Automation Solutions of America recently joined students, educators, and industry peers at Brats & Robots 2025, held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Hosted by Techmaster Inc., the event brought together automation professionals, manufacturers, engineers, and future talent to explore the latest in robotics, industrial automation, and smart manufacturing.
For ASA, attending Brats & Robots was about more than setting up a booth. It was an opportunity to connect with people who are shaping where automation is headed and those who are just beginning their journey into the industry.
Connecting With Students, Educators, and Industry Professionals
Throughout the day, ASA’s team engaged with a wide range of attendees, including high school students, educators, and industry professionals. The goal was simple and direct. We wanted to share what is possible with modern automation while opening the door to new partnerships and career paths.
The team spent time speaking with students who were eager to learn how robotics, motion control, and smart manufacturing technologies are used on real factory floors. These conversations helped translate classroom concepts into real-world applications, from robotics integration to Factory 4.0 solutions and connected production systems.
Educators and industry professionals were equally interested in how ASA approaches projects across different sectors. Our team highlighted ASA’s capabilities in custom automation design, robotics integration, and smart factory solutions, along with our focus on long term support and collaboration. Those discussions often moved beyond specific technologies into topics such as workforce skills, safety, and how to prepare students for careers in automation and advanced manufacturing.
Showcasing ASA’s Capabilities and Partnership Opportunities
Brats & Robots is designed as both a trade show and a career focused event, which makes it a strong fit for companies that want to demonstrate capabilities while building relationships.
ASA used this platform to:
- Share opportunities for potential customers to partner with ASA on automation projects that support their long term production goals.
- Explain our team’s approach automation consulting, project management, and system integration, from concept through commissioning.
- Highlight real examples of how Factory 4.0 solutions, robotics, and smart manufacturing technologies can improve quality, and data visibility.
These conversations helped attendees see automation not only as a set of technologies but as a strategic tool that can support growth, improve safety, and make better use of skilled labor.
Why Events Like Brats & Robots Matter for Automation Experts
Events such as Brats & Robots provide value on several levels for teams like ASA. For existing professionals, they are a place to see new products, compare technologies, and learn from other integrators and solution providers. For manufacturers, they offer direct access to companies that can help solve real production challenges through automation and control systems.
Most importantly, these gatherings support the future of the automation workforce. By spending time with students and educators, ASA helps bridge the gap between technical education and real industrial environments. Students gain a clearer understanding of what a career in automation can look like, from engineering and controls to field service and project management. That exposure is crucial for building a strong talent pipeline for the entire industry.
For ASA’s engineers and project leaders, the event also serves as a listening opportunity. Hearing questions from students, feedback from customers, and insights from other vendors helps us refine our approach to automation design, integration, and support. Each conversation provides a new perspective on how automation can better serve people, processes, and production goals.
Looking Ahead
ASA’s participation in Brats & Robots 2025 reflects an ongoing commitment to both technological innovation and workforce development. By engaging with students, educators, customers, and peers in the automation community, we strengthen our ability to deliver solutions that are practical, forward looking, and grounded in real industry needs.
We look forward to continuing these conversations, supporting events that promote learning and collaboration, and helping the next generation of automation professionals see what is possible in modern manufacturing.
Author: Doug Linstead, Group Manager: Assembly and Test Group, Automation Solutions of America (ASA). Doug has been with ASA for 16 years and has over 30 years of experience in automation.