Panel: Sustainable Manufacturing and Hyperautomation: Can AI and robotics lead the way?

This panel discussion on Day 1 explored the transformative potential of AI, robotics and hyperautomation in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing industries worldwide, such labour shortages, rising costs and increasing demands for efficiency. Panelists Faheem Khan, CEO of Aro, Harpal Mandaher, CEO of Sarcomere Dynamics Inc. and Dr. Mahdi Tavakoli, professor at the University of Alberta, came together to discuss how these technologies are reshaping modern manufacturing. The panelists discussed real-world applications and challenges, highlighting how AI-driven decision-making can optimize efficiency, autonomous systems can redefine labor-intensive industries and high-dexterity robotics can tackle complex assembly tasks. They also explored the role of hyperautomation and technology adoption in supply chains, sustainability and workforce transformation and the future of industry. “I would mention two forces for the next four to five years. One is socioeconomic status now and the trade wars; that is going to force Canadian companies to adopt automation because they need to reduce cost and they still need to be productive,” said Khan. “The second force is a continuous development of technologies, whether it is robotics, physical AI or general AI, technology is going forward. Of course, had we not had this situation [of the trade wars], then the adoption could have been different. But now, a lot of companies are going to adopt new technologies very quickly.” “I think in the next five years, you’re going to see a lot of robots within Canada, and that’s exciting.”