Symposium
Event Date

March 18, 2025 at 8:00AM - March 18, 2025 at 5:00PM

Location

MIT Campus


Crossroads 2025 will bring together supply chain leaders, industry executives, and MIT researchers to explore how technological advancements are shaping the future of supply chain management. This year’s event will focus on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI (GenAI), robotics, automation, additive manufacturing, and data analytics. In a rapidly evolving global landscape—marked by geopolitical shifts, trade dynamics, and emerging risks—understanding these technologies is essential for developing forward-looking supply chain strategies.

The event will begin with a series of thought-provoking presentations by leading MIT researchers, each delving into key emerging technologies and their implications for supply chains:

  • AI and Human Interaction: Examining how AI systems integrate with human decision-making in supply chains.
  • Robotics and Automation: Exploring advancements in robotics that are redefining warehouse operations and logistics.
  • Additive Manufacturing: Understanding the role of 3D printing in supply chain flexibility and resilience.
  • AI in Innovation: Investigating how AI is driving new business models and operational efficiencies.
  • AI in Small Retail: Assessing AI’s impact on small and mid-sized retailers, shaping personalized experiences and supply strategies.

Each session will feature an in-depth presentation followed by an open discussion addressing a central question: How can these technological developments impact supply chains and how companies manage them?

Following the research presentations, Crossroads 2025 will culminate in a panel discussion featuring senior executives from global companies. These industry leaders will reflect on the insights shared by MIT researchers, offering their perspectives on how organizations can harness these technologies to drive efficiency, resilience, and innovation in their supply chains.


Agenda

8:00 AMProgram Check-in, Continental Breakfast

8:30  AM

 

Welcome and Introduction

Prof. Yossi Sheffi – Director, MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics (CTL)

Jim Rice – Deputy Director, MIT CTL

9:00 AMProf. Daniela Rus – Director, MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL)
10:00 AMBreak

10:15 AM

 

Scaling Digital Manufacturing

Prof. John Hart – Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering; 
Co-Director, Initiative for New Manufacturing

11:15 AMBreak

11:30 AM

 

How AI can Help Robots to Operate with Physical Common Sense?

Prof. Pulkit Agrawal – MIT CSAIL, EECS

12:30 PMLunch

1:30 PM

 

AI and Innovation in Decision Making

Dr. Michael Schrage – MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy (IDE)

2:30 PMBreak

2:45 PM

 

AI for Micro Enterprises: Driving Innovation, Growth, and Social Impact

Dr. Josué Velázquez – Director LIFT Lab, MIT CTL

3:30 PMBreak

3:45 PM

 

Technology Impact on Supply Chains
Panel Discussion Moderated by Dr. Matthias Winkenbach – Director of Research, MIT CTL

  • Michael DeWitt – Vice President, Walmart
  • Michelle Eggers – Vice President, Procter & Gamble 
  • Dan Garceau – Chief Supply Chain Officer, GE Vernova
  • Shashi Mandapaty – Chief Procurement Officer, Johnson & Johnson
4:45 PMSummary Discussion and Next Steps
5:00 PMAdjourn