Looking Ahead to 2026: Trends in Manufacturing Technology
Join us for an upcoming session exploring the latest automation trends shaping the manufacturing industry in 2026. Gain insights on emerging technologies and strategies to help your business stay competitive and efficient.
Meet our Moderator:
Marnie LaVigne, President & CEO of Launch NY
Marnie LaVigne has over 30 years of experience driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth across life sciences, informatics, and advanced manufacturing. She co-founded Launch NY in 2014 and serves as CEO, supporting high-growth companies across Upstate New York. Earlier, she launched two health informatics companies that achieved IPOs, led economic development at the University at Buffalo, and guided product development for major corporations, including Aetna, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Welch Allyn, and Medscape/MedicaLogic.
Meet our Speakers:
Kyle Goodman, Project Engineer, Automation Group, BMW/EWI
Kyle has critical experience in industrial controls and robotics. He is a skilled programmer for collaborative and industrial robots. He has designed and built out controls systems to integrate robots, sensors, pneumatics, PLCs, HMIs, fieldbus devices, and safety devices. Kyle's role supports the front-end of projects with wiring diagrams and CAD modeling for electrical and mechanical designs, as well as concept testing and final implementation. Kyle has been with EWI since 2022 and earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Gannon University.
Dillan Sayers, Applications Engineer, Automation Group, BMW/EWI
Dillan has extensive experience in applications engineering, including the development, design, and optimization of production processes and specialized processing equipment, including automation. Dillan is also the Founder and Director of Rust Belt Robotics, Buffalo’s first community robotics team for youth. He joined EWI in 2024. Dillan obtained his B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University at Buffalo.
Reed Truax Ph.D., Applications Engineer, BMW/EWI
Reed possesses experience in large-scale assembly design and construction, with a specialization in design, dynamics, and control systems. He has a diverse background in metrology, optical manufacturing, and high-precision assemblies. Reed joined EWI in May 2022. He holds a B.S. and M.Eng. from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and earned his PhD from the University at Buffalo.
Dan Vrana, Lead, Automation Group, BMW/EWI
Dan leads the EWI Automation Team and joined EWI in 2023. He is integral to the execution of technology assessments and implementation projects through the Shift 2.0 program. He previously served as Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Sustainable Manufacturing and Advanced Robotic Technologies (SMART) Fabrication Factory, engaged in research and teaching the translation of digital models to machine language in 2D and 3D environments. Dan has also served as Senior Research Support Specialist, Manager of Digital Fabrication Services, and Lead Technician and Programmer. Dan received a B.S. and M.S. in Architecture from the University at Buffalo.