Productive Robotics to Showcase Zero-Programming Automation at IMTS 2026

Facing acute labor shortages, rising costs, and global competition, manufacturers are increasingly turning to automation for production gains and quality improvements. Productive Robotics will address these challenges head‑on at IMTS 2026, demonstrating complete end‑to‑end robotic automation across two dedicated booths. Booth #339186 in the south building will highlight metal removal process automation, while Booth #237138 in the north building will focus on abrasive machining, sawing, and finishing—with special emphasis on gear production.

The Zero‑Programming Advantage

Unlike conventional cobots, Productive Robotics’ 7‑axis OB7 collaborative robots require no programming. They come in a plug‑and‑play configuration, enabling operators to “teach” the robot by simply grabbing its arm and guiding it through a task. The robot records the steps and is ready to operate in minutes. This capability, combined with a secure web‑based software dashboard, allows performance tracking and reporting without human programming.

“Our collaborative robots and robotic welding systems operate in nearly every industry,” said Zac Bogart, president of Productive Robotics. “CNC machining is critical to U.S. manufacturers, especially those serving defense, aerospace, and automotive markets, as well as supporting reshoring efforts. We’ve developed a highly refined gear production facility in‑house and a fully enclosed deburring cell. Visitors will see how to automate both new equipment and legacy machines in Booth #237138.”

New Inspection and Welding Demonstrations

Productive Robotics will debut its new automated vision inspection system at IMTS. Attendees can also witness automated MIG welding on the LF welding table and laser welding using the Max mobile system. Last year the company introduced its Blaze and Blaze Max robots with the Miller OptX laser welder, as well as the 7‑axis Blaze plasma cutting system.

Seven Axes for Human‑Like Dexterity

Productive Robotics’ robots—including the OB7, OB7 Stretch, MAX 8, MAX 12, MAX 16, Blaze, and Blaze MAX series—all feature a proprietary 7‑axis arm. This extra joint provides human‑like dexterity, allowing the arm to maneuver around obstacles without workspace redesign.

“There are industrial 7‑axis robots, but we are currently the only U.S. company to provide 7‑axis collaborative robots,” Bogart noted. “Our arms have seven degrees of freedom from the shoulder to the hand. A welder is used to manipulating the torch where needed. The Blaze cobot’s extra joint continuously re‑orients the arm as it moves the torch along the welding path, often eliminating the need for additional setups. That’s what makes Blaze and OB7 suited to machine tending, assembly, welding, quality testing, and material handling.”

US‑Based Design and Manufacturing

Productive Robotics designs, manufactures, and services all of its collaborative robots, robotic MIG and laser welding systems, and accessories in the United States. The plug‑and‑play machines are engineered to integrate with both new and legacy equipment, boosting production and handling repetitive, dangerous, or high‑precision tasks across a wide range of applications.

For more information, visit www.productiverobotics.com or call (805) 244‑9300.

The source for this article is https://www.roboticstomorrow.com/news/2026/07/02/productive-robotics-equips-manufacturers-with-zero-programming-end-to-end-automation-at-imts/26799/.