the event and during the Morning Mingle Breakfast on the show floor. The following companies were announced the winners in each of five categories:

•    Assembly Machines & Systems: Edgewater Automation’s vision-guided SCARA robots handle pick-and-place operations, apply silicone, dispense grease, and transfer assemblies in and out of a leak test station. 

•    Adhesives, Dispensing and Curing - The Perfecdos electro-pneumatic dispensing valve by MTA Automation Inc. requires less maintenance and fewer spare parts than comparable piezoelectric valves.  

•    Fastening Tools - The Wireless Rotary Transducer (WRT) from Desoutter Industrial Tools offers a simple way to achieve tool verification or calibration without the need for cabling or software.  

•    Robotics - Coval Inc’s. CVGC carbon-fiber vacuum gripper for cobots has been redesigned for better modularity and performance. Engineers can configure the gripper to suit their precise needs.  

•    Manufacturing Software - VKS  I/O Connect is a new add-on to VKS’ software that enables workers to activate and monitor devices, machines and PLCs directly from digital work instructions. It is the next step in consolidating manual and automated processes into one intelligent operation. 

During the two days, thousands of manufacturing professionals had access to over 250 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies in an expansive exhibit hall featuring both The Assembly Show and SMTA International. Leading companies in robotics, automation, adhesives, and other assembly-related technologies displayed the latest tools and services designed to streamline production processes and improve efficiency.  The trade show featured Gold Sponsor Promess; Silver Sponsor ASG; and Bronze Sponsors Schmidt Technology and Ujigami, by Tutelar Technologies. 

Best-selling author Jairek Robbins discussed Crafting the Future: Leadership and Legacy in the Manufacturing Industry to a packed audience. Jairek provided an inspiring discussion on the power of proactive leadership in shaping the future of manufacturing. Leadership isn’t just a title—it’s about active participation, strategic vision, and fostering growth. Jairek was featured on The ASSEMBLY Magazine Podcast where he spoke about Leading Up: Shaping the Future of Manufacturing ahead of his presentation. 

Prior to the keynote, the editors of Assembly Magazine presented the Plant of the Year Award to GE Appliances who mass-produces dishwashers at a sprawling factory in Louisville, KY. Today, the 1-million-square-foot facility produces more than 70 dishwasher models.

Attendees had the chance to engage in live demonstrations of new equipment and software, providing a firsthand look at the latest industry solutions. From automated assembly lines to advanced inspection systems, participants can seesaw these innovations in action. 

Hundreds of engineers also participated in 24 pre-conference workshops. Subject matter experts led sessions in three tracks including Advancements in Automation and Automated Assembly; Data Analysis, Artificial Intelligence, and C-Suite Topics; and Bolted Joint and Threaded Fastener Assembly. 

During the Taste of Rosemont Welcome Reception in the exhibit hall students from two local First Robotics high school teams demonstrated their robots for the attendees and networked with the vendors. The FIRST Robotics Competition teams consist of students in grades 9-12 who design, program, and build a robot starting with a standard kit of parts and common set of rules to play in a themed head-to-head challenge. Teams also build a brand, develop community partnerships for support, and work to promote STEM in the local community

Pub Night Networking Reception sponsored by ASG. Attendees and exhibitors will gather to kick back and relax over great food and music and have fun playing backyard games while making new connections! 

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Assembly Show held Pink Out Day to support cancer fighters, admire survivors honor those lost, and never give up home to find a cure. For every dollar donate, The Assembly Show will math up to $5,000. 

To make a donation, visit https://secure.info-komen.org/site/TR;jsessionid=00000000.app30063b?team_id=497501&fr_id=10370&pg=team&NONCE_TOKEN=7B054B6BB0C67F9D71C7023B0753FEFB.

For more information, visit www.assemblymag.com.