#USA #Chicago #John Rinaldi #Automate 2026 #Real Time Automation

Real Time Automation (RTA) CEO to Speak at Automate Chicago 2026

Introduction
Real Time Automation (RTA) is set to make a significant splash at Automate 2026, scheduled for June 22-25 at McCormick Place, Chicago. The spotlight will be on RTA's CEO, John Rinaldi, who is poised to unravel the complexities of deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) in manufacturing environments. Attendees at RTA's booth 3723 can look forward to insightful discussions that will cut through the current buzz surrounding AI.

The Challenge of Data
A staggering 73% of manufacturers admit that poor data quality severely hampers their ability to derive actionable insights. Additionally, it's reported that 60% of the operational technology (OT) data collected on factory floors is never analyzed. This chaotic scenario arises from a hodgepodge of decades-old practices including inconsistent tag naming and a lack of documented context, leading to AI models either drifting or failing when scaled up.

John Rinaldi's Insights
Rinaldi, a renowned expert in Operational Technology and cybersecurity, will delve deep into these issues during his presentation titled "Beyond the Algorithm: Standardized Manufacturing Data Models as the Foundation for Scalable Industrial AI." This session will shift the focus from mere AI jargon to the fundamental challenges manufacturers face—in particular, how to standardize data models critical for making AI a reality in smart manufacturing.

What to Expect
During this expert session scheduled for Tuesday, June 23rd at 4:30 PM CDT, Rinaldi will dissect the bottlenecks associated with raw, context-less PLC data. He will introduce methodologies for utilizing metadata, schemas, naming conventions, and standard APIs such as OpenAPI/AsyncAPI to eliminate ambiguity and accelerate the path to actionable insights. The session promises to provide ten proven strategies for designing, storing, and governing data models that will promote scalable AI solutions across manufacturing lines, plants, and enterprises.

Event Details

• - When: June 23, 2026, from 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM (CDT)
• - Where: Automate Innovation Stage, Booth 19046, McCormick Place, Chicago
• - Other Attractions: A live demonstration showcasing a modern factory floor historian responsible for managing real PLC data will be available at RTA's booth throughout the event.

Why Attend?
In an age where engineers face the challenge of making data useful rather than just collecting it, Rinaldi will expose the pitfalls inherent in relying on legacy historians, often likened to the "Jenga problem" in data structuring. He will outline why investing in a modern historian is crucial for leveraging AI effectively. Furthermore, media representatives, plant engineers, and system integrators attending the session will leave with actionable insights on transforming inconsistent raw data into structured, context-rich information tailored for AI applications.

About Real Time Automation (RTA)
Founded in 1989, Real Time Automation has dedicated itself to simplifying the integration of complex factory operations. Their expertise lies in providing reliable, user-friendly connectivity solutions for plant engineers and systems integrators around the globe. RTA's extensive product suite includes gateways, software solutions, and modern historian tools designed to bridge the gap between legacy machinery and contemporary enterprise systems. Proficient in various industrial protocols like Industrial Ethernet, OPC UA, Modbus, and EtherNet/IP, RTA equips manufacturers to navigate data fragmentation while establishing standardized data models necessary for a secure AI-based future. For further insights into their offerings, visit www.rtautomation.com.