IEX: Innovation Exchange 2025 powered by DBR77

From Lean to AI:
The Next Chapter for Carolina Manufacturers

How AI, Robotics, and Lean 4.0 Will Transform Our Factories

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, PORTAL Building
October 16, 2025 | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Need help with registration? [email protected]

In partnership with UNC Charlotte and The City of Charlotte.

Is the U.S. Losing the Race for Future Factories?

While other countries deploy robots at record speed, the U.S. risks falling behind in the race for smart factories. In 2025, 41% of U.S. manufacturers say their top priority over the next two years is investing in factory automation hardware - showing demand is surging, but execution still lags. What will it take for America to lead?
UNCOVER THE FULL STORY AT THE EVENT!

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

4:30 - 5:15 PM: Registration & Networking
5:15 - 5:30 PM: Opening Remarks - UNC Charlotte & DBR77
5:30 - 6:30 PM: Keynotes - AI in Manufacturing & NC’s Path to Smart Factories
6:30 - 6:45 PM: U.S. Robotics & AI Manufacturing Report 2025
6:45 - 7:00 PM: DBR77 Vision: AI - First Factories
7:00 - 7:20 PM: Launch of Masterclass Program
7:20 - 7:40 PM: Panel Discussion
7:40 - 8:30 PM: Networking & Cocktail Reception

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

TORIAN RICHARDSON

CEO of DBR77 USA, leading the company’s U.S. launch. With more than 25 years of global leadership experience across four continents, he has guided organizations through complex strategy, operations, and technology transformations. At DBR77, he directs the rollout of IRIS — the integrated production brain that powers smarter facilities and optimized production — alongside a global Marketplace that connects manufacturers with automation partners. His focus is on shaping the factories of the future while empowering the workforce that drives them.

DR. MEERA SRIDHAR

Associate Professor, UNC Charlotte and Director of the Center for Energy Security and Reliability (CESAR). Associate Professor in Software and Information Systems and Director of UNC Charlotte’s Center for Energy Security and Reliability. With over two decades of experience in software, systems, and cyber-physical security, she leads research advancing resilient power grids and safeguarding critical infrastructure through innovation, collaboration, and workforce development.

JARED NICHOLS

Futurist and executive advisor, he helps leaders at the edge of change - from U.S. Special Operators to Fortune 500 executives - develop the foresight and skills to anticipate disruption and act with confidence. Founder of NU FUTURIST and creator of The Foresight Academy, he also teaches Strategic Foresight at the University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business. Based in Charlotte, Jared is the founding advisor to the Donovan & Bank Foundation and remains active as a musician, composer, and competitive cyclist.

DR. JOSE OUTEIRO

A Professor of Digital and Sustainable Manufacturing at UNC Charlotte and Fellow of CIRP, he is internationally recognized for advancing Digital Twin and Smart Manufacturing technologies. His research focuses on machining and hybrid processes, using data-driven and multi-physics modeling to enhance product quality, performance, and lifespan. With a strong record of collaboration across industry and academia worldwide, he is a leader in shaping the future of advanced manufacturing.

CELESTINE PRESSLEY

Expert in delivering impactful insights and strategic guidance to C-suite and senior IT leaders on future trends and innovative solutions. Her expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, and IT Strategy is central to her global keynotes and workshops. As the former Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the White House Trade Office (USTR), Celestine led IT vision, strategy, and execution from 2018–2022, driving modernization, automation, and compliance across international offices. Her strategic advisory services are enhanced by her executive coaching certification, enabling her to guide leaders through complex challenges in public sector and healthcare transformation.

DR. PIOTR WISNIEWSKI

Founder and Global CEO of DBR77, driving digital transformation and process automation for manufacturers worldwide. With a PhD in management and executive training at Harvard Business School, he combines academic rigor with extensive leadership experience, including CEO and board roles at Maflow Group, Hutmen S.A., and Boryszew S.A. Piotr is also a lecturer in MBA programs and a regular contributor to leading business publications on the future of manufacturing and AI.

DR. PAUL YANIK

Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Western Carolina University, where he leads research and teaching in robotics, control systems, and industrial automation. With over two decades of experience bridging academia and applied engineering, his work focuses on intelligent manufacturing systems, mechatronics, and workforce development for Industry 4.0. Through partnerships with regional industry, he advances practical innovation and prepares the next generation of automation engineers.

BRITTANY CONNER

Brittany is a manufacturing business leader from the Charlotte area. She has spent her entire professional career in the industrial world with beginnings in business development that have led to successful work in the manufacturing and industrial aftermarket service world. Brittany has extensive experience in multiple manufacturing disciplines and engineering. Pioneering strategic partnership programs that focus on best practices and manufacturing excellence have helped her set herself and her company apart. Collaboration is a cornerstone of her leadership style, and she believes the best solutions can come from any team member at any time.

ABOUT DBR77

DBR77 is an international organization driving digital transformation in manufacturing. Our platform combines a global Marketplace for robotics solutions with RIS - a Plant Operations System that integrates AI, IoT, and digital twin technology to optimize factories worldwide.
Want to know how we can boost your company’s efficiency?
Visit www.dbr77.com or schedule a demo meeting: