OnRobot and FANUC Address Manufacturing Labor Shortages with Automation Event in Reno

As Northern Nevada’s manufacturing sector experiences rapid growth, a critical challenge has emerged: a shrinking labor pool. To address this, OnRobot will host a free “Build Your Automation Roadmap” event in Reno on April 9th, 2026, bringing practical automation solutions directly to the region’s manufacturing community.

The Growing Require for Automation in Northern Nevada

Northern Nevada’s manufacturing sector has expanded faster than the available workforce, with unemployment rates currently at 4.0%, near record lows. This leaves manufacturers facing a dwindling pool of workers despite continued industrial demand. A recent report commissioned by the Nevada Office of Workforce Innovation identified workforce gaps across the state, particularly in fabricated metal manufacturing, precision machining and electronics within the Reno area.

Event Details: Build Your Automation Roadmap

The “Build Your Automation Roadmap” event will be held at the Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 East 2nd St, Reno, NV, from 12:00pm to 4:00pm PT on April 9th, 2026. Registration, including lunch, is free, but space is limited.

What to Expect

The event will feature:

• Live Demonstrations: Attendees will see live demonstrations of FANUC robots equipped with OnRobot complete-of-arm tooling for applications such as machine tending, material handling, assembly, packaging, and quality inspection.
• Expert-Led Workshops: Automation experts will share real-world experience in robotics, tooling, and integration.
• Real-World Apply Cases: The event will showcase practical applications of automation in manufacturing.

Featured Speakers and Sessions

• Kristian Hulgard, General Manager, Americas, OnRobot: Will deliver a keynote address on macrotrends affecting U.S. Automation growth and the accelerating adoption of automation across manufacturing, with a focus on implications for Nevada operations.
• Brian La Plante, District Manager, FANUC America: Will lead live demonstrations of FANUC robots, highlighting a practical approach to the automation journey.
• Marc Magarin, President and Co-Founder, Nevatio Engineering: Will discuss how the right components, sourcing strategy, and distribution support can keep automation projects on track.

Addressing the Labor Challenge with Collaborative Automation

“Northern Nevada has develop into one of the most dynamic manufacturing regions in the country, but that growth is creating real pressure on employers who simply can’t hire fast enough to keep up,” said Kristian Hulgard, General Manager, Americas, at OnRobot. “Automation isn’t a future consideration for manufacturers here, it’s an immediate operational need. This event is about giving the region’s manufacturers a clear, practical path forward.”

OnRobot specializes in collaborative applications, aiming to make industrial automation accessible, flexible, and cost-effective for manufacturers of all sizes. The company offers a range of Plug & Produce tools – including grippers, vision systems, sensors, and screwdrivers – designed to work seamlessly with leading robot brands.

To learn more or register for the event, visit https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260317513610/en/