Automation and Innovation to take Center Stage at Northeast Production Summit

On Oct. 22, the TRSA Northeast Regional Production Summit & Plant Tour will spotlight the future of commercial laundry operations in a dynamic session titled “Automation, Digitalization & Technology.” Presented by Darrin Smith, customer success representative manager at Kannegiesser North America; and Mads Andresen, founder of Inwatec and chief innovation officer at JENSEN-GROUP, the session will explore how cutting-edge technologies are transforming the industry. Attendees will be encouraged to rethink traditional workflows and consider how digital tools – like RFID, barcoding and real-time dashboards – will help streamline operations, reduce downtime and improve productivity.

The session will outline how centralized data systems, IoT connectivity and artificial intelligence will enable predictive maintenance, energy monitoring and smarter decision-making. Smith and Andresen will demonstrate how AI-powered robotics can adapt to complex tasks such as folding, sorting and packing, while cloud computing will allow for seamless integration across multiple facilities. These technologies will not only improve operational efficiency but also enhance safety and sustainability.

A key highlight will be Andresen’s presentation of Inwatec’s Automated Soil Sorting System, which uses robotics, vision systems and X-ray technology to identify, classify and sort soiled textiles with minimal human input. Real-world examples, including the Bardusch Basel healthcare laundry in Switzerland, will illustrate how these systems can process up to 70,000 pounds of laundry per day. Technologies like HEIMDAL.CAMERA and ODIN.X-Ray will be showcased for their ability to detect foreign objects and improve sorting accuracy – reducing rewash rates and protecting both textiles and equipment.

Looking ahead, the session will explore the principles of Industry 4.0, where automation, robotics and machine learning converge to create smarter, more agile laundry environments. While the transition will require investment and training, the long-term benefits – ranging from labor savings and quality control to environmental impact – make a compelling case for embracing the future. As Smith and Andresen will emphasize, the goal is clear: “more output with less input,” and the tools to achieve it are already within reach.

Keep the Conversation Going

The session will be immediately followed by Facilitated Roundtable Discussions. Attendees will gather at themed tables to dive deeper into the day’s key topics, including a conversation on automation guided by Smith and Andresen to ask questions directly, share challenges and compare notes with peers facing the same pressures.

This session is one of several engaging opportunities at the Northeast Production Summit & Plant Tour, scheduled for Oct. 22–23 in Philadelphia – TRSA’s final regional summit of the year. For more information and to register, click here. For a limited time, TRSA is extending the early-bird deadline: register now and save $100 off the regular price using the code “neprod100” at registration. This offer cannot be combined with any other discounts.