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A3's Automate 2026 Breaks Records as Demand for Robotics, AI and Automation Grows
[July 07, 2026]

A3's Automate 2026 Breaks Records as Demand for Robotics, AI and Automation Grows


Automate, North America's largest robotics and automation event, celebrated its most successful show to date, drawing more than 50,000 registrants and 1,230 exhibitors to McCormick Place in Chicago from June 22-25.

Hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), Automate 2026 filled 425,000 square feet of show floor space with the latest technologies in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine vision, motion control and industrial automation. The record-setting event reflected the continued growth of automation across industries as companies look for practical ways to improve productivity, address workforce challenges, strengthen supply chains and remain competitive.

"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."

The scale and energy of the event could be felt throughout McCormick Place. Keynotes were packed throughout the week, the show floor featured product launches and live technology demonstrations, and programs focused on women, students, educators and emerging professionals drew strong participation. The Latin America Networking event and Women's Empowerment Forum attracted hundreds of attendees, underscoring the industry's growing focus on leadership, inclusion and the next generation of talent.

The conference program also reached a new high, with more than 1,600 registrants and 140+ sessions focused on industrial AI, robotics adoption, workforce transformation, U.S. competitiveness, supply chain resilience and the expanding use of automation beyond traditional manufacturing.

Key highlights from Automate 2026:

  • Humanoid Robot Pavilion: Humanoid robotics was one of the major draws at Automate 2026. The new Humanoid Robot Pavilion, sponsored by NVIDIA, gave attendees a close look at humanoid robots and the enabling technologies behind them.
  • Humanoid Robot Forum: For the first time, A3's popular Humanoid Robot Forum was hosted during Automate, running June 23-24 and attracted 1,100+ registrants.
  • Automate Startup Challenge: Early-stage robotics and automation companies competed for $10,000 and the title of Startup Challenge Champion. Mbodi was named the 2026 winner for its platform that allows users to teach industrial robots new tasks through natural language and simple demonstrations.
  • Automate Innovation Awards: The Automate Innovation Awards recognized new products and technologies introduced to the market in 2025. The 2026 winners were 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.
  • Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Awards: The robotics industry's most prestigious honor was presented during a dinner and ceremony recognizing Hiroshi Fujiwara, Executive Director of the Japan Robot Association (JARA), and Robert Little, co-founder of ATI Industrial Automation. Find details on both winners online.
  • Students and Educators: Automate 2026 continued to expand its focus on the next generation of automation talent through the Education Pavilion, A3 NextGen Theater, Student Challenge, A3 NextGen Student Tours and programming focused on curriculum, career pathways, hiring and workforce development.

Automate Rewind

For those unable to attend Automate 2026, Automate Rewind is now available. This digital library features recordings of keynote sessions, theater talks, Automate LIVE interviews, and exhibitor spotlights, ensuring the wealth of knowledge shared at the event remains accessible.


Automate Heads to Las Vegas in 2027

Automate 2027 will take place in Las Vegas, May 10-13, 2027, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Companies interested in reserving exhibit space or exploring sponsorship opportunities can contact the A3 sales team at [email protected].

About Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) is the leading global advocate for the benefits of automating. A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is done. Members of A3 represent more than 1,450 manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, academic institutions, research groups and consulting firms that drive automation forward worldwide.

A3 hosts a number of industry-leading events, including A3 Mexico Business Forum (September 9, 2026, in Querétaro, Mexico), Advanced Vision & AI Conference (September 23-24, 2026, in Santa Clara, CA), the International Robot Safety Conference (November 3-5, 2026, in Detroit, MI) and the A3 Business Forum (January 18-20, 2027, in Orlando, FL).


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