Smart Factory Institute Engages at CESMII Roadshow in Chicago
- Jessica Duffield
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
Innovation thrives where ideas meet action. Last week, Madison Lundy, Business Development Representative with the Smart Factory Institute, traveled to Chicago to attend the CESMII Roadshow hosted at MxD – America’s Digital Manufacturing Institute.
Sponsored by CESMII, the OPC Foundation, VDMA, and NEMA, the event convened manufacturers, technology providers, and industry leaders to explore how data, connectivity, and collaboration are reshaping manufacturing operations and strengthening supply chains.
Immersed in Innovation
The backdrop for the event was as compelling as the discussions. MxD’s active demonstration floor—filled with robotics, connected machinery, and real-time data applications—brought theory to life. “MxD was such a good fit for this event. Being surrounded by the demo floor made the conversations feel real, not just slides on a screen,” Madison shared. The ability to move seamlessly between panel sessions and live technology demonstrations gave attendees a unique, hands-on perspective.
Key Takeaways
The Roadshow underscored interoperability—not as a future concept, but as a reality already delivering measurable impact. For Madison, the pace of transformation was striking:
“I left Chicago with a key takeaway that this shift towards connected systems is already happening. The question is how quickly each company is ready to move.”
Collaboration for the Future
From global corporations: to small and medium manufacturers, to specialized technology firms, voices across the ecosystem emphasized the importance of collaboration in accelerating digital transformation while ensuring systems remain interoperable. For Madison, the event was more than an educational experience. It was a chance to strengthen relationships and build new ones—connections that will directly benefit the Smart Factory Institute’s mission to provide manufacturers with practical strategies for innovation.
Looking Ahead
Madison’s participation highlights the Smart Factory Institute’s role as a hub for advancing smart manufacturing. By engaging in national conversations it ensure that the Smart Factory Institute partners remain connected to the latest technologies, strategies, and opportunities shaping the industry’s future.
Want to continue the conversation? Madison is ready to share insights and opportunities from the Smart Factory Institute.
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