Automate 2026 Sets New Records as Robotics and AI Demand Surges
Automate, North America’s premier robotics and automation event, achieved its most successful edition yet, drawing over 50,000 registrants and 1,230 exhibitors to Chicago’s McCormick Place from June 22 to June 25. Hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the 10th iteration of the show spanned 425,000 square feet of exhibit space, showcasing the latest innovations in robotics, artificial intelligence, machine vision, motion control, and industrial automation. The record numbers underscore the accelerating adoption of automation across industries as companies seek to boost productivity, tackle labor shortages, and strengthen supply chains.
“Automate 2026 was the strongest show we have ever had, not just in size, but in the quality of the technology, conversations and connections taking place across the show floor,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of A3. “The energy in Chicago was incredible. From humanoid robots and industrial AI to machine vision, motion control, autonomous mobile robots and industrial automation systems, attendees saw firsthand how quickly this industry is moving and how much opportunity lies ahead.”
Key Highlights from the Show Floor
Among the major draws was the new Humanoid Robot Pavilion, sponsored by NVIDIA, which gave attendees an up-close look at humanoid robots and the enabling technologies behind them. The Humanoid Robot Forum, held for the first time during Automate, attracted over 1,100 registrants across two days. The Automate Startup Challenge awarded $10,000 and the title of champion to Mbodi, whose platform lets users teach industrial robots new tasks through natural language and simple demonstrations.
The Automate Innovation Awards recognized new products introduced in 2025. Winners included CeiliX InfinityCrane and SkyRunner in Automation Systems; Standard Bots’ Flux AI in Vision, AI and Software; and Synapticon ACTILINK-JD featuring POSITRON Safety AI in Components, Hardware and Enabling Technologies. The prestigious Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Awards were presented to Hiroshi Fujiwara, Executive Director of the Japan Robot Association, and Robert Little, co-founder of ATI Industrial Automation.
Focus on Workforce and Education
Automate 2026 placed a strong emphasis on developing the next generation of automation talent. The Education Pavilion, A3 NextGen Theater, Student Challenge, and A3 NextGen Student Tours provided hands-on learning and career pathways. The Women’s Empowerment Forum and Latin America Networking event each drew hundreds of participants, reflecting the industry’s growing commitment to inclusion and leadership development. The conference program hit a new high with over 1,600 registrants and more than 140 sessions covering industrial AI, robotics adoption, workforce transformation, and the expanding role of automation beyond traditional manufacturing.
Looking Ahead to Automate 2027
For those who missed the event, Automate Rewind offers a digital library of keynote sessions, theater talks, and exhibitor spotlights. Automate 2027 will take place in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center from May 10 to 13, 2027. Companies interested in exhibit space or sponsorships can contact the A3 sales team at sales@automate.org.
The source for this article is https://www.roboticstomorrow.com/news/2026/07/07/a3s-automate-2026-breaks-records-as-demand-for-robotics-ai-and-automation-grows/26817/.