Design and application engineers apply deep expertise in motion control, human-robot interaction, advanced automation and additive manufacturing methods. They are not just solving problems—they’re shaping the future of the industry.
May 20, 2025
3:00 PM UTC
Sponsored by
Now Available On-Demand Original Broadcast Date: May 20, 2025 Duration: 1 Hour
Mechanical design and application engineers are integral to the rapidly expanding field of robotics and automation, particularly when it comes to unlocking potential. They are the problem solvers who are fluent in CAD, comfortable with programming languages, and know the ins-and-outs of miniaturization, motion control, material selection and human-robot interaction. They are the ones shaping the future. Yet, many organizations aren’t realizing the full value and potential of their efforts.
In this webinar we unpack how engineers—who understand the ins-and-outs of miniaturization, motion control, material selection or human-robot interaction, additive manufacturing and advanced automation technologies—embrace challenges and capitalize on opportunities to shape the future of their industry. How are the applications they help foster making an impact?
In round-robin style, our panel discusses:
1. Global View: Where is Automation headed? Where are Robotics headed? What are the challenges? What are the opportunities?
2. Outlook from North America: What are the most transformative trends set to reshape manufacturing operations in 2025? What key challenges do these changes present, and what new opportunities can the industry leverage to stay ahead?
3. Design & Application: Panelists share applications that highlight how their respective organizations are taking steps to prioritize high-value investments or projects that help them stay competitive.
Speakers
Marcel Almonte
Mechatronics Applications Engineer
Harmonic Drive
Marcel Almonte graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology in 2022 with a degree in Electro-mechanical Engineering and a minor in Applied Mathematics. During college, he worked as a Quality and Safety Engineer at Philips, testing medical devices for CE compliance.
Post-graduation, Marcel served as a Field Engineer for Alert Innovation, troubleshooting hardware and software bugs and communicating issues to development teams. He then joined Infranor USA, a servo motor and drive sales office, helping customers find custom motion control solutions.
Currently, Marcel is a Mechatronics Applications Engineer at Harmonic Drive, focusing on the Integrated Actuator Product Line. He develops tests to verify motor specifications, troubleshoot software, electrical, and hardware bugs, and collaborates with customers, sales, and design teams.
Jonathan Mitchell
Senior Applications Engineer
Emerson
Jonathan Mitchell has more than 10 years of experience in technical sales and engineering roles. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science Engineering and has spent the past decade working in industrial automation.
At Emerson, Jonathan has developed extensive expertise in fluid control and fluid power products. Over the past year, he has expanded his focus to include industrial controllers and edge devices. His professional interests include Continuous Improvement, Infrastructure Resilience, Process Automation, and Systems Design.
Jonathan thrives in customer-facing engineering roles, where he can engage with diverse industrial processes and apply insights across industries. He enjoys leveraging lessons learned in one sector to sol
Dustin Kloempken
3D Printing Application Engineer
HP, Inc.
Dustin’s journey into additive began in the aftermath of the 2008 great recession, a period that witnessed the closure of his boot-strapped startup. Unfazed by adversity, he embarked on a new chapter dedicated to the global advancement of additive manufacturing. Collaborating closely with some of the most forward-thinking enterprises driven by a shared vision of a better world, Dustin’s track has been defined by innovation and progress.
Over recent years, his endeavours have included:
Pioneering investigations into the comparative efficacy of 3D-printed orthotic and prosthetic devices in contrast to traditional methodologies.
Unearthing the potential of designing and deploying expansive 3D-printed robotic grippers, unveiling a realm of possibilities previously unexplored.
Cultivating partnerships with esteemed research institutes to unearth novel application for additive manufacturing in the realm of lighting.
Rehana Begg
Editor-in-Chief
Machine Design
As Machine Design’s content lead, Rehana Begg is tasked with elevating the voice of the design and multi-disciplinary engineer in the face of digital transformation and engineering innovation. Begg has more than 25 years of editorial experience and has spent the past decade in the trenches of industrial manufacturing, focusing on new technologies, manufacturing innovation and business. Her B2B career has taken her from corporate boardrooms to plant floors and underground mining stopes, covering everything from automation & IIoT, robotics and mechanical design to plant operations, maintenance, reliability and continuous improvement. Begg holds an MBA, a Master of Journalism degree, and a BA (Hons.) in Political Science. She is committed to lifelong learning and feeds her passion for innovation in publishing, transparent science and clear communication by attending relevant conferences and seminars/workshops.
